Understanding your ultrasound results from the very first weeks not only helps to ease any anxiety but also gives parents a solid foundation to stay informed and manage their journey to parenthood with confidence.

At the recent “Tea Talks with Doctors” programme at FV Hospital, Dr Ngo Trung Nam (Specialist Level II) from FV Thomson Maternity shared a clear and practical look at the 11-13 week ultrasound (the first-trimester scan). This is a milestone that many parents may not fully understand, yet it plays a vital role in giving them peace of mind throughout their pregnancy.

First-trimester scans – more than just “seeing baby”

A common question many parents ask is: “If I’ve already had an early scan to confirm my pregnancy, do I really need another one at 11–13 weeks?”

According to Dr Ngo Trung Nam (PhD, Specialist Level II), the difference lies in the medical goals. While earlier scans are mainly to confirm the pregnancy and its location, the first-trimester morphology scan is a vital step. This is when doctors begin a systematic check of the baby’s physical development and look for any potential risks or abnormalities.

At this stage, many of the baby’s important structures have formed enough to be seen in detail. This is also the “golden window” to spot any early warning signs, allowing for the right care and follow-up plan to be put in place from the very start.

Translucency (NT) scan: one measurement – many meanings

Of all the details discussed, the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement is often what worries parents the most. It is important to remember that the NT result is not a final diagnosis; it is simply a screening tool that helps doctors identify if any further follow-up is needed.

An increased NT measurement does not automatically mean there is a problem with the baby, just as a normal result does not mean you should stop being careful. The true value of the NT scan lies in looking at the “big picture”: combining it with the baby’s physical development, the mother’s age, and other related tests.

This all-round approach makes the assessment much more accurate and complete. It also helps to ease the stress for parents, especially when a result falls right on the borderline.

Personalising your tests – choosing what’s right, not just what’s popular

With modern tests like NIPT becoming more common, many expectant mothers fall into the trap of thinking “the more tests I do, the safer I’ll feel.” However, Dr Ngo Trung Nam (PhD, Specialist Level II) emphasises that every pregnancy is unique, and there is no “one size fits all” approach. In some cases, a routine ultrasound combined with a Double Test is more than enough to assess any risks. On the other hand, for pregnancies with higher risk factors, NIPT is the better choice for greater accuracy.

The decision should not be based on trends, but on a careful look at each person’s specific situation. This ensures the best medical care while avoiding any unnecessary tests or stress.

Understanding for a more confident and proactive pregnancy

The core message of the session was not about how many tests to do, but about the approach: understanding clearly so you can take control.

Early detection doesn’t make a pregnancy more stressful; instead, it gives parents more time and more options for care and follow-up. If any concerns arise, expectant mothers will receive clear advice on the next steps – from diagnostic tests to a tailored care plan.

From pregnancy to your baby’s first days of care

The session didn’t stop at pregnancy. It also looked ahead to the period after birth, a stage where many parents, especially for the first time, often feel a bit overwhelmed.

During the practical session, Midwife Phan Thi Ngoc Hang from FV Thomson Maternity gave a live demonstration on how to bathe a newborn and care for the umbilical cord. Simple tasks like how to hold the baby, checking the water temperature, or cleaning the cord correctly play a vital role in preventing infection and keeping the baby safe during their first days of life.

The real value wasn’t just in the “how-to,” but in helping parents understand why each step matters, so they can feel more confident caring for their little one at home.

Tea Talks with Doctors – Supporting parents from the very first weeks

Through this programme, FV Hospital provides more than just high-quality medical services; it helps parents build a solid foundation of knowledge from the very beginning. This ensures the journey to welcoming your baby is as smooth and joyful as possible.

Register for the April 2026 “Tea Talks with Doctors”

Topic: Healthy Pregnancy – Regain confidence

Time: 14:30 – 16:00, Saturday, 18 April, 2026

Venue: Café De Paris – Indochine Lobby, G Floor, FV Hospital

Participants: Expectant mothers, families members and anyone interested in maternity care.

Limited number of registrations. Please fill-in the form on the link to register:

https://forms.gle/VzCuBqANSi1GtpHi7