The NT scan is generally done at 12 weeks and is a "normal scan" to check the babies size for dates/heartrate etc, but the main purpose is the measure the folds of skin/fluid at the back of a babies neck. This measurement can indicate a Downs risk. (But it is only a screening test).
You can request an earlier scan (not to do the NT measurements though)from about 8 weeks if you are really nervous.....most GP's/OB's will refer you for one if you have good reason. But it is not generally standard. From 8 weeks a scan can pick up the heartbeat, hence it is not done any earlier than this, so you need to be really sure of your dates.
At an early scan, some places offer a "trans-vaginal" scan instead of over the tummy, where they insert a probe into your vagina and get a look that way: it tends to be clearer and more detailed (although not very dignified!) at that early stage.
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