 The actual anatomic structure whose fluid is seen as translucency is likely the normal skin at the back of the neck, which either may become edematous or in some cases filled with fluid by dilated lymphatic sacs due to altered normal embryological connections.The translucent area measured (the nuchal translucency) is only useful to measure between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, when the fetal lymphatic system is developing and the peripheral resistance of the placenta is high.After 14 weeks the lymphatic system is likely to have developed sufficiently to drain away any excess fluid, and
changes to the placental circulation will result in a drop in peripheral resistance.