ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in the first trimester of pregnancy as a marker for congenital heart defects (CHD). MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2012, middle-low risk pregnant women were prospectively evaluated at the Department of Ultrasound in West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University about Nuchal translucency and echocardiography. ResultsNT measurements was performed in 2 443 women from 2 764 pregnancy women, and a total of 2 125 case could be used in data analysis. NT measurement >2.5 mm was found in 68 fetuses, and 11 cases were diagnosed as CHD (prevalence 5.2/1 000). The sensitivity and specificity of NT measurement >2.5 mm for CHD were 45.5% and 87%, respectively. ConclusionIncreasing nuchal translucency might increase the risk of CHD in fetuses, and could be used as a method to diagnosis CHD.