Level 2 Ultrasound During Pregnancy

All the parents-to-be look forward to the ultrasound procedure as it allows you to look at the pictures of your unborn baby. It is a joyous moment when you actually get to see the way your baby breathes and moves inside the mother's womb. However, the real purpose of an ultrasound procedure is to monitor the growth of the baby and its progress during the gestation period.

What is Level 2 Ultrasound?
Level 2 ultrasound is a special ultrasound in which the baby is measured from head to toe, to check if the gestation age of the baby is normal. The functioning and development of the vital organs is also monitored during this ultrasound. Even the sex of the baby can also be determined during level 2 ultrasound during pregnancy. Hence, if you do not wish to know the sex of the baby, then let the ultrasound technician know that well in advance. The survey of the organs, the measurement of the umbilical cord, the amount of amniotic fluid etc. help the technician to find out the gestational age of the baby.

When is Level 2 Ultrasound Conducted?
Level 2 ultrasound is conducted in the second trimester of pregnancy i.e between 18 to 22 weeks. Ideally, level 2 ultrasound is performed in the 20th week, but it can also be performed anytime during pregnancy. Every woman is advised to go for level 2 ultrasound during pregnancy. Normally, women carrying twins are advised yet another detailed ultrasound.

How is Level 2 Ultrasound Performed?
The pregnant woman is made to recline on an examination table with her belly exposed. The technician applies gel all over the abdomen and then moves the transducer on the belly. The transducer emits sound waves which penetrate the abdomen and bounce back when they collide with solid structures inside. These solid structures are nothing but the organs of the baby. This results in the formation of images on the video screen. The technician keeps on moving the transducer so as to get comprehensive pictures from several angles. Finally, the technician settles for one and freezes it. This is the final sonogram. It allows your practitioner to view the detailed anatomy of your baby.

Significance of Level 2 Ultrasound
Level 2 ultrasound during pregnancy has immense importance. It is responsible for detecting certain developmental, as well as genetic disorders in the baby. Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13 are among these disorders. Level 2 ultrasound is often recommended, when the first ultrasound detects certain abnormalities in the fetus. The level 2 ultrasound, in such cases has to be very targeted. It focuses on specific markers based on the findings of the first ultrasound. Often, a meeting with a genetic expert is scheduled before the level 2 ultrasound, so as to let the parents-to-be know what the ultrasound will be targeted at.

Depending upon the findings of level 2 ultrasound during pregnancy, the course of treatment is decided. If some abnormalities are found, then they can be rectified with the help of medication, in the early stage only. Hence, it is imperative that level 2 ultrasound be done as early as possible for better prenatal care.