Introduction:
Ultrasound during pregnancy is a widely used imaging technique that plays a main role in prenatal care, offering valuable insights into the baby's growth, position, and overall health. Ultrasound scans are typically performed at different stages of pregnancy, providing expectant parents with the opportunity to see their baby's movements and hear their heartbeat.
What Is a Level II Ultrasound?
A level II ultrasound, also known as an anomaly scan or anatomy scan, is similar to a normal ultrasound. The only difference is that it provides a wider view of the baby’s organs, brain, gender, umbilical cord, and much more. It also helps to measure the amniotic fluid levels, baby’s heart rate, and size. The biggest advantage of a level II ultrasound is that it helps detect congenital defects. They are known as level II ultrasounds because they are usually done during the second trimester of pregnancy.
What Can a Patient Expect During a Level II Ultrasound?
The patient can expect the following during a level II ultrasound:
-
A level II ultrasound is usually advised between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy.
-
It is an anatomic scan because it helps the doctor know about fetal anomalies and development.
-
Even if the woman had her level I or first-trimester sonogram to confirm the estimated pregnancy date, the level II ultrasound needs to be done to get additional and valuable information about the baby.
-
If a female is carrying twins or multiple babies, she might need to repeatedly undergo a detailed ultrasound.
-
A level II ultrasound resembles a transabdominal ultrasound and should not be confused with a transvaginal ultrasound.
-
Some patients might be scared about this test, but they need not worry as it does not cause any harm to the baby.
What Happens During a Level II Ultrasound?
As already mentioned, a level II ultrasound is similar to a normal ultrasound and the patient needs to undergo the following steps:
-
In order to initiate the scan, the patient will be asked to lie on a padded table, and an ultrasonic gel will be applied to the patient’s abdomen.
-
The doctor or the radiologist will move an ultrasound probe or transducer over the patient’s abdomen.
-
The patient might feel a gentle touch of the transducer, but it will not hurt the baby. If the patient feels uncomfortable during the procedure, she can inform the doctor, and the procedure might be rescheduled.
-
The main function of a transducer is to send sound waves into the body. These waves reach the target organ and bounce back to produce the baby’s images on the computer screen.
-
The doctor analyzes the fetal anatomy and size through the images, and the entire scan gets completed in 45 to 75 minutes.
-
Sometimes, the patient might receive the scan results on the day of the procedure or after a few days.
What Information Is Included in the Level II Ultrasound?
As a level II ultrasound is done in the second trimester, the baby will be large enough for the doctor to visualize the details of the organs and other structures. Sometimes, the doctor might recommend the patient undergo follow-up scans to reevaluate the growth and development of the baby. The following organs are examined during a level II ultrasound:
-
Parts of the brain, including ventricles, cerebellum, corpus callosum, and other structures.
-
Structures of the face include the eyes, nose, palate, lips, and ears.
-
Neck and the thickness of the nuchal fold.
-
Heart.
-
Lungs.
-
Ribs and spine.
-
Stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and other abdominal organs.
-
A baby’s gender can be identified if the genitals are visible.
-
The insertion site of the umbilical cord.
-
Structure and location of the placenta.
-
Fetal movements and position.
-
Level of the amniotic fluid.
What Does a Level II Ultrasound Help to Visualize?
A level II ultrasound allows the doctor to closely monitor the growth of the following in babies:
-
Toes and Fingers - Ultrasound helps doctors and parents count the baby’s fingers and toes before birth. The mothers who get anxious during the scan are relieved after seeing these small details. Sometimes, counting the number of fingers and toes becomes difficult because the baby moves rapidly during the scan.
-
Legs - Legs and arms are larger structures and easily become visible on the scan. The doctor will usually measure the length of the thigh bone during the scan to know about the baby’s growth according to the gestational age.
-
Arms - The doctor will also look at the baby’s arms and measure the length of the arm bones, including the ulna and radius. Usually, the baby can be seen sucking his thumb.
-
Internal Organs - The level II ultrasound scan also helps to check the baby’s internal organs like the stomach and brain. During the scan, the baby’s brain appears like a butterfly, and the doctor checks for important cranial landmarks. They also check for other abnormalities like choroid plexus cysts. Ultrasound also provides a clear picture of the abnormalities associated with the stomach, kidneys, and other urologic organs. If the doctor finds any problem in the organs while performing the scan, he might suggest treatment or will recommend follow-up scans.
-
Spine and Ribs - The baby’s spine and ribs will also be examined during the scan. Once the doctor confirms that the neural tube and spine are developing properly, he moves on to the other organs. If he feels that cysts or other spinal abnormalities are present, the doctor might refer the patient to a perinatologist.
-
Heart - The doctor will measure the fetal heart rate and look for structural problems. If he feels the fetal heart is irregular, the doctor might suggest undergoing a fetal echocardiogram.
-
Placenta and Umbilical Cord - During the level II ultrasound scan, the doctor will also look for the placenta. If the placenta is located in an abnormal position or some defects are associated with the placenta, the fetus can be examined for placenta previa. The scan also helps to evaluate the location and insertion of the umbilical cord. Normally, the fetal umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein, but a variation in this number might indicate a defect in the umbilical cord.
-
Gender of the Baby - A level II ultrasound also helps to know about the baby’s sex because it shows the development of the baby’s genitals.
What Are the Risks of a Level II Ultrasound?
As per the studies, no significant risks are associated with a level II ultrasound. However, the patient must not be repeatedly asked to undergo ultrasounds as per the medical guidelines. A level II ultrasound is usually two-dimensional because three-dimensional ones are reserved for later stages or when the fetus is suspected of having severe medical conditions. Though ultrasound is a safe procedure and the patient is not exposed to X-rays or any surgical trauma, the radiologist and the doctor must take special precautions to ensure the safety of the pregnant female.
Conclusion:
A level II ultrasound is a mandatory imaging procedure every pregnant female must undergo. Level I ultrasound is different from a level II ultrasound as the former is taken in the initial stages of pregnancy. At the same time, the latter provides detailed information about the baby’s overall growth and development. The biggest advantage of this ultrasound is that anomalies in the baby’s growth and development can be detected and treated simultaneously. So, the patient must not become stressed and anxious during the ultrasound and remain relaxed.
