Level 2 ultrasound procedure is recommended to almost every pregnant woman. It is performed in the second trimester, anywhere between 18 to 22 weeks. However, the most preferred time for performing this procedure is 20th week. Level 1 ultrasound procedure is performed very early during the pregnancy. Hence, it is not possible to detect any developmental issues, as most vital organs are yet to be developed. However, a level 2 ultrasound during pregnancy is more detailed and comprehensive in nature. It is targeted at particular markers based on findings of the first ultrasound.

Level 2 ultrasound procedure is done on an outpatient basis, or in any sonographer’s private office. During the examination, the woman is made to lie on a recliner, with her belly exposed. An ultrasound gel is applied all over the belly. The ultrasound technician then moves the transducer over the abdominal area. Images are generated on the computer screen. The technician may keep moving the transducer until he finds the most accurate and detailed images. He freezes the most suitable images, which is a final sonogram.

What to Expect at a Level 2 Ultrasound

Women who are asked to undergo level 2 ultrasound often wonder if there is anything wrong with their baby. However, one must understand that this is a routine test for all pregnant women, and you are not being asked to go for it because there is something wrong with your baby. Nonetheless, there are certain circumstances which warrant the need for a level 2 ultrasound. When the age of mother is 35 or more, her chances of carrying a baby with birth defects are slightly elevated. In that case, it is better to keep a close eye on the development of baby. Similarly, if there are any incidences of genetic disorders in your family, your doctor might not want to take any chances. In that case, she may invariably ask you to go for a level 2 ultrasound.

Another scenario which may trigger the need for a level 2 ultrasound is an abnormal level 1 ultrasound. If level 1 ultrasound captures something which appears to be out of order, then your doctor may want to investigate further, using a level 2 ultrasound. Women carrying twins or more, are often recommended yet another ultrasound after a level 2 ultrasound. Level 2 ultrasound measures the baby from crown to rump. Besides, it also surveys vital organs of a baby, which have developed by this time. The level of amniotic fluid, the length of umbilical cord etc., are some other factors which are studied during a level 2 ultrasound. It also monitors the changes in cervix in order to detect the possibility of a preterm labor. Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, heart defects are detected during level 2 ultrasound. In a rare possibility of a genetic disorder, a meeting with a genetics expert is scheduled so that the couple are well prepared for their baby’s special needs.

More often than not, a level 2 ultrasound reveals a normal result. Hence, you can relax and stop stressing yourself over ‘what can I expect at a level 2 ultrasound’. Remember, a healthy mind and a healthy body is what you need at this stage.