Level 2 U/s

So the ob's office called today and scheduled me for a Level 2 u/s this Wed. i have been seeing my peri every 2 weeks for an u/s, where they do weights and measures and cervix checks and look at the fluid and blood flow.

Anyone know the difference between the u/s i have been doing and what the Level 2 u/s looks for?

 

I'm not exactly sure but I am seeing my regular OB now and at 18 weeks I am scheduled for my level two u/s which at my hospital is in some suite where the maternal fetal specialist does it and then I meet with him after in his office, my other u/s have just been brief mesure the babies check the heart rate and when the dates measure up I'm out so I'm guessing this will be more indebth. From then on we see both the mfs and my ob if needed.

 

Good question! My RE mentioned I'd have to have one of these too at some point. I googled it and here's what I found. Can't vouch for the site's accuracy:

QUOTE
A level II ultrasound examination refers to a 'targeted' examination. This is usually performed at a perinatal center where more expertise in ultrasound scanning is available. Situations when a level II scan is ordered include:
suspected fetal anomaly during a level I examination, severe IUGR, elevated maternal-serum AFP, Oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, two-vessel umbilical cord detected at the level I examination, fetal cardiac arrhythmia, and exposure to drugs or chemicals in the first trimester....etc. Detailed scanning for any congenital anomalies and growth abnormalities is done on top of the basic documentations obtained at the level I examination, which refers to:
in the first trimester,
a. documentation of the location of the gestational sac.
b. documentation of the crown-rump length.
c. documentation of the presence or absence of fetal life.
d. evaluation of the uterus (including cervix) and adnexa.
in the second and third trimester,
a. documentation of fetal life, number, and presentation.
b. documentation of an estimate of amniotic fluid volume.
c. documentation of placental location.
d. documentation of gestational age. Assessment of the BPD, FL, AC and othe fetal parameters.
e. documentation of basic fetal anatomy (including a basic 4 chamber view of the heart, spine, stomach, kidneys, bladder, umbilical cord insertion ... etc ).

One should not not dwell too much on the definitions or guildlines for a level II ultrasound scan. In a level II scan the sonologist should try as hard as he can to look for and assess any abnormality that is present in the fetus. It's meaningless to be thinking about level III or even level IV scans.

 

Nothing. It is the same. They will measure everything, and give you some pics. This one is just for the OB, since they routinely do one between 18-22 weeks.

 

In Australia at 19-20 weeks for any pregnancy, including a twin pregnancy, they do a detailed u/s and call it a 'morphology' scan. I had to have mine done at the hospital I will be delivering at. Mine took nearly 2 hours. Could this be the same thing?