Level 2 u/s?

[Lisa]

I was told today that my Dr. would like one since my DD had some serious health issues. He assured me this was more of a check than anything. He said they have seen nothing wrong in previous u/s's. So with that all said. What was your experience? How long was it? I'm a little nervous and just wanted to hear what will happen. TIA
Lisa

[Sully130]

Hi Lisa. I had a couple of Level II ultrasounds with my last pregnancy. That followed my pregnancy where I found out on a Level II ultrasound that my DD had fatal problems caused by a rare spontaneous genetic mutation. It was highly unlikely to reoccur, but they wanted to check just to be sure.

I had my first Level II (with my last pregnancy...with my healthy son) at 11 weeks for the Nuchal translucency test. Then at 15 weeks (the first chance they could look for any problems) I had an anatomy scan. Then, I almost forgot, I had another anatomy scan at 22 weeks (when they thought everything should be fully developed to the point they could be more conclusive).

The ultrasound took about 45 minutes to an hour. Maybe more. They went through every little part of his body. Counted each vertabrae, looked at every organ, every bone. Checked blood flow. Looked at some things in 3D just to be sure (like cleft palate and such).

Don't be nervous (though I know that's nearly impossible!). If they don't see any cause for concern so far, I'm sure all will be okay. Just look at it as an opportunity to watch your baby on the screen for an hour or so. He/she will move around and such (hopefully, if she/he is not sleeping).

It's really amazing how much better the quality is on a Level II than a basic ultrasound. You will enjoy it once you get past the nervousness. :)

[magdesilver]

I had a level 2 with this pg. because of a health issue my dd has. I don't think I had a level 2 with DD but I don't know. Anyhow, I didn't feel like it was way more intense or anything. They look at all the major organs, do a bunch of measurements, and calculate the baby's weight and age using the measurements. They'll check gender as well if you want to know. It wasn't stressful at all IMO. Just try to relax and enjoy seeing your little one!

[kindermom]

The level 2 u/s I had was really neat. I had one to check out low amniotic fluid around 18 weeks. I went to the hospital and had it done. It took about an hour. THe u/s tech was really nice, pointing out what we were looking at at each step. It truly was amazing to see the detail of our growing little one!

[Lisa]

thank you all! You all helped me relax. I will enjoy this time to see my little man. Thank you again!!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Lisa - glad you are more at ease. I had my level 2 at 18 weeks, just because the tech messed up and read the wrong date, I was to have it at 20 weeks (DH took off from work for it even) It's cool to see the blood flowing by the different colors on the screen and just to really be able to see the baby and not just by a quick scan, really in depth though. I had it because of my daughter's loss.

[whitlockan]

I had level 2 u/s done every 4 weeks beginning at 22 weeks and ending at 34 weeks with a perinatologist simply to monitor a 2 vessel cord (SUA) that was found on my first comp. sono at 20 weeks. It was not any different, just went to the office, took about 45min to an hour to get all the images and calculations, etc and we continued that routine every month. They were scheduled to only take 30 min but the tech and peri would always play around a little to see how good of a 4d face shot they could get for us and with the first one showed us how the cord was braided in the 3d and 4d image, it was pretty darn cool. I loved them. Like everyone else said the detial is awesome and they pointed everything out for us. DH always came because it was so much fun to watch and see our little man.

[Lisa]

I had it because of my daughter's loss.
I think this is why the tech suggested this. He told me not to worry but being a mommy its hard not too. I can't wait to see him, thanks ladies. You put me at ease!;)

[Sunshine]

I had it b/c my screen showed me to be at a higher risk for Trisomy 21....

It was an amazing time tho. We got to watch baby for about an hour! I tried to enjoy it instead of worry the entire time. And it is a good thing I did, b/c we had a false positive. I would have worried the whole time instead of enjoying my little one:D

Good Luck!

ETA: Oh, and make sure to get photos! I think we had to pay $10, but it was worth it to get them so we could see the progression with each new u/s:D

[Asha]

i had a level 2 to screen for down syndrome, and i also am having a level 2 next week for the anatomy scan.

i was initially hesitant to get the level 2 for down syndrome bc i knew i would not terminate for that reason, but i thought it was good to know ahead of time to prepare. i actually really enjoyed that ultrasound. you didnt' have to drink a bunch of water. it was a regular ultrasond on the belly not the dildo cam that i was so used to. the best part of it all was that i could clearly see my baby. it was such an amazing experience to see all the fingers and toes of my little one when s/he was only 3 inches long!! i also got to see him/her moving around so much. my dh was so disappointed he missed it bc i wasn't expecting the ultrasound to show so much.

[Rancid13]

I had a level 2 about 2 weeks after my initial u/s revealed DS had cysts on his brain. My doc assured me that in almost all cases, the cysts dissolved on their own and at the level 2 it was clear that they were gone. It only took maybe 20 min so they could do all the measurements and check everything out, and they were able to confirm the gender again. It was wonderful getting to see our little guy again and be able to come away with positive news about his development.