Level II Ultrasound Question

[youme123]

Hi - as a follow up to my "low end of normal" trisomy 13/18 first trimester blood/u/s scan results, my OB said I could have another blood test.  I've read in the archives here that some people have gone on to have level II ultrasounds.  What is that?  Why is this not being offered to me?  With DS, I had a detailed ultrasound at around 19 weeks, but nobody called it a level II ultrasound, and during that pg, I had a quad screen with negative results, so no further testing was not recommended (DS is a completely healthy 2year old).  Isn't the 19-20 wk ultrasound a normal one?  Is a level II something different?  I'd like to ask my OB about this today at my mthly appointment this afternoon, as I do not want to do another blood screen, as these results can be ambiguous, and I really do not want to do amnio.  For reference, my downs was fine and my trisomy 13/18 was 1:364 on the low side of normal.  Thanks for letting me know what you know.  Also, I'm 37 years old and 15 1/2 wks pg.  Clearly I'm a bit anxious about these results.

[alikat1205]

Level II is more detailed, and done with a doc looking for big problems.  I had 1:39 downs and was sent to a perinatologist to do a level II for markers specificially for downs.  I think your dr. probably didn't offer it because your results are technically in the normal range.  

[youme123]

Thanks, ladies.  I'm off in a few minutes to the OB now.  I have a notepad of questions, with this one included.  Hopefully I'll get some good info.  No to the amnio, and probably no to more bloodwork.  I'll update you all soon.

[BabyBlue07]

I am going to have second level u/s in August.. second level u/s is becoming better at visualizing the various markers of genetic abnormalities. It is not, however, 100 percent diagnostic. Amniocentesis, on the other hand, will give you the precise diagnosis of whether or not your baby has Down syndrome.

second u/s measurement fetal growth measurements along with comments about the brain, heart, kidney and cord insertion, amniotic fluid volume, placental position and obvious maternal pelvic organ abnormalities.

Some women prefer to have an obstetric ultrasound -- or level two ultrasound -- instead of an amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is invasive: It carries a small chance of fetal loss and complications.

Yesterday mydoctor called me and told me that i have high risk of DS (1 to 108) due to I am 38 years old.. she wanted me to have amnio done.. I do not feel want to have any needle poke into my tummy so i turned down... She said i can do second level u/s.  It's not as information as amnio.  I chose that.

Good luck.

[natalie910]

A level II us takes a more detailed look at the baby. I had one with my dd b/c my sister had a son with heart defects. I would definitely ask about having one. It can provide useful information. I know you are worried about the bw you had but it is still in the normal range for a trisomy. Just make sure you ask your dr as many questions as you want. I agree with you as far as the amnio, the chances are higher than the trisomy. Take care and keep us posted!

[oceanv]

As far as I know Level II and detailed are the same.
J

My downs was 1:450, level ii was okay, no markers
I'm 39