Important Tests during pregnancy help check the baby's growth, health, and the mother's well-being.
Level 2 Ultrasound or Week 20 Anomaly Scan is one of the important pregnancy ultrasound scans in pregnancy. USG level 2 Scan is a second sonography test that should be done during the 20th week of pregnancy.
A Level II USG Anomaly Scan delivers a highly accurate sight of your growing baby and measures amniotic fluid level, baby heart rate, and size.
Also Check: Complications of Pregnancy NCLEX Questions
Let's dive deep into our detailed 20 Weeks Anatomy Scan guide and get clarity on USG Level 2 Ultrasound Price, Level 2 Ultrasound Procedure and Result, Preparation, What Happens After Level 2 Sonography, What to expect at Level 2 Ultrasound during pregnancy, etc.
- What Is A Level 2 Ultrasound In Pregnancy?
- What to Expect During the 20-Week Anatomy Scan?
- Uses of Level 2 USG Scan in Pregnancy
- How To Prepare For 20 Week Anatomy and Anomaly Pregnancy Scan?
- Level 2 Ultrasound Procedure, Duration & Review
- Result of Anomaly Scan/ Level 2 Ultrasound | Anatomy Scan Report
- Does the 20-week Ultrasound or Anatomy Scan Have Any Risks?
- Difference Between Level 1 And Level 2 Ultrasound Pregnancy Scan
What Is A Level 2 Ultrasound In Pregnancy?
Level 2 USG or Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy is a type of prenatal scan performed in the second trimester of pregnancy between week 18 and week 20. The other names of level 2 ultrasound are
- 20-week Anatomy Scan,
- Ultrasound level 2 sonography test,
- TIFFA (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies),
- 20-week anomaly scan,
- Fetal anatomical survey, etc.
Through this ultrasound anatomy scan, a professional sonographer will get to know the study of anatomical details like fetus development, placenta, maternal pelvic, and baby's health, organ development, and amniotic fluid levels.
However, this ultrasound pregnancy screening helps detect congenital malformations, fetal growth abnormalities, placental pathologies, and others. For more information on the 2nd-trimester ultrasound test, continue your read.
What to Expect During the 20-Week Anatomy Scan?
The expectation during the second-trimester ultrasound is extremely high for parents-to-be as they can finally witness their baby's body parts. It is overwhelming yet fun to watch.
You can feel this expectation after preparing yourself to be scanned by the sonographer. Once the sonographer starts the procedure of level 2 USG scan provides clarity on many things happening with your baby and mom-to-be health conditions.
However, the procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes to finish and next to be reviewed the report of the scan by the doctor. You will end this ultrasound pregnancy scanning by taking some of the adorable sonogram pictures of your baby's movements with insightful information about the next few weeks of pregnancy.
Uses of Level 2 USG Scan in Pregnancy
During the pregnancy second-trimester, everyone's genitourinary surgeon recommends taking the 20 Week Anomaly Scan to demonstrate the following useful details:
- Maternal findings:
- Assessment of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Multiple pregnancies
- Amniotic fluid volume
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Congenital uterine malformations (Mullerian malformations) including:
- Unicornuate uterus
- Bicornuate uterus
- Septate uterus
- Uterine didelphys etc.
- In Fetus
- Chromosomal aneuploidies include Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), and Edward syndrome (Trisomy 18).
- Anencephaly
- Omphalocele
- Gastroschisis
- Congenital heart defects such as septal defects, Epstein’s anomaly, hypoplastic left ventricle, etc.
- Spina Bifida
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Osteochondrodysplasia
- Cleft lip
- Renal agenesis
- Esophageal atresia
- Congenital Hydrocephalus
- Different Fetal parameters can also be assessed including:
- Fetal cardiac activity
- Gestational age of the fetus
- Fetal position
- Fetal weight etc.
- Limb abnormalities
- IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction).
- Placental findings
- Placenta previa
- Circumvallate placenta
- Circummarginate placenta
- Placenta succenturiata
- Placenta accreta
- Bilobed placenta
- Placenta spuria
- Battledore placenta
- Velamentous cord insertion
- Two-vessel cord/Single umbilical artery
- Vasa previa etc.
- Cervical insufficiency etc.
For better clarity on the above findings, let’s prepare for the USG level 2 Scan and understand the condition of your baby's growth and development.
How To Prepare For 20 Week Anatomy and Anomaly Pregnancy Scan?
Here are the direct steps to be followed by parents-to-be before the level 2 USG pregnancy screening scan.
- Fix an appointment to have the level 2 scan in a diagnostic center.
- Make your mind stress-free and wear comfortable attire for easygoing while examining your body parts.
- There is no need to fast before the obstetric USG or level 2 scan also you can take medication as prescribed by the healthcare experts.
- Evade any kind of Smoking or Tobacco before the USG level 2 pregnancy scan as it affects the test results.
- Drinking more water is important as it makes the bladder full to get a clear view of your baby's movements in the womb.
- Gather all your previous pregnancy test reports and medical reports to study your condition.
- Maintain hygiene over the area that needs to be scanned and avoid applying any kind of creams or oils before the test.
Level 2 Ultrasound Procedure, Duration & Review
- USG Level 2 Procedure:
- Firstly, you’ll recline on an exam table with your tummy exposed.
- A sonographer (ultrasound technician) will apply gel to your abdomen.
- The sonographer will move a wand (transducer) over your abdomen.
- Sound waves emitted from the transducer bounce off internal organs and fluids inside your body.
- A computer converts these sound waves into a 2-dimensional image (or cross-sectional view) of the fetus on a screen.
- Instead of 2D, often there is a possibility of using 3D or 4D ultrasound technology.
- Duration:
- The complete level 2 scanning procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes (based on your baby’s cooperation).
- Wide Review:
- The sonographer aims for many different views from various angles.
- When they get a clear shot, they freeze-frame the picture (the actual sonogram).
- Specific parts of the baby’s body are measured during the scan.
- You may see your baby’s beating heart, the curve of the spine, and their face, arms, and legs.
- You might even catch sight of your baby sucking a thumb!
- Outcome:
- After the scan, a perinatologist and your practitioner will review the results.
- You can even receive one or two sonogram pictures of your baby's movements to take home.
Also Check: USG(Ultrasound) Scan in Third Trimester
Result of Anomaly Scan Level 2 Ultrasound | Anatomy Scan Report
Once you step out of the scan room, the sonographer will evaluate your current condition and make a detailed report about the fetal development and baby growth. Obstetricians mention every single piece of needed information in the USG level 2 scan report after analyzing.
Here are a few things that the results might show in an anomaly scan:
- You can check the detailed view about the baby’s head such as shape and any brain issues.
- You can get the results of cleft lip during this pregnancy scan.
- Results show the shape of the spine and the development of spine details.
- Reports about amniotic fluid issues, arteries, and veins problems.
- Also, shows the functioning of the child’s bladder and any anomalies in the passing of urine.
Does the 20-week Ultrasound or Anatomy Scan Level 2 Ultrasound Have Any Risks?
Ultrasound scans are considered the safest pregnancy tests compared with others. Ultrasound level 2 scan uses radiation-free sound waves and doesn't involve any injections or needles in the whole process.
Yet, some minor risks should be taken care of in any medical procedure during pregnancy. They are as follows:
- The gel used on your abdomen to scan may irritate often.
- Not advised to perform any kind of prolonged exposure to ultrasound waves.
- Some may face risks like false perceptions or positives about ultrasound scans.
Difference Between Level 1 And Level 2 Ultrasound Pregnancy Scan
| Ultrasound Level | Trimester | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | First | - Indicates the basic information about the baby (size) |
| - Detects major congenital disabilities | ||
| - Provide minimal details because of early development | ||
| Level 2 | Second | - Gives detailed information on child growth & development |
| - Gets an accurate picture of fetal anatomy | ||
| - Permits assessment of specific structures (e.g., organs, limbs) |
Explore the Level 1 USG Scan or Early Pregnancy USG Scan elaborately at Soumyahospitals.com and get early awareness of pregnancy ultrasound scans & tests.
How Much Does Ultrasound Level 2 Scan Costs? | Target Scan Sonography Price
Level 2 Ultrasound Scan Price Ranges from £109 to £179 per scan and varies from country to country. So, explore the scanning center near you and find the exact price of a 20-week Anatomy Scan. Also, the level 2 scan in pregnancy price may differ based on various factors and labs.
For More Details On Ultrasound Scans During Pregnancy, Check the below-referred articles of Soumya Multi Speciality Hospital: