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A level 2 ultrasound is considered to be one of the primary scans during pregnancy. The other two pregnancy scans are level 1 ultrasound and level 3 ultrasound. These three ultrasounds look at the development of the child in the womb in all three trimesters.
Also known as the second-trimester scan, this ultrasound is used to assess foetal anatomy and detect any possible foetal abnormalities.
This ultrasound is performed typically at 20 weeks, but your doctor may recommend this scan anytime between 18 weeks and 22 weeks.
In case you are carrying multiple babies, your doctor may recommend more than one detailed ultrasound.
Level 2 ultrasound is also known as second-trimester anatomy scan, TIFFA (targeted imaging for foetal anomalies), and foetal anomaly scan.
A second-trimester ultrasound is important to see the development of your child and look for any abnormalities.
Typically, you are required to visit a doctor’s clinic and your doctor will do the required procedure. Before the ultrasound, your doctor will do a brief physical examination. Also, the nurse will check your weight and blood pressure.
This level 2 ultrasound is done to look at the following:
This is what your doctor will see through an ultrasound.
Your doctor will give you all the information and instructions essential for the level 2 ultrasound.
Commonly, you are asked to drink plenty of water before the ultrasound and have a full bladder. This helps it easier to take ultrasound images.
Also, one of the reasons to drink water is to wake your baby from his/her sleep. Ultrasound looks at the movements of the baby and the device cannot make images if the baby is sleeping. Making a sound or drinking water can wake your baby and get proper ultrasound images.
Before undergoing the level 2 ultrasound, if you have any questions and doubts related to the scan or pregnancy or baby, you can always ask your doctor. Your doctor is the best person to guide you and answer your questions.
A level 2 ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that looks at the baby inside the womb.
You are able to see your baby’s heart beating, baby’s spine, arms, legs, and face. The images captured in this sonography are blurry.
Your doctor guides you through each portion of your womb and baby. Your doctor will explain the movements of your baby and share other essential details about your baby.
In case any abnormality is suspected, your doctor will recommend further tests to detect any possible abnormality. Your doctor will give you complete guidance about the same. Also, your doctor may share the possible reasons for abnormal results.
Your doctor may suggest repeating level 2 ultrasound if you are carrying more than one child. This helps your doctor to know their health and development.
However, your doctor may suggest repeating second-trimester ultrasound for multiple reasons. Ask your doctor the reason for repeating this level 2 ultrasound to get a better idea.
You will be asked to drink water before the scan so you will have a full bladder. This makes it easier for the doctor to get clear images.
You will then be asked to lie down on an exam table, exposing your tummy. The sonographer will apply a gel and move a transducer (wand) all over your abdomen area. The transducer will emit sound waves that will collect images of internal organs and fluids. You will be able to see the images on the computer screen placed beside you. The screen will provide 2-dimensional images or cross-sectional view of the foetus.
Also, there is the availability of 3D or even 4D ultrasound technologies that helps you to see your baby clearly.
The sonographer will look at important body parts and view them from different angles. When the sonographer gets a perfect shot, he/she takes the picture, also called a sonogram.
During the ultrasound, you may be able to see the parts of babies like hands, fingers, feet, brain, face, beating heart, and spine. Rarely, you may see your baby smiling or sucking a thumb.
This ultrasound takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Your doctor will discuss the result or aspects that he/she finds interesting.
In the end, you can go home with the sonogram pictures of your baby.
Use this calculator to find your due date. This is just an estimate – not a guarantee! Most women, but not all, will deliver their babies within a week before or after this date range.
Calculation Method
Cycle Length
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The 19-20 week scan – Morphology scan/https://www.ultrasoundcare.com.au/services/pregnancy-ultrasound-18-20-weeks-morphology-scan.html/Accessed on 13/06/2020
Second-trimester anatomy scan (19+ weeks)/https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/life-stages/maternity-services/new-zealand-obstetric-ultrasound-guidelines/anatomy-scan/second-trimester-anatomy-scan-19-weeks/Accessed on 13/06/2020
Anomaly scan (TIFFA or ultrasound level II scan)/https://www.babycenter.in/a557390/anomaly-scan-tiffa-or-ultrasound-level-ii-scan#:~:text=The%20anomaly%20scan%2C%20also%20commonly,and%2020%20weeks%20of%20pregnancy./Accessed on 13/06/2020
Morphology scan/https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/anomaly-scan#:~:text=The%20morphology%20scan%20is%20a,18%2D20%20week%20scan’./Accessed on 13/06/2020
3.4 18-22 Week Detailed Morphology Scan/https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/di-obs-guidelines0907-toc~di-obs-guidelines0907-s3~di-obs-guidelines0907-s3.4/Accessed on 13/06/2020
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