Every pregnant woman undergoes multiple scans at different stages of pregnancy. These scans are recommended to track the baby’s growth and identify complications, such as birth defects, early in the pregnancy. Additional ultrasounds may be needed if the gynecologist in Airoli needs a closer look at the baby.
Level 3 is one such scan that’s not routinely recommended for all pregnant women, but may be needed in some cases. If you are advised to take a level 3 ultrasound, here’s a detailed guide that tells everything you should know about this scan, when it’s needed, and what it shows.
Different Ultrasound Levels in Pregnancy
Pregnancy scans start with the confirmation ultrasound, which confirms the pregnancy, then progress to mid-pregnancy scans that check the baby’s anatomy, and finally to late scans that assess the baby’s growth. Let’s explore each level in brief.
- Level 1 – The first-level scan, also known as basic screening, includes two crucial ultrasounds. The first is conducted between 6 and 10 weeks to check the baby’s heartbeat, gestational age, and the baby’s location. The second one (NT scan) is scheduled between 11 and 14 weeks. It detects the risk of chromosomal defects by assessing the fluid levels at the back of the baby’s neck.
- Level 2 – The second scan is the ultrasound test that’s done to detect structural defects in the baby. It’s recommended between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, and shows a detailed look at the heart, brain, spine, and other vital organs.
Understanding Level 3 Pregnancy Scan
The Level 3 ultrasound scan looks at the baby’s developing organs, blood flow, growth patterns, and overall structural development. It can be combined with a Doppler test that checks blood flow between the placenta, umbilical cord, and baby.
Level 3 ultrasound is typically performed between 18 and 32 weeks of gestation, although it can be repeated later in pregnancy to monitor the baby’s growth. It’s not a part of routine pregnancy care in Airoli, but can be recommended for women with high-risk pregnancies or others with pregnancy-related concerns.
When It’s Needed
Here’s when it’s recommended:
- Defects or abnormal results in the Level 1 or Level 2 scans
- You have medical conditions that make your pregnancy high-risk, such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, or thyroid problems.
- Women above 35 or with a family history of genetic abnormalities might need a Level 3 ultrasound for detailed screening.
- If the baby is smaller or larger than normal, or the doctor suspects problems with amniotic fluid levels or the placenta, this additional scan can help.
The scan is used to check the baby’s brain, spine, heart, kidneys, lungs, and abdominal organs to rule out structural defects. It also identifies circulation-related concerns by examining blood flow through the placenta. Additionally, it checks the placental position and function, as well as the amniotic fluid level.
Level 3 ultrasound is like a regular scan. A sonographer places gel and runs a probe across the abdomen. This creates detailed pictures of the baby’s organs. Depending on your baby’s location and the areas examined, the procedure can take 30 to 60 minutes.