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Category: Prenatal Testing

Asked by cosmoholic

Q: Soft Markers and Level 2 Ultrasounds...

I just got a call from my midwife's office following up on our anatomy ultrasound... They found a "soft marker" on the baby's heart and the doctor who wrote up the report recommended that we go for a Level 2 ultrasound. The midwife that called (not our primary midwife but our secondary one) told us that it's probably nothing, but that the soft marker may be associated with Downs or another chromosomal issue. She tried to talk me out of the Level 2 ultrasound, saying that with our very positive IPS results (1 in 80,000) that she didn't feel it was necessary but that she had to tell me about it because it was in the ultrasound report. She also said that these "soft spots" come up and usually don't mean anything is wrong - that when they do another ultrasound the spots are gone. I'm freaking out and crying at my desk imagining the worse.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Did things turn out OK? What exactly is a Level 2 ultrasound?

This question was asked Dec. 11, 2014 8:20pm
Category: Prenatal Testing

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Answers (5)

Answered by cosmoholic - Dec. 16, 2014 7:23pm

Thanks everyone. We've decided to go ahead with the Level 2 ultrasound and it is booked for Christmas Eve in the morning... so we'll know for sure in a week or so what is going on.

After talking to our midwife, we are not overly concerned about the outcome but are looking forward to getting some reassurance.

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Answered by TXkadams - Dec. 12, 2014 5:59pm

I had the same thing with my first pregnancy. But the soft marker was in the brain. It is super scary to hear, but everything turned out just fine. From your perspective there isn't a difference between the 1st and 2nd level US. You will go in and get an US just as before. They will probably ask you to come in with a full bladder, do some scans and then have you empty, then do more scans. The technical difference between the two machines is that the level 2 US is more sensitive, it can see smaller details than a level one. The techs will be more experienced US technicians and they will take a LOT more measurements than a level one tech would. The doc will look at the scans right away and may come in for a turn with the US wand or may only talk with you after. Either way, you'll know right away if there is a problem with the baby. It's probably nothing, but if I were you I'd have the second US anyway just to find out for sure. Good luck!!

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Answered by Quartz3 - Dec. 12, 2014 1:09am

Wow. I can't believe you're in Ottawa too!
Then I can specify I've had my Level 2's at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital (I'm assuming that's where you would go too, but I could be wrong).
Feel free to message me if I can be of any further assistance!

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Answered by cosmoholic - Dec. 12, 2014 12:21am

Thanks Quartz. I'm actually in Ottawa too so that is great info to know about meeting with the doctor right afterwards...

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Answered by Quartz3 - Dec. 11, 2014 8:50pm

I have never had a soft marker for a chromosome problem spotted in an ultrasound, but due to major abnormalities detected during my first pregnancy, I have Level 2 ultrasounds as a matter of routine for every pregnancy. I personally have never noticed a difference between a Level 2 and a regular ultrasound, but I was always told it's a more "specialized" type of scan. They will a take a more specific look at things to see if they are any abnormalities. Also, I don't know if this is standard procedure everywhere, but here (I'm in Ottawa, if by any chance you're in the area) you meet with a doctor who tells you about the results immediately after the ultrasound... That's huge for me because it means no waiting for a phone call from your doctor.

As for markers, what I hear about them is along the lines of what the midwife told you - most of the time, it's nothing. I would still do the ultrasound just to make sure, but do remember that the odds are on your side. Good luck!

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