Level two ultrasound? Please answer!?

Question

Alright so today I had my follow up dr. appointment and they said that something showed up in my 18 week ultrasound it was a 3 MM spot that lit up in the heart so they want to send me for a level two ultrasound next week. They said there is a slight chance that it could be a genetic disorder, but that he wasnt worried about it because all my blood tests came back normal. My Dr. also said that this happens a lot and it turns out to be nothing. I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else and what the outcome was. Please no rude comment I am pretty upset about all this and thank you in advance!

Yeah I already asked this and got no answers!

Answer 1

The ultrasound finding you're describing is also called an "echogenic intracardiac focus."  It's a marker for Down syndrome, which sounds scary, but hear me out.  On ultrasound, a marker is a variation of normal development that is not a birth defect, but rather a finding that can be seen in association with larger-scale issues (such as Down syndrome).  Most babies with this bright spot on the heart, especially in the absence of any other marker or birth defect, are born perfectly healthy and do not have problems.  

You said the blood tests were normal - that's certainly reassuring!  I used to work in a high-risk obstetrician's office (where we did Level 2 ultrasounds all the time) and I have a table that gives age-related risks for Down syndrome and then the new risk based on certain ultrasound findings.  An echogenic intracardiac focus, or bright spot on the heart, roughly doubles the age-related risk for DS.  I do not know how old you are, but here's some numbers for reference:

Based on age alone...  and then with the bright spot on the heart

20 year old's risk: 1/1176...1/588

25 year old's risk: 1/1040... 1/520

30 year old's risk: 1/690... 1/345

35 year old's risk: 1/274... 1/137.

However, these numbers do not account for your normal blood work, which would likely lower your risk assessment.  

I hope you are not too stressed about this - look forward to that Level 2 ultrasound!  They can get some really super pictures of the baby for you and look for all kinds of markers and birth defects.  More than likely, the results will be totally reassuring and you will have a baby that is healthy.  Good luck!

Answer 2

i'm sorry i haven't had any experience about this but i will keep you and your family in my prayers

Answer 3

With baby #3 I was sent to do a level 2 ultrasound because they thought there might be a problem with the cord. There wasn't and I got to see the greatest ultrasound pics, they were 4d and it was an incredible experience. I was nervous at first but I relaxed after they reassured me nothing was wrong. I hope you have a great experience and a happy healthy baby.

Answer 4

I can't speak from experience...all I can give is support. Right now there is nothing you can do and stress is bad for the baby so take a deep breathe, try to relax, and just keep loving the little baby that is growing inside of you. Best of luck. I'm sure everything will be fine.

Answer 5

A friend of mine had to have a level 2. SHe was very nervous. Her blood work appeared normal and at the level 2 the spot in question was not visible. She and her spouse chose to then undergo amnio to verify all was fine. They are proud parents to a healthy child.

Try to stay as calm as possible until the next u/s. Good luck to you all.

Answer 6

i didn't have this but i do want to say to try to calm down i know it is hard but you really have to try i hope it is nothing and please keep me posted i hope all goes well and Good Luck

Answer 7

I think you should talk to your doctor about your concerns with this.

Asking on here wont get you anywhere hun!

Try and stay calm and not worry about it untill you get the results. Like the doctor said, it may turn out to be nothing.

If you really want to tho,maybe you could look it up on the net, google it or something.

but congrats on baby tho and goodluck! :)