What is a Level II ultrasound?

A level II ultrasound is a targeted ultrasound that provides more detail than a standard ultrasound to help diagnose birth defects. It is typically given to pregnant women during the second trimester, notes WebMD. This ultrasound is also known as the fetal anomaly scan, a targeted or an advanced ultrasound.

Most doctors recommend at least one level II ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, according to WebMD. Additional level II ultrasounds may be recommended if another prenatal test has returned inconclusive or unclear results. Doctors typically give the results of the exam during the same office visit. Not every birth defect can be detected by ultrasound.