Input wanted: reg US at 20 wk or level II at 16 wk?

[CyndiN]

I'm 9.5 weeks along with my first child. I am 40 years old with a variety of medical conditions. I have decided I am NOT going to do an amino or a CV test. I don't want the blood screen but my partner is less okay with the idea of raising a disabled child (since I'm already disabled) than I am and I told him I would get it if he asked me to. He read up on it and realized how limited it was and we agreed I'm not doing it.

So that leaves ultrasound. I know many of you choose not to get one at all, and I respect that, but I want one. Frankly, I think they're neat and I want to see what's going on with the baby. I will only get one, unless there's a medical indication for another.

I am pro-choice and I choose to keep this baby unless there is something catostropic (like no brain) or my life/health is at serious risk. I'd like to know about medical problems in advance but I realize that isn't always as helpful as one might think. I am curious to know the gender but if we can't tell, it's not a big deal. And I'd never get a test just for that.

My midwives suggest I get a regular US at the local hospital between 20-24 weeks, more towards the later end if I want to know gender. But my regular MD/backup OB suggests that instead I get a Level II US at a local speciality clinic between 16-17 weeks. She says that everything I'll want to see will be present at that date and the Level II will give tons of detail so I don't have to wait until later.

I'm leaning towards the early one because I hate waiting <g> but I don't know enough about Level II US to make a judgment. Note that my insurance will almost certainly cover both tests at 90%.

What are your thoughts?

[Changed]

I don't agree that the early level 2 is better going by my recent experience with my own. I had a level 2 at 17 weeks to look for possible defects since I already have a child with a genetic disorder. They could not see the details that they wanted to and due to my placenta being in the wrong place for the scan I have had to have another u/s preformed by a pedi cardiologist and will have quite a few more before it's over with. I'd wait until the baby is a little bigger and the docs can see everything more clearly. Just MHO.

[ctdoula]

I agree with my~hearts~light. They can definatly see more at 20 weeks than at 16-17. The equipment they use is the same for both u/s, it's just a more detailed scan looking for "more" in the Level II (it's not 3-D or anything). From what I've seen, they often end up repeating them a few weeks later when they do them early.

BUT.... you need to follow your heart. If you need to see that baby at 16 weeks, then, do it! I truely believe that the stress that mothers go through in scarey situations (of not knowing, etc) is worse than exposure to an extra u/s during pregnancy.

[darsmama]

Cyndi,
I agree with both of the previous posters. I, as well would wait for the 20 week if you can- its way more exciting then the 16 week. But, if your nervous go with your heart. :)

[CyndiN]

Thanks everyone for the input. I am not nervous persay (I'm always a worrier but this isn't my motivation here). I'm just eager. So I won't let that guide my decision.

I'm seeing my midwives on Monday and I'll discuss it with them then. My partner will be there and we'll all discuss it. I still have plenty of time to make the decision.

I'm still confused about what a level II means. If it's the same equipment but just looking for more, then why can't it be done at my local hospital where they do the regular US? My MD said for a level II I'd need to go to a speciality clinic (based in San Francisco but with 1 satillite 20 mins north of me and another 30 mins south).