You and Your Doctor - 2nd Trimester
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You and Your Doctor - 2nd Trimester
You and Your Doctor - 2nd Trimester You will be seen by the doctor every four weeks during the second trimester. This translates to prenatal doctor visits during weeks 16, 20, 24 and 28.
What will be checked out at your check up? There are also tests to be performed this trimester. An ultrasound will be performed at week 20. Baby will be examined via ultrasound to check for size and overall health. At this time, you may be able to find out your baby's gender if you wish, provided baby cooperates by giving the radiologist a clear view of the genitals. All women should receive ultrasound at this point in the pregnancy. This is not just about finding out gender, it is really about baby's development. AFP Screening (Alpha-fetoprotein test) is a blood test which is performed on the mother's blood. It is helpful in detecting neural tube defects, complications with the placenta, and Down's syndrome in baby. Alpha-fetoprotein is a substance made by the baby, a small amount of which passes through the placenta and enters the mother's bloodstream. AFP screening is done between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. While all women are encouraged to have this screening done, doctors do not insist on it for women under 35 years of age. Triple Screen (combination Alpha-fetoprotein, Estriol, and Human Growth Hormone test) is a test performed on the mother's blood which is helpful in determining neural tube defects and Down's syndrome. This test is more accurate and may soon replace AFP screening. The Triple Screen is most accurate when done between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy, though it can be performed between weeks 15 and 22. Again, most doctors encourage all patients to have this screening done, but do not insist on it for women under 35 years of age. Diabetes Screening All pregnant women should undergo diabetes screening. Gestational diabetes, that is, diabetes in the mother developed during pregnancy, can cause harm to both mom and baby and must be monitored carefully and regularly by a doctor. Amniocentesis Amniocentesis tests amniotic fluid, looking specifically for chromosomal disorders like Down's Syndrome, structural birth defects, and inherited metabolic disorders. In addition to this clinical information, amniocentesis provides 100% positive gender identification. This test is performed between 15 and 17 weeks of pregnancy. Although many people think this test is exclusively for women over 35 that is not the case. Women under 35 may undergo amniocentesis as well, if they and their doctor believe there is a need. This procedure is more complicated than the other screenings. Often, women are given a local anesthetic for this procedure. With the assistance of a sonogram, a large hollow needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus. Amniotic fluid is removed through the needle. The mother may experience a stinging sensation, a period of sharp pain, and pressure during the procedure. Mild cramping after the procedure is common. Amniocentesis has risk factors for both mother and baby, which is why it is not for everyone. It is only recommended for women whose risk factors for chromosomal, metabolic and structural disorders are higher than the risks posed by the test. Women over 35 years of age or women under 35 who have a personal or family history of congenital birth issues are the prime candidates for amniocentesis. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
Also, call your doctor if you do not feel the baby move after resting on your side for an hour. Kick counts is a way to assess fetal well being. However, do remember that each baby has its own level of activity and most have a sleep cycle every 20 to 40 minutes. Enjoy the growing excitement, the growing baby, even your growing body. Be proud of your body for all the hard work it's doing and will continue to do for you and baby.
Next Topic: The Third Trimester: The Finish Line
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