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Special Diagnostic Tests During Your Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Depending on your age and certain risk factors, your health care provider may recommend special tests such as an ultrasound scan, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) screen, amniocentesis, and a diabetes screen. Make sure that you fully understand the benefits and risks of each test (use these questions about prenatal tests as your guide) before you give your consent. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create a picture (called a sonogram) of the fetus. Ultrasound scans can be used anytime after five weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife should have a medical reason for performing one. Although no known side effects have been identified, no one really knows what the long-range effects are. Ultrasound scans are done for many reasons, including determining whether you are going to have more than one baby; more accurately estimating your due date; and seeing how well the baby is growing. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screen is a blood test usually offered between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy to screen for certain birth defects like spina bifida or Down Syndrome. The AFP only indicates increased risk for some birth defects; it does not establish that a birth defect exists. Therefore, if an AFP shows an abnormal result, further testing (usually extensive ultrasound and/or amniocentesis) is required. Amniocentesis is usually performed between 14 and 18 weeks. The test involves inserting a long, thin needle through your belly into the uterus (using ultrasound as a guide) to withdraw a few teaspoons of amniotic fluid. It is used to determine whether the fetus has a genetic defect. The results, which are very accurate, are available in about two weeks. Amniocentesis carries a small risk of infection, hemorrhage (bleeding that is difficult to stop), leaking of amniotic fluid, and/or miscarriage. Diabetes screening may be conducted between 24 and 28 weeks. It is a simple test called a glucose tolerance test and involves drinking a liquid containing glucose (sugar) and taking a blood sample one hour (and sometimes at one-, two-, and three-hour intervals) after. Some pregnant women develop a temporary condition known as gestational diabetes. This means they have a higher than normal sugar level in their blood and need special monitoring. On your way Your partner, health care providers, friends, and family can all provide support as you continue your journey into the third trimester of pregnancy. But don't forget to listen to yourself and trust your feelings. Most recent page update: 9/9/2010
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features
Listening to MothersSM III: New Mothers Speak Out (June 2013) reports on new national surveys about issues women face in the postpartum period and their views about maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials  Listening to MothersSM III (May 2013) is the third national survey exploring women's experiences in pregnancy and childbirth. Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to navigate their maternity care. Access the full report and supplementary materials New Report: Maternity Care and Liability Go to report and supporting materials New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States Go to report and supporting materials New Cesarean Resources: Go to Best Evidence Report Go to web pages and booklet for women 
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