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2nd Trimester (13-25 wk)

THE SECOND TRIMESTER

Many women describe this second trimester as the most enjoyable part of pregnancy. A lot of things are happening, you will begin to “show” and feel your baby move, you will get to see your baby on an ultrasound and hear regular heart beats at your appointments, and you might even choose to find out the gender of your little one! There are some important milestones and tests that will be conducted during the second trimester too. Here are some things that you can expect to encounter:

Birth Defects and Down Syndrome Tests

There are a number of tests which look for birth defects caused by abnormal chromosomes. These tests include:

  • CVS: A CVS (chorionic villus sampling) test is for identifying chromosome abnormalities and other inherited disorders.
  • Nuchal Fold Measurement: An ultrasound which measures the risk for down syndrome…[read more]
  • Amniocentesis: Procedure used to diagnose chromosome abnormalities and fetal infections via the extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid.
  • Fetal Cell Screen: Examines the mother’s blood for the presence of fetal cells.
  • Quad screen test: Blood screening test for the mother that looks for four specific substances: AFP (alpha-fetoprotein is a protein that is produced by the fetus), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced within the placenta), Estriol (estrogen produced by both the fetus and the placenta), and Inhibin-A (protein produced by the placenta and ovaries).

20 Week Ultrasound

To confirm that the baby is growing well and to look for all the fingers, toes and internal organs. This ultrasound can not necessarily find Down Syndrome, but it can find many other serious and rare birth defects, including spina bifida. If your baby cooperates during this ultrasound, we can often determine the gender…[read more]

24 to 28 Week Labs

We check a blood count for anemia AND a sugar level looking for diabetes of pregnancy. Diabetes of pregnancy does not show up until this time in pregnancy, so testing earlier does not help…[read more]

Diet & Weight Gain

We know very little about diet and weight gain in pregnancy. Sure, there is lots published on the topic. Many doctors, mothers, mother-in-laws, web sites and books have some very strong statements and opinions about the topic. Unfortunately, most of what you hear about the topic was made up, decades ago, and just passed on, year after year, generation after generation…[read more]

Fetal Movement & Kick Counts

Pregnant moms and obstetrical providers rely heavily on fetal movement for confirmation that everything is safe and healthy for the pregnancy. Some babies move all the time, so much so that a pregnant mom is persistently uncomfortable and may even have trouble sleeping. Other moms have difficulty feeling the baby move, even when other tests demonstrate a healthy baby growing and moving normally…[read more]