The Second Trimester: Prenatal Care, Visits and Tests
During the second trimester, your health care provider will be able to hear your baby's heartbeat, see the baby's development and determine the baby's age. You might be given several kinds of tests at this time, including an ultrasound, which allows the health care provider to see your baby and maybe even determine your baby's sex. Other testing, such as the triple screen and amniocentesis, can determine if the baby is healthy or if you are at risk for any complications and need to be more closely watched.
The triple screen is a blood test that helps find out your risk of birth defects. It measures blood levels of these substances: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (made by the liner of the fetus), and two pregnancy hormones, estriol and human gonadotropin.
Amniocentesis is a test for genetic birth defects and other problems, like Down Syndrome. It involves your health care provider inserting a thin needle through your abdomen to take out a small amount amniotic fluid for testing.
Remember to tell your health care provider of any problems you're having or changes you've noticed.
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