During the three trimesters of pregnancy, both the mother and the fetus undergo various changes. Here are some of the possible changes that occur during the 2nd trimester:
Mother: Morning sickness typically subsides, and the mother may experience increased energy levels. The uterus continues to expand, causing a visible baby bump. The mother may feel the baby’s movements, and her breasts may start producing colostrum. Weight gain becomes more noticeable.
Fetus: The fetus grows significantly in size and becomes more active. Facial features become more defined, and the fetus can hear sounds from the outside world. The gender of the baby can usually be determined during this trimester.
It’s important to note that these changes are general and may vary from person to person. Regular prenatal care and monitoring are essential to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
Essential Prenatal Screening Tests During the 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy
Maternal Serum Screening: Blood tests are performed between 15 to 20 weeks to measure specific substances in the mother’s blood, including:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Elevated levels may indicate a risk of neural tube defects or other abnormalities.
Estriol: Abnormal levels may be associated with certain fetal abnormalities.
hCG and inhibin-A: These hormone levels, when analyzed together with AFP and estriol, provide a more comprehensive assessment of the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome.
Anatomy Ultrasound: This detailed ultrasound examination, usually performed around 18 to 20 weeks, evaluates the fetal anatomy and detects any structural abnormalities.
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): This is a diagnostic test performed to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It helps determine how well your body processes glucose and if there are any abnormalities in your blood sugar regulation.
The GTT is typically conducted between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, although it may be performed earlier if you have certain risk factors for GDM. Before the test, you will be asked to fast overnight (usually for about 8-14 hours) to obtain accurate results.
During the test, you will have your fasting blood sugar level measured. Then, you will be given a sweet liquid containing a specific amount of glucose to drink. After consuming the solution, your blood sugar levels will be measured at specific intervals, usually at one, two, and sometimes three hours after drinking the glucose solution.
Elevated blood sugar levels at any point during the test may indicate gestational diabetes. If the results suggest GDM, further testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Managing gestational diabetes is important to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
It’s essential to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding fasting and dietary restrictions before the test. Discuss the results with your healthcare team to determine the appropriate steps for managing your blood sugar levels throughout the remainder of your pregnancy.
