The second trimester is 14 to 28 weeks from the date of your last menstrual period.
14 to 16 weeks
During this time you will have a standard checkup with your midwife or obstetrician. A standard checkup includes:
- Weight check
- Blood pressure check
- A test of the protein and sugar levels in your urine
- Belly measurement
- Review of any recommended or optional tests
You will hear your baby's heartbeat on a special Doppler monitor as well.
18 to 20 weeks
An ultrasound, or fetal survey, will monitor for physical problems or concerns, verify your due date, and possibly verify your baby's gender if you wish to know it.
Maternal serum screening (Alpha fetaprotein or quad marker) is an optional blood test to screen for Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or open neural tube defects.
If you are at risk for genetic problems, your provider may refer you to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine team for an amniocentesis, which is a sampling of the amniotic fluid.
24 to 28 weeks
A glucose screening test is conducted to determine if you are at risk for gestational diabetes. If you are, a more detailed glucose test is recommended. We will test for anemia during this time. If your blood is Rh-negative, we will test for antibodies as well.