- 1. Blood pressure
- 2. Height of the uterus
- 3. Morphological ultrasound
- 4. Urine and urine culture
- 5. Complete blood count
- 6. Glucose
- 7. VDRL
- 8. Toxoplasmosis
- 9. Fetal fibronectin
The exams of the second trimester of pregnancy should be carried out between the 13th and the 27th week of pregnancy and are more directed to assess the baby's development.
The second trimester is generally quieter, with no nausea, and the risk of miscarriage is lower, which makes parents happier. At this stage, the doctor should request the repetition of some tests to make sure that everything is fine with the mother and the baby.
The exams for the second trimester of pregnancy are:
1. Blood pressure
Measuring blood pressure in pregnancy is very important, as it is possible to assess the risk of pre-eclampsia, which happens when the pressure is high, which can result in premature delivery.
It is normal for the first half of pregnancy to decrease blood pressure, however throughout pregnancy the blood pressure returns to normal. However, the pressure can increase due to unbalanced feeding or malformation of the placenta, for example, which can put the life of the mother and baby at risk. Thus, it is important that blood pressure is checked periodically.
2. Height of the uterus
The height of the uterus or uterine height refers to the size of the uterus, which by the 28th week of gestation must be about 24 cm.
3. Morphological ultrasound
The morphological ultrasound, or morphological USG, is an image exam that allows you to see the baby inside the uterus. This exam is indicated between the 18th and 24th weeks of pregnancy and evaluates the development of the heart, kidneys, bladder, stomach and amount of amniotic fluid. In addition, it identifies the baby's sex and can reveal syndromes and heart disease.
Learn more about morphological ultrasound.
4. Urine and urine culture
Urine tests are very important during pregnancy, as this way it is possible to identify urinary infections and, thus, prevent complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Thus, it is important to have a type 1 urine test, also known as EAS, and, if any change is found, a urine culture may be requested, in which microorganisms present in the urine are checked.
In the case of a diagnosis of urinary infection, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as cephalexin, without any risk to the mother or baby. Understand how treatment is done for urinary tract infection in pregnancy.
5. Complete blood count
The blood count is also very important in the second trimester of pregnancy, as it allows to assess the amount of red blood cells, hemoglobins, leukocytes and platelets of the woman and, thus, check whether or not she has anemia.
Anemia in pregnancy is normal mainly between the second and third trimester of pregnancy because there is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin and an increase in the use of iron to meet the baby's needs, however this can represent a risk for both mother and baby. Thus, it is important that the blood count is done to diagnose anemia as soon as possible and, thus, treatment can be started.
Learn how to recognize the symptoms of anemia in pregnancy.
6. Glucose
The glucose test is indicated at the 24th week of pregnancy with the aim of verifying whether the woman has gestational diabetes. The glucose test requested in pregnancy is called TOTG and is done by collecting a blood sample before and after the woman takes Dextrosol, which is a sugary liquid.
New blood samples are taken at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after taking Dextrosol, completing 2 hours of fluid intake. The results of blood tests are plotted on a graph so that the amount of glucose in the blood is observed at each moment. Know about the TOTG exam.
7. VDRL
The VDRL is one of the tests included in prenatal care that is done to check if the mother has the bacterium responsible for syphilis, Treponema pallidum . Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be transmitted to the baby at the time of delivery if the disease is not identified and treated during pregnancy, and there may be changes in the baby's development, premature birth, low birth weight or death of the baby, for example.
8. Toxoplasmosis
The examination for toxoplasmosis is done with the aim of verifying whether or not the mother has immunity against toxoplasmosis, which is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can be transmitted to people through the consumption of contaminated food or water, as well as through direct contact with cats infected by the parasite.
Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted from mother to child and happens when the woman acquires the parasite during pregnancy and does not do the appropriate treatment, and can pass it on to the baby. Know the risks of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.
9. Fetal fibronectin
The examination of fetal fibronectin aims to check if there is a risk of premature birth, and should be done between the 22nd and 36th weeks of gestation through the collection of vaginal secretions and the cervix.
For the exam to be performed, it is recommended that the woman does not have genital bleeding and has not had sexual intercourse 24 hours before the exam.
The doctor may recommend other tests such as urea, creatinine and uric acid, liver enzymes, electrocardiogram and ABPM for some pregnant women. In addition, urine tests or vaginal discharge and cervical exams may also be prescribed to identify other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. See the 7 most common STIs in pregnancy.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the pregnant woman must also go to the dentist, to assess oral health and treat cavities or other dental problems, in addition to receiving guidance on bleeding gums, which is very common during pregnancy. See also the tests performed in the third trimester of pregnancy.
