Write an article based on this "Check for gestational diabetes. Have a fetal ultrasound during the second trimester screening. Be prepared for blood testing. Have an amniocentesis performed."
Based on your body mass index (BMI) or family history, your doctor may wish to perform a test to check for gestational diabetes during the first trimester of pregnancy; however, if your BMI is normal and you don't have any family history of diabetes, then this test will normally be performed in the second trimester, usually between weeks 24 and 28. The test involves drinking a glucose solution and then testing your blood sugar levels about an hour later. If you have higher than normal blood sugar, this does not necessarily indicate that you have gestational diabetes. However, your doctor will likely do follow-up testing to determine whether or not you do. Gestational diabetes often disappears after you give birth, but you will need to be aware that you are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you developed gestational diabetes, so it is important to monitor your blood sugar and eat a healthy diet. For many soon-to-be parents this is the best part of prenatal testing. A fetal ultrasound allows the sonographer to have a look at the growing baby's anatomy. For the parents, it gives them a chance to actually see their baby before they are born. If you want them to, the doctor may also be able to tell you the sex of the baby. During this exam, the sonographer will be measuring and examining several things. Things they will be looking at include: the shape and size of your baby's head, signs of a cleft palate, spine and skin deformities, the heart to make sure it is not developing abnormally, the abdominal wall (which is a common place for defects to occur), the kidneys to make sure there are two of them, as well as fingers and toes (though they won't be able to count them). They will also be looking at your uterus and the location of the placenta to make sure it is not covering your cervix. A blood test may be performed as a follow up to testing from the first trimester, checking your levels of AFP. Testing for genetic disorders can usually be confirmed if testing is done during both the first and second trimester. If you have an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, you will likely be offered an amniocentesis. This involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid using a needle inserted into the abdomen. The fluid is then tested to diagnose genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. It may sound scary and some patients do report some cramping during the procedure, but it is a relatively painless procedure. If you do have an amniocentesis performed, you will need to rest for the next 24 hours.