Medical Care during Pregnancy

Your Next Pregnancy Visits

Your Health History

Your health care provider can help you have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. At the beginning of your pregnancy you should visit your health care provider every four to six weeks.

For more information about medical care during pregnancy, click here.

Pregnancy Visits in the 2nd Trimester

Here is what may happen during your prenatal visits in the second trimester:

Discussion/Procedures	Why?
prenatal genetic screening blood tests and/or special ultrasounds (optional) (blood test #2 done between 15‑21 weeks)	To tell you the chance of your baby having a genetic abnormality. If you miss the first blood test (between 10‑14 weeks), you may still have the second blood test. It is best if you have both blood tests when possible. Having both improves the accuracy of the screen result. You will need to go back to your health care provider to talk about the results and to find out if more testing will be offered to you. For more information on Prenatal Genetic Screening, click here.
ultrasound test (done between 18–20 weeks)	To check the development and position of the baby. Also, to check your estimated due date (you may be unsure when you had your last period)
glucose screening (done 24–26 weeks)	To check for gestational diabetes that may develop during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy because pregnancy hormones change the way a woman’s body uses insulin. For most women, blood sugar levels can be controlled by diet, but some women may need to take insulin by injection. For most women, gestational diabetes goes away after their baby is born.
blood test (done at 24–28 weeks)	A shot of Rh‑immune globulin will be given to women who are Rh‑negative.
discuss your feelings	Women may become depressed during or after pregnancy. 10 –15% of pregnant women will have depression during their pregnancy. A smaller number will also have anxiety or panic disorder. For more information about depression and anxiety, click here.