{"id":33331,"date":"2024-04-07T19:38:38","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T16:38:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/vagitnist\/diagnosis-of-the-2nd-trimester-of-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T12:55:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T09:55:12","slug":"diagnosis-of-the-2nd-trimester-of-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"vagitnist","link":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/vagitnist\/diagnosis-of-the-2nd-trimester-of-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Second screening during pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Screening in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy is one of the most informative stages of prenatal diagnosis, because it is during this period that the fetal anatomy can be assessed in detail and most congenital malformations can be detected before birth. That is why doctors pay special attention to it. The results of the second prenatal screening directly affect the further tactics of pregnancy management and minimize the risks for mother and child.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is included in a comprehensive 2nd trimester screening?<\/h2>\n\n<p>2 screening in pregnancy is a comprehensive examination, including ultrasound and biochemical blood tests, which is performed at a certain time to assess fetal development, identify possible defects and determine the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities. In addition, prenatal second screening is important for assessing the risk of pregnancy complications (gestosis, intrauterine growth retardation) and allows for timely adjustment of the <a href=\"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/pregnancy-management\/\">pregnancy management plan or referral of<\/a> the patient for additional examinations. <\/p>\n\n<p>Prenatal screening methods of the 2nd trimester and their purpose:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fetal ultrasound (anatomical screening). It allows for a detailed assessment of the baby&#8217;s anatomical structure (brain, heart, spine, bladder and other internal organs, limbs) and detection of most congenital abnormalities. Ultrasound is also necessary to determine the size and position of the fetus, assess the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biochemical analysis of the mother&#8217;s blood. The level of special markers (AFP, chorionic gonadotropin, free estriol) is determined, which helps to assess the risks of chromosomal abnormalities and some fetal malformations. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p>When evaluating the results, the doctor combines the data from ultrasound and tests, takes into account the woman&#8217;s age, anamnesis and other factors to understand individual risks and determine further pregnancy management tactics.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Important!<\/strong>  The second screening does not make a diagnosis, but only assesses the risks of possible malformations. If the results of the examination show an increased risk, this does not mean that the fetus has a 100% pathology. In this case, the doctor may recommend additional examinations to confirm or refute the assumptions.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to have a second screening during pregnancy?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The second screening is performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, when the fetal anatomical structures are sufficiently formed for a detailed assessment. The optimal time is between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most often, the examination is performed at 19 weeks.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Adherence to the recommended timing of prenatal screening in the 2nd trimester is important because it is during this period that most congenital malformations can be detected and the risks of chromosomal abnormalities can be correctly assessed.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expert ultrasound of the second trimester of pregnancy: what it shows<\/h2>\n\n<p>The 2nd trimester ultrasound screening is a detailed examination during which the doctor assesses the fetal anatomy and the course of pregnancy step by step. The procedure is performed through the anterior abdominal wall, is painless, and takes an average of 20-40 minutes depending on the fetal position. <\/p>\n\n<p>Ultrasound allows you to assess the anatomical parameters of the baby and the course of pregnancy. During an ultrasound in the second trimester, the doctor pays attention to the following parameters: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>brain and skull structures &#8211; shape, size, symmetry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>face &#8211; profile, nasal bone, lips (excluding clefts);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>heart &#8211; the structure of chambers, valves, rhythm;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>spine &#8211; integrity and correct formation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>internal organs &#8211; stomach, kidneys, bladder, intestines;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limbs &#8211; presence, length, symmetry, number of fingers and toes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>placenta &#8211; location, structure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the amount of amniotic fluid;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>umbilical cord &#8211; the number of vessels;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fetal growth and proportions and their correspondence to the gestational age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Ultrasound screening of the second trimester of pregnancy allows to detect most structural changes and assess the fetal condition with high accuracy.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biochemical screening of the 2nd trimester: indicators and norms<\/h2>\n\n<p>Biochemical screening of the second trimester is a blood test of a pregnant woman that allows you to assess the risks of chromosomal abnormalities and some fetal malformations by the level of specific markers. During the study, it is determined: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is a protein produced by the fetus;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a pregnancy hormone;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>free estriol is a hormone that reflects the function of the placenta and fetus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The analysis indicators are not evaluated in isolation but are converted into special coefficients (MoM). The conditional norm for most markers is 0.5-2.0 MoM. Deviations may indicate increased risks, but are not a definitive diagnosis.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diseases that can be detected at the second prenatal screening<\/h2>\n\n<p>Prenatal screening of the 2nd trimester allows you to identify or suspect a wide range of abnormalities:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, individual risk for trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and other chromosome abnormalities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>neural tube defects, for example, spina bifida &#8211; a disorder of the spine and spinal cord formation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>congenital heart defects &#8211; structural disorders of the organ structure that can be seen on ultrasound;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>abnormalities in the development of internal organs, face and skeleton &#8211; cleft lip, cleft palate, limb formation disorders;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fetal growth retardation (size discrepancy with the gestational age);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>placental dysfunction, which can affect the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The second screening is one of the most important stages of prenatal diagnosis, as it allows you to identify most serious disorders during pregnancy and timely determine further observation or treatment tactics.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decoding the results of the second screening<\/h2>\n\n<p>Interpretation of the results of prenatal screening of the second trimester of pregnancy is carried out comprehensively. <a href=\"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/gynecology\/\">The gynecologist does not evaluate<\/a> individual indicators, but analyzes the results of ultrasound, biochemical analysis, takes into account the gestational age, age of the woman, anamnesis, and data from previous ultrasounds.<\/p>\n\n<p>Based on this information, a conclusion is formed about the individual risks of possible disorders and further tactics are determined: observation, additional examination or consultations with related specialists. This approach allows us to obtain the most accurate and reasonable assessment of the fetal condition. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to prepare for the examination: doctor&#8217;s advice<\/h2>\n\n<p>No special preparation for the second pregnancy screening is required, but following some recommendations helps to obtain more accurate results. Tips from an IVMED obstetrician-gynecologist to help you prepare for prenatal diagnosis: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>preparation for ultrasound in the 2nd trimester is usually not required, since the uterus is already enlarged and the fetus is well visualized without bladder filling;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it is advisable to take a biochemical blood test in the morning;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>8-12 hours before the blood test, it is recommended to refrain from eating (unless otherwise indicated by the doctor);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid severe stress and intense physical activity the day before;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is important to bring the results of previous ultrasounds and tests for comparison;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>inform your doctor about taking any medications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Following these recommendations will help the doctor obtain the most reliable information about the development of pregnancy and correctly interpret the screening results.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it important to have a second pregnancy screening on time?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Prenatal screening of the second trimester of pregnancy is carried out within a clearly defined timeframe &#8211; 16-20 weeks of gestation. It is during this period that the fetal anatomy is already formed enough to be assessed in detail, but there is still time for further decisions in case of serious abnormalities. <\/p>\n\n<p>If you undergo an examination earlier, some fetal structures may not yet be sufficiently formed, which reduces the accuracy of the assessment. When screening is performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy, some malformations may be detected late, when the variability of further tactics is already limited. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of prenatal diagnostics at IVMED<\/h2>\n\n<p>At IVMED, prenatal diagnostics involves comprehensive and consistent pregnancy support, where not only the accuracy of examinations but also the timeliness of decisions is important. We focus on early detection of risks, expert interpretation of results, and an individual approach to each patient. <\/p>\n\n<p>Why you should undergo 2nd trimester screening at the IVMED Medical Center:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>expert ultrasound examination on modern equipment with high resolution, which allows to assess fetal development at different stages of gestation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>comprehensive diagnostics (ultrasound, biochemical screenings and additional examinations as indicated), which provides a more accurate risk assessment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>doctors with over 20 years of experience in managing complex pregnancies, specializing in prenatal diagnostics and reproductive medicine;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a personalized approach to each woman, taking into account her medical history, previous pregnancies and examination results;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the possibility of comprehensive pregnancy support in one medical center &#8211; from routine screenings to preparation for childbirth;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comfortable communication &#8211; the doctor explains in detail the indicators and further steps without incomprehensible medical terminology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>In addition, our clinic offers <a href=\"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/pregnancy-planning\/\">pregnancy planning even<\/a> in difficult clinical situations, including the use of assisted reproductive technologies. More than 10,000 families have already realized their dream of parenthood with IVMED! <\/p>\n\n<p>Here you can undergo a second pregnancy screening at a convenient time and get a professional interpretation of the results from leading experts. This is an important step for a favorable pregnancy and proper fetal development. <\/p>\n\n<p>You can make an appointment for the second pregnancy screening in Kyiv online on the website or by calling 0 800 350 491.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if the second pregnancy screening shows increased risks?<\/h3>\n\n<p>In this case, you should consult a doctor for advice. Usually, additional diagnostic methods are prescribed to clarify the condition of the fetus. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does the second screening affect the child?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The ultrasound and maternal blood chemistry tests included in the second screening are safe and do not adversely affect pregnancy or fetal development.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it possible to find out the sex of the child at the second screening?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Yes, in most cases, during an ultrasound at 16-20 weeks, it is already possible to determine the sex of the fetus, if its position allows it.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do if the fetus lies uncomfortably during the ultrasound?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The doctor may ask the pregnant woman to change her position or wait a little while for the fetus to change position. Sometimes the examination takes longer to obtain complete information. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","kategoriia-vagitnist-prenatalna":[546],"class_list":["post-33331","vagitnist","type-vagitnist","status-publish","hentry","kategoriia-vagitnist-prenatalna-pregnancy-management"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vagitnist\/33331","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vagitnist"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/vagitnist"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"kategoriia-vagitnist-prenatalna","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ivmed.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kategoriia-vagitnist-prenatalna?post=33331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}