All About the Second Trimester

Everything you need to know to sail through most women's favorite time of pregnancy

BY Laurie Tarkan

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Keep (or start) moving. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes on most days. If you didn’t work out before, start slowly (with your doctor’s approval) by walking, swimming or pedaling on a stationary bike. If you’re already fit, continue your regimen, but adjust it to avoid spills.

Take it easy at work. If you’re usually on your feet all day, look for ways to sit down as often as possible: Prolonged standing may cause pregnancy complications.

Get into sex. You’re over the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester and not yet huge. Take full advantage of this window of opportunity.


Testing, Testing

Most prenatal screenings are conducted in the second trimester. Here are the most common procedures:

The Test: Multiple Marker Screening
What it’s for: Screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, as well as neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Who gets it: Nearly all pregnant women.
When it’s given: Weeks 15–18.
How it’s done: Blood test.
Risks and drawbacks: False-positive results reported among 5 percent of test-takers.
What you should know: The test detects 66 percent of babies with Down syndrome. An abnormal result indicates an increased risk for this congenital condition and is followed by amniocentesis. An elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, one of the chemicals measured in the test, points to an increased risk of neural-tube defects, low birth weight and other complications and is followed by an ultrasound.

The Test: Amniocentesis
What it’s for: Screens for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and other chromosomal abnormalities. Also identifies the baby’s gender.
Who gets it: Women who will be 35 or older when they deliver, who test positive on multiple marker screenings, or who are at risk of having a baby with a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality.
When it’s given: Weeks 15–18.
How it’s done: A long, thin needle is inserted through your abdomen into the sac around your baby to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid.
Risks and drawbacks: Can be uncomfortable and cause mild cramping or spotting. About one in 200 women will have a miscarriage.
What you should know: Amniocentesis is offered starting at age 35, which is when the risk for Down syndrome is equal to the risk of miscarriage from the test. To minimize risk, have it performed by a physician experienced in the procedure.

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