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Second Trimester - Prenatal Care
What should I expect at prenatal visits in the second trimester?
After the first prenatal appointment, your visits should be much shorter. Start a diary or pregnancy journal, and write down questions for your visits. At these visits your health care provider will check symptoms you have been experiencing, especially unusual ones:
- Your blood pressure
- Your weight
- Your urine
- Baby's growth (by measuring the size of the uterus/or doing an ultrasound if needed)
- Baby's position in your uterus
- Baby's movements
- Baby's heartbeat (which sounds like the ticking of a clock but is much faster)
- Your blood
Partners for a Healthy Baby: Home Visiting Curriculum for Expectant Families
© 1999 Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound test uses sound waves to create pictures of your baby called sonograms. Most pregnant women have the test done at least once in pregnancy. The test is safe for you and your baby. It may show you:
- The age of your baby to help figure out your due date;
- Whether your baby is growing and developing normally;
- Whether you are carrying twins;
- Where the placenta is growing;
- Whether your baby is a boy or girl.
The ultrasound usually takes about 30 minutes. The picture is clearer if your bladder is full. You will be asked to drink water and not urinate beforehand.
You will be asked to lay down on your back. A technician will cover your belly with jelly and move a small instrument gently over your stomach. It will not hurt, but the jelly feels cold. Ask to see your baby on the TV screen. You may even get to take a photograph home.
Partners for a healthy baby: home visiting Curriculum or Expectant Families
© 1999 Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy.
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