Health Library

Pregnancy Weeks 13-18 - Page 5

To search through our library of topics, please make a selection below. Remember, the information in this library does not substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare team. Always consult your physician for more information.

Adult Health Library:
Pediatric Health Library:

Pregnancy Weeks 13-18 - Page 5

Prenatal Testing

As modern medicine advances, new information becomes available regarding how diseases are inherited. Now parents are given different choices to make about the health of their baby even before he/she is born. Your physician may suggest certain tests for prenatal diagnosis during this stage of your pregnancy. Prenatal diagnostic testing ranges from non-invasive procedures such as ultrasound and blood tests, to more invasive procedures such as testing the amniotic fluid or sampling of placental tissues from within the uterus. Most of these tests are performed during the early second trimester of pregnancy.

Mothers who might be offered second trimester prenatal testing include those:

with a family history of a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality.
who are over the age of 35.
with a fetus with abnormalities seen on ultrasound.

Parents may want to consult a specialized genetics counselor for prenatal counseling. These counselors are trained to give parents the information they need to make informed choices. Counseling also helps parents understand the effects of a disorder and ways it may be prevented or treated.

Some types of prenatal testing and procedures carry some risks to mother, baby, or both.

Learn About It

Ask about hospital and local community groups who offer pregnancy and parenting classes. You'll find you have many options, from childbirth preparation to infant car seat safety. Class schedules are often very flexible, with evening and weekend courses in various locations. Register now and plan to attend your classes in the latter part of your second trimester, or earlier if you are having twins or more.