Second Trimester Screening

DECEMBER 11, 2009
So now that the First Trimester Screening is over and done with, now comes the Second Trimester Screening (or the Multiple Marker Screening). Really nothing different from the first trimester screening, except that the blood test was so much easier! Instead of like vials and vials of blood being sucked out of me, this blood test was one simple prick, one vial, and then I was outta there. The same lame lady who poked me the first time around (the one who was obsessed with getting frozen yogurt for lunch), was the same lady who took my blood again. I was afraid. I was VERY afraid. But thank goodness, it was over and done with in less than 2 minutes. :)

Some info (if you're interested) on the Multiple Marker Screening test:
- Blood test done between 15 - 18 weeks of pregnancy.
- Test will assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down Syndrome, and Trisomy 18.
- Measures the levels of three substances in your blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3).
- The measurements of these substances that are determined are plugged into a formula, along with the baby's gestational age and the mother's age, to determine the chances of Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18.
- Further results from these measurements can also determine other disorders such as neural tube defect, spina bifida, risk of premature birth, miscarriage, etc...
- Tests that show high risk of abnormality can help you decide if you do need (want) further tests done, that are VERY invasive, such as that CVS test I talked about in the First Trimester Screening thread, or an amniocentisis.