SECOND TRIMESTER: PRENATAL TESTS FOR LOW-RISK PREGNANCY. HOW MUCH IS THE COST?

You are now in your second trimester and wondering what tests should you undergo this time?

Since every pregnancy is unique, I cannot say (and I am not licensed to do so) that there are specific tests you should accomplish.

However, your OB should by now order your second trimester (at around 20 weeks) ultrasound. This ultrasound is aimed to primarily assess or check your baby from head to toe, detect any fetal anomalies (such as cleft palate), and measure your baby's size.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS REQUIRED IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY?

Please note that this is NOT an expert's advice. Always consult your doctor.

For reference, I will share with you the tests I did, based on my OB's request.

BIOMETRY ULTRASOUND

The biometry ultrasound will help you and your OB have an idea of your baby's development - this scan measures your baby's head, body, and thigh bone.

My Biometry Report includes the following which were used to estimate my baby's weight and gestational age:

• Biparietal diameter (BPD)

• Head circumference (HC)

• Abdominal circumference (AC)

• Femur length (FL)

Obstetrical Report which gives you the following information:

1. Presentation or position of your baby inside your uterus - mine was CEPHALIC, meaning my baby's head was pointing downwards.

2. Number of fetus

3. Amniotic fluid volume

4. Fetal heartbeat

5. Gender - the sonographer will not reveal to you the gender unless you ask.

6. Placental grade - at 20 weeks, my placenta was Grade 1

7. Placental location

   • Mine was ANTERIOR PLACENTA, which means my placenta attaches to the front wall of my uterus - placenta is in between my baby and my belly.

   • In my experience, having an anterior placenta makes it difficult to feel the baby's movements (which will make you worry so much). Also, I never experienced a baby's hand or foot imprinted on my belly.

   • It is risky if you have placenta previa (this is why it is important that you accomplish this ultrasound).

   • I had a high lying placenta, normal according to my OB.

HOW MUCH PO ANG BIOMETRY ULTRASOUND?

Davao City Rate (Women's Ultrasound Center at Toril): ₱800.00*

*Not including doctor's consultation fee for the test result reading.

• I got a NORMAL biometry report and no fetal anomalies.

• You may look for OB clinics that also offer ultrasound scans to lessen your expense.

LABORATORIES such as:

• Hepa B screening (blood sample), ₱200.00

• 75g OGTT (blood sample, glucose screening test), ₱650.00

- nagutom po ako sa test na ito.

- Fasting is required, I fast for 8 hours.

- Blood will be drawn thrice (yes, tatlong beses po).

1. One, when you arrived in the laboratory (in your "fasting" mode). After that,

the technician will ask you to drink a liquid that contains glucose (I was

instructed to drink it in ONE SIP).

2. Second, 1 hour after your first blood sample - with glucose in your system.

3. Third, 1 hour after your 2nd blood sample.

• I got NORMAL results for both tests (Hepa B screening and 75g OGTT).

OTHER TESTS

• I did URINALYSIS (₱60.00). Why? Because I confirmed to my OB that I had these symptoms:

- painful urination

- pain above the pubic bone

- urine looks cloudy

- that urge to urinate more often or that feeling like your bladder is still full even

after you have urinated was quite confusing if it's normal (normal to pregnant

women) or you already have an infection. So when in doubt, ask your OB.

Sadly, I got an infection. I took medication for 1 week. After 1 week, I took another URINALYSIS. I was cleared of the infection, but during that test, my OB found in my result that my glucose in urine was plus 3 (+++).

At the time, I still had my food aversion (worse than ever) and all I could bear to eat were sweets.

In total, it cost me ₱1,710.00 for my second trimester prenatal tests.

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