What is one common screening test conducted during the second trimester?

The glucose tolerance test is a standard screening procedure typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy to assess a woman's risk for gestational diabetes. This condition can develop as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy that cause insulin resistance.

During this test, the pregnant individual will ingest a sugary solution, and blood samples are taken at intervals to measure how effectively their body processes glucose. Identifying gestational diabetes is crucial because, if left unmanaged, it can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, such as excessive fetal growth, preterm birth, and increased chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

While urine analysis, hemoglobin level checks, and thyroid function tests are also important for monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus, they are not specifically tailored to screen for gestational diabetes during the second trimester. Therefore, the glucose tolerance test stands out as the key screening tool for this particular assessment within that timeframe.