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Second Trimester Blood Draw

The 2nd trimester blood draw measures substances naturally found in the mother’s blood at this time in pregnancy.  These substances are produced by the pregnant woman, the developing fetus, and the placenta.  These substances are:

1. AFP – alpha-fetoprotein
2. hCG – human chorionic gonadotropin
3. uE3 – unconjugated estriol
4. inhibin A

The amounts of these substances vary throughout pregnancy and tend to be above or below average in fetuses with a chromosome abnormality such as Down syndrome.