Third Trimester
Tests & Procedures

Group B Strep • Test checks for a bacterial infection     Glucose Screening Test • Checks blood sugar levels, looking for gestational diabetes.     Non-Stress Test • Monitors your baby’s heart rate, noting any fetal distress.     Biophysical Profile • A non-stress test to assess your baby’s health.

For the full article, read more...

wo-thirds down, one-third to go! 

Your routine tests will now be accompanied by procedures that evaluate your baby's health in anticipation for his or her grand arrival.

As always, make sure you talk with your health care provider and fully understand all that is involved before you decide to proceed with any procedure.

ULTRASOUND 
URINE SCREEN/ANALYSIS
GROUP B STREP TEST
GLUCOSE SCREENING TEST
NON-STRESS TEST
BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE
CONTRACTION STRESS TEST

ULTRASOUND

What is it?
Using high frequency sound waves, a gel is first rubbed on the woman’s belly, and then a transducer is moved across the belly, producing sound waves that bounce off bones and tissue, providing pictures of the baby (a sonogram).

When is it performed?
Unless you’ve been having routine ultrasounds, you’ve probably been counting the weeks since your last ultrasound, eager to see your little one on screen again! In this third trimester, most women have an ultrasound at 32 weeks. Additional ultrasounds are usually only performed if you go past your due date.

What does it look for?
Your doctor will now be looking to assess your baby’s weight and to make sure that your placenta is in the proper position (not covering the cervix, which would indicate placenta previa).

Who should have the procedure?
All pregnant women can benefit from an ultrasound at some point in their pregnancy.

Why do it?
An ultrasound can give your doctor the most accurate look at your baby’s development and growth – not to mention what’s going on with you.

Why wouldn’t I do it?
When used correctly, ultrasound machines emit less energy than a fetal Doppler. However, if the ultrasound technician is not a physician or trained sonographer, it is wise not to risk exposure to an unknown level of sound waves.

URINE SCREEN/ANALYSIS

Your doctor will continue to monitor your urine for excess protein, sugar, ketones and/or bacteria. (See also Urine Screen/Analysis in Tests & Procedures: Second Trimester.)

GROUP B STREP (aka Group B Streptococcus (GBS))

What is Group B Strep?
The group B strep bacterial infection is present in 15 to 40% of all healthy women. During childbirth, a woman who is not receiving antibiotics can pass it along to her baby.

According to the Center for Disease Control, group B strep is “the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.”

How is the procedure done?
Your health practitioner will swab your vagina and rectum to screen for this bacterial infection. If you test positive, you will be given intravenous antibiotics during labor so that you won’t pass along the infection to your baby.

When is it performed?
Between weeks 35 to 37.

Who should have this test?
Every pregnant woman should have this test.