At the Doctor's Office
Third Trimester

• Visits increase: every 2-3 weeks until week 26, and then weekly until birth.     • Your cervix will be checked close to due date for changes.     • An ultrasound at 36 weeks will check baby’s position.     • Talk with your doctor about the non-stress test.

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ou're getting closer to your due date, which means you’ll be seeing your doctor more frequently this trimester: every 2 to 3 weeks until week 26, and then weekly until you give birth.

AT EACH VISIT

During your third trimester, your doctor will:

• Check your weight.
  Note that some doctors may opt against routine weight checks.

• Check your blood pressure.

• Take a urine screen/analysis, checking for sugar (glucose), protein, or signs of infection.

• Check your ankles and other extremities for swelling.

• Check the size and height of your uterus and baby by examining your abdomen (checking the fundal height, which is between the top of your uterus and your pubic bone) or via ultrasound.

• Watch the growth of the fetus.

• Possibly do additional blood tests, checking for anemia.

• Listen to the baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler fetoscope or with an ultrasound.

• Your doctor will continue to keep an eye out for any signs for preterm labor.

CLOSE TO YOUR DUE DATE, YOUR DOCTOR WILL:

• Check your cervix for any changes such as softening, effacing (thinning out) or dilating (opening).

• Administer an ultrasound around 32 weeks to check the fetal size and growth, as well as the baby’s position (although many doctors may opt to give you ultrasounds more frequently).

• Around 36 weeks, your doctor will check on your baby’s position. If your baby is in a breech position (buttocks or feet first), your doctor may try to move the baby into a head-down position by gently pushing on your abdomen.

CONVERSATIONS TO CONSIDER

• Discuss options on elective induction. Your doctor might recommend that this be considered after 39 weeks (and they usually won’t let you go past  two weeks after your due date).

• Whether you need to take a non-stress test.

• If you would like to have a birth plan.

WHAT ELSE?

Talk to your doctor about any changes you’re feeling, especially as the due date gets closer. S/he will also check in about the movement of your baby; you may be asked to monitor your baby’s movements for certain periods of time each day.

This article was compiled with information from the following websites:
American Pregnancy Association
About.com
Pregnancy Weekly