8 Common tests during the third trimester of pregnancy

Your doctor may recommend certain diagnostic tests during the third trimester of your pregnancy to ensure the well-being of you and your unborn baby. You'll be offered many tests throughout your third trimester depending on your age, health, family medical history, and many other things.

1. Group B streptococcus screening
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria that can exist in the female reproductive tract. Around 30% of healthy women can carry GBS. However, it usually doesn't cause any problems but in some cases, it can lead to infections such as Urinary Tract infection, Placenta infection, or Bloodstream infection. It can also have serious consequences for the baby which causes life-threatening infections in the newborn such as Pneumonia, Meningitis, and Sepsis. Group B streptococcus screening is usually done between 35 weeks and 37 weeks of pregnancy.

GBS Screening
During GBS screening a sample is taken from the vagina and rectum with a cotton swab. After that, this swab is cultured in the laboratory to find out if Group B strep is present. If the test is positive, your doctor will give you antibiotics during labor to reduce the chances of infection in the baby. Group B streptococcus screening will be done in a subsequent pregnancy, even if you get a negative result in your first pregnancy.

2. Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring
This test is done to monitor the heart rate of the fetus during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The fetal heart rate signifies that the fetus is doing well or is in trouble. Electronic Fetal Heart monitoring is usually done to ensure the baby's health. This monitoring can be done anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

3. Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to make images that show your baby's position, size, and shape in the uterus. An ultrasound exam may be performed during the third trimester to examine the position of the placenta, monitor the baby's movements, evaluate fetal growth, and determine the levels of amniotic fluid. Pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies may have multiple ultrasounds during the third trimester.

4. Glucose Screening
Glucose Screening checks for gestational diabetes. Gestational Diabetes is a short-term form of diabetes that develops in some women during pregnancy. If it is not diagnosed or treated properly it can cause serious infections in newborns. For this test, you'll have a sugary drink and then after an hour, your blood sample will be taken to check your sugar levels.

5. Non-Stress Test
Non-Stress Test (NST) is used to measure the baby's heart rate as the baby moves. The NST is a common test performed in the third trimester to assess the baby's heart rate in response to its own movements. It helps to determine the baby's well-being and can aid in identifying any potential issues. This test can be done anytime after 28 weeks of pregnancy but it is mostly done after 32 weeks of pregnancy. It is a non-invasive test that checks your baby's health by monitoring the baby's heart rate for a 20-30 minute period.

6. Biophysical Profile
Biophysical Profile (BPP) is another test that is performed during the third trimester of pregnancy to check the baby's well-being. The BPP is a comprehensive test that combines ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring (NST) to evaluate the baby's well-being. It assesses fetal movements, muscle tone, breathing, amniotic fluid volume, and the baby's heart rate response to movements. The BPP is often used in high-risk pregnancies or when there are concerns about the baby's health.

7. Cervical Length Measurement
For women at risk of preterm labor or with a history of preterm birth, a cervical length measurement may be performed using ultrasound. A shortening cervix can be an indication of an increased risk of preterm delivery, and this test helps identify those at risk.

8. Urinalysis
Urinalysis is performed during prenatal visits to check for protein and sugar levels in the urine, which can be indicators of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

https://www.motherbabycare.in/2019/04...


Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our channel or website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.