Your healthcare provider is a hugely valuable resource for you as you head into the home stretch of pregnancy – get your questions ready!
As per usual, your OB provider will generally measure your weight and blood pressure, and have you leave a urine sample that will be tested for elevated levels of protein and sugar. If you’re having urinary symptoms like burning or pain, be sure to let your medical team know. Although you leave a urine sample every time, it’s not routinely tested for infection unless you flag symptoms for them. Your OB provider will also measure your uterus to get a good sense of how Baby is growing, and listen to their heart rate with a fetal doppler. They will also ask about Baby‘s movements, and if their frequency or intensity has changed since your last visit. Finally, there should be discussion of your mental health and any hurdles you’re facing to getting the care and preparation you need for Baby.
Around 32 weeks, some people may need an additional ultrasound for fetal growth. This may be because of certain complications, but can also be fairly routine for some providers. It’s always okay to ask why a test is ordered (or not ordered) so that you feel comfortable with additional screening.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical TeamÂ
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Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fetal development: The third trimester.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/11/2014. Web.
- “Prenatal care in your third trimeser.” U.S National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 6/11/2014. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prenatal care: 3rd trimester visits.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/30/2015. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Third trimester pregnancy: What to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 5/5/2014. Web.
