Prenatal Tests In 3rd Trimester
Your baby is almost here! You’ll be visiting the doctor every other week until around 36 weeks.
More Tests
Your doctor will measure your fundal height, which measures the distance from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone, which tells you the baby’s growth rate. He will also weigh you and examine your face, hands and ankles for swelling, which is a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Ultrasound Scan
You will have to go for an ultrasound scan that measures the foetal size and growth, body movement, foetal breathing, heart rate and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the body. The baby’s position is also determined at this stage. The condition and position of the placenta is also confirmed. While ultrasounds are non-invasive and low-risk, you should not go for more than two ultrasound scans unless medically necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure.
3D, 4D Scanning
3D and 4D Scanning allows the images to be rotated in various planes, providing a view of the foetus from various angles. In cases where foetal anomalies have been found, your doctor can more easily assess the seriousness of the condition.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is used throughout your pregnancy to examine the foetus, assess amniotic fluid and look for birth defects. It is also used to check the blood flow of the foetus which indicates if it is receiving enough blood, nutrients and oxygen from the placenta.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Group B strep is present in up to 30% of all healthy women and is harmless to the women who have it but during birth can be transmitted to the baby, causing a serious infection. Vaginal and rectal swabs are taken at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy to detect group B strep bacteria. There are no known risks associated with having the test, so play it safe through testing – and if necessary, treatment – for GBS.
CTG (Cardiotopograph)
This assesses the foetal heart rate during pregnancy, labour and delivery. It can be done any time after 20 weeks.
More Tests
Your doctor will measure your fundal height, which measures the distance from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone, which tells you the baby’s growth rate. He will also weigh you and examine your face, hands and ankles for swelling, which is a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Ultrasound Scan
You will have to go for an ultrasound scan that measures the foetal size and growth, body movement, foetal breathing, heart rate and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the body. The baby’s position is also determined at this stage. The condition and position of the placenta is also confirmed. While ultrasounds are non-invasive and low-risk, you should not go for more than two ultrasound scans unless medically necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure.
3D, 4D Scanning
3D and 4D Scanning allows the images to be rotated in various planes, providing a view of the foetus from various angles. In cases where foetal anomalies have been found, your doctor can more easily assess the seriousness of the condition.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is used throughout your pregnancy to examine the foetus, assess amniotic fluid and look for birth defects. It is also used to check the blood flow of the foetus which indicates if it is receiving enough blood, nutrients and oxygen from the placenta.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Group B strep is present in up to 30% of all healthy women and is harmless to the women who have it but during birth can be transmitted to the baby, causing a serious infection. Vaginal and rectal swabs are taken at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy to detect group B strep bacteria. There are no known risks associated with having the test, so play it safe through testing – and if necessary, treatment – for GBS.
CTG (Cardiotopograph)
This assesses the foetal heart rate during pregnancy, labour and delivery. It can be done any time after 20 weeks.