Your Third Trimester
Testing and Exams
The following are common tests done within the third trimester of your pregnancy:
Group B Strep (GBS)
Group B Strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can be found in up to 40 percent of pregnant women. A woman with a GBS infection can pass the bacteria to her newborn during delivery. Most babies with GBS do not have problems but, rarely, can become sick or even have major health problems. At 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy your provider will use a swab to collect samples from the vagina and peritoneum. If cultures are positive, mothers may be treated with antibiotics during labor.
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Fetal Kick Count
Fetal Kick Count, or Fetal Movement Count -- after 28 weeks the best way to monitor your baby's health is by counting his/her movements. Healthy babies are active, although some perfectly normal newborns may sleep as long as 60 minutes.
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Additional Tests
The following tests are occasionally done if more information is needed:
Nonstress Test (NST) is a test to determine the health of your baby. An electronic fetal monitor is used to record a tracing of your baby's heart rate.
Contraction Stress Test (CST) helps determine how well your baby will handle the stress of labor.
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