Essential Tests For A Healthy Third Trimester!

Tests Are Necessary For A Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to routine prenatal tests.

From blood samples to tissue swabs, these tests can detect potential issues that may lead to complications. Do not worry, though! Many of these issues can be treated during pregnancy. As you approach your third trimester, more tests may be recommended based on your age, health, and family history.

Let us take a closer look at these essential tests for a healthy pregnancy, and make the process a little less intimidating!

Ultrasound

If you are pregnant or planning to be, you are likely to hear the word ‘ultrasound.’ So, what is it? Basically, an ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create images of your baby in your uterus. And don't worry, it's completely safe and painless for you and your little one.

During your third trimester, ultrasounds can be especially helpful in examining the placenta and ensuring that your baby is getting enough oxygen. In fact, sometimes a third-trimester ultrasound is part of a larger test called a biophysical profile (BPP), which evaluates the baby's well-being.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need multiple ultrasounds in the third trimester. Overall, ultrasounds are an essential tool to ensure the safety and well-being of your little one, so don't be afraid to ask your doctor about any questions you have about them.

Glucose Screening

This test is super important because it checks for gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy and cause issues for your baby if not diagnosed or treated.

But don't worry, the test is pretty simple - you'll drink a sweet, sugary liquid and then have a blood test an hour later to check your glucose levels. It may not be the most fun part of your pregnancy, but it's definitely worth it to make sure you and your little one are healthy!

Group B Strep Test

Group B strep test is a routine test that happens between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy. The purpose of this test is to check for group B streptococcus (GBS) infection, which is a type of bacteria found in many women's vaginas.

While GBS is not typically harmful to adults, it can cause serious infections in new-borns. During this test, your doctor will take a swab of your vagina and rectum to check for bacteria. If the test comes back positive, you will need to go to the hospital as soon as labour begins to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

This helps protect your baby from becoming infected during delivery.

Nonstress Test

During the third trimester, your doctor may recommend a nonstress test (NST) to check on the health of your little one. This is typically done in high-risk pregnancies or when your due date has passed.

This test is performed to see if the baby is getting enough oxygen and responds normally to stimulation. If the baby responds normally, everything is good to go!

However, if the baby does not respond, do not worry - it does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. Your doctor will recommend further testing to be sure everything is okay.

Contraction Stress Test

The contraction stress test (CST) is recommended when an earlier test has indicated a potential problem with your baby's health.

During the test, your doctor will use pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, to stimulate contractions in your uterus.

This will help them see how your baby's heart rate responds to the contractions and determine if it remains stable.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one woman may not be right for another. That is why it is crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about the essential tests for a healthy pregnancy.

Together, you can make an informed decision about which tests are best for you and your baby. While these tests can provide valuable information about your baby's health, it is also important to keep in mind that they have limitations and can't predict everything.

Ultimately, the decision to accept or decline a test is yours, and your doctor is there to support you at every step of the way.