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After completing the initial and middle trimesters, expectant mothers transition into the final trimester. This is also a crucial phase where mothers begin to prepare everything to welcome their precious baby. During the last 3 months, mothers need to attend regular prenatal check-ups as well as undergo some tests to monitor the health status of both mother and baby.
Here are the recommended tests for the last trimester of pregnancy:
1. Hematocrit/hemoglobin Test
This test, particularly repeated during the final trimester, aims to detect anemia. If previous blood glucose tests showed normal results, this test might not be necessary to repeat.
2. Rh Antibody Test
If the mother carries Rh-negative antibodies, the antibody test will be repeated (usually along with blood sugar testing) and the mother will be injected with Rh immune globulin at week 27. In unfortunate circumstances where the baby's blood mixes with yours, the Rh immune globulin will prevent your body from developing antibodies that could endanger your child in the future or even right now. Particularly, if the baby's father also tests Rh-negative like you, then the baby will also have a negative Rh factor, and you won't need Rh immune globulin injection.
3. Gestational Diabetes Screening
You can temporarily rest assured if your blood sugar test results are normal between weeks 23 to 27. Conversely, if the results are abnormal and you haven't undergone glucose tolerance testing, you need gestational diabetes screening at this point.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infection Tests
This pregnancy test is typically ordered for high-risk cases. The doctor will take a cervical swab to check for signs of chlamydia and gonorrhea, and you will have a blood test for syphilis. You should also retest for HIV if there has been any risk of infection since your first test. Early detection will significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to the baby.
5. Group B Streptococcus Testing
Between weeks 34 and 36, you'll be tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in the vagina and rectum. If the result is positive, immediate treatment isn't guaranteed to prevent recurrence. Instead, you'll be treated with antibiotics during labor. If you've previously given birth to a GBS-infected baby, you'll likely receive antibiotics without retesting.
6. Physiological and Fetal Health Assessment
These pregnancy tests aim to assess fetal health in case of pregnancy complications or overdue due dates.
Hope these helpful insights empower expecting mothers to have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Wishing all mothers and babies continued health and wellness.
