The finish line may be in sight, but there's still plenty for your doctor to do:
- Continue to monitor the fetal heartbeat at every visit and document your perception of consistent fetal movement
- Continue to monitor the growth of the fetus by belly measurement
- Check for swelling of hands, feet, and face
- Check fetus's position (if it's not in head down position near the time of delivery, your provider will offer you options)
- Check the adequacy of your pelvis for vaginal delivery and the condition of your cervix as you progress toward delivery
- If glucose screening test showed high blood sugar, you will be given a glucose tolerance test
- Between 35 and 37 weeks, during a pelvic exam, you will be screened for the presence of group B strep in your vagina
- If you were anemic early in your pregnancy or didn't have your blood checked in the second trimester, you may have your blood tested again for anemia
- If you are at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases, you will be retested
- If you had placenta previa or low-lying placenta earlier in pregnancy, you'll have another ultrasound to determine location of the placenta; delivery mode will be planned as necessary
- If your pregnancy is high risk or you experience certain problems, you may have a biophysical profile or nonstress test to help with decisions about the timing of your delivery
- If you go past your due date, your provider will do an ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid and may also order a nonstress test or biophysical profile to determine the baby's condition. These tests may be given once or twice a week until you either go into labor naturally or are induced.
The finish line may be in sight, but there's still plenty for your
doctor to do: Continue to monitor the fetal heartbeat at every
visit and document your perception of consistent fetal movement
Continue to monitor the growth of the fetus by belly...
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:The finish line may be in sight, but there's still plenty for your doctor to do:
