Third trimester: Screens and tests

Biophysical profile

This test is the combination of an ultrasound and nonstress test (see below). The ultrasound provides information about the amount of amniotic fluid. It can also provide information about your baby's muscle tone, activity, and breathing movements.

It assesses your baby's well-being in the last weeks of pregnancy. If a pregnancy is high-risk or over 40 weeks, it helps determine whether to start labor

Contraction stress test or oxytocin challenge test

You are given a medicine (usually PitocinŽ) to start contractions. An electronic fetal monitor tracks and records these contractions and your baby's heart rate..

This test shows whether your baby is getting enough oxygen to handle contractions well. It helps determine whether to start labor or deliver the baby by Cesarean. It may be done if a nonstress test indicates there might be a problem..).

Fetal fibronectin test

A swab is used to get a sample of the discharge from your vagina. This is checked for fibronectin, a glue-like substance that connects the amniotic sac around your baby to the inner wall of your uterus.

A swab is used to get a sample of the discharge from your vagina. This is checked for fibronectin, a glue-like substance that connects the amniotic sac around your baby to the inner wall of your uterus

Group B streptococcus

Your vagina and anus are swabbed. The secretions are cultured to see if the bacteria are present.

Group B streptococcus is on the skin of 10 to 30 percent of American women. It does not cause illness in adults but can cause a very serious illness in newborns. If the bacteria are present, you will be given intravenous (IV) antibiotics in labor. This will help prevent your baby from getting sick. The test is done between 35 and 37 weeks.

Hemoglobin

Your blood is drawn and tested for the number of red blood cells.

This is a test for anemia. If the hemoglobin in your red blood cell count is low, you may need to take iron supplements and eat more iron-rich foods..)

Non-stress test

An electronic fetal monitor records your baby's heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes. During that time you indicate when you feel your baby move. Sometimes sound or vibration is used to get your baby to move.

This test gives information about your baby's health. Normal changes in the heart rate when your baby moves indicate well-being. This test can be combined with an ultrasound as part of a biophysical profile.

Rh antibody test:

A small amount of your blood is drawn and tested for antibodies.

This test is done to see if you have produced antibodies that can hurt your baby's blood. This test is only done if you are Rh negative. For more information see pages 70-71.