7 Common Third Trimester Tests Every Pregnant Women Should Take

It is imperative to ensure that the baby and the mother are fine during all the three trimesters of pregnancy. This is why doctors recommend a number of tests at each trimester to ensure that the various health indices are healthy.

If your doctor recommends any of the following seven tests during the third trimester, do not hesitate to take them, as these are seven of the most important last trimester pregnancy tests.

7 Important Pregnancy Tests For Third Trimester Weeks

Test 1 - Group B streptococcus screening

Group B streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can found in the bowel, bladder, throat, and most importantly, in the female reproductive tract. These may not show any symptoms despite being present. The bacteria may sometimes cause serious placenta infection or a life-threatening infection in the newborn. Get this test done in the third trimester of pregnancy to avoid any such problem and to enable the doctor to suggest the right treatment for the well-being of the baby. Also, read more about placenta during pregnancy here

Test 2 - STI Tests

Another common third trimester pregnancy test is screening for any sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Some of the common tests recommend during the last few weeks of pregnancy include tests for HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The chlamydia test can be done at home and is as easy as conducting a home pregnancy test.

Test 3 - The nonstress test

This is one of the recommended fetal tests to ensure the well-being of the baby. Although this test is not recommended for everyone, it is still as important as any other pregnancy test. It monitors the fetal heartbeat as the baby moves around in the womb. The frequency of this test depends on the health of the mother and the baby during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Test 4 - Contraction Stress Tests (CSTs)

Your doctor may also recommend a contraction stress test in the last few weeks of the pregnancy. This test also monitors the fetal heart rate, but it checks the status under mild contraction pains stimulated with a small dose of Pitocin in the third trimester. This helps in taking proper safety measures, if any are required, during childbirth.

Test 5 – Ultrasound tests

Ultrasound scanning is one of the tests that the doctor may recommend at multiple intervals during pregnancy and not just in the third trimester. This is one of the first tests after taking a home pregnancy test that you may take in the beginning of the pregnancy and may continue to take till childbirth as well. It helps track fetal growth and identify any problems with the placenta.

Test 6 - Biophysical profile

A biophysical profile combines ultrasound and a non-stress test to get a more detailed observation and precise evaluation of the baby during the third trimester of pregnancy. The ultrasound also gives a good idea of the child's position in the womb.

Test 7 – Amniocentesis

This test is performed if the doctor suspects a chorioamnionitis infection and can help detect chromosomal issues, like Down syndrome. It is performed by the withdrawal of amniotic fluid via a long, thin needle. The third trimester of pregnancy can be exhausting, especially with all the tests you will have to take. Know more about third trimester discomforts & measures to ease the pain here.

All of the above-mentioned tests are safe and well-developed. These tests help the doctor ensure optimum well-being of the mother and the baby so that any necessary safety measures can be taken during pregnancy, child-birth, and even after childbirth.