What really happens in your third trimester roles, is why they move closer together

Welcome to the home stretch! By the time you reach the third trimester (28 weeks postpartum), you’re in control of your excitement and exhaustion.

Good news? You will meet with your health care provider often now to monitor your baby’s growth and development, monitor your health, and answer all of your important prenatal questions.

Here’s what to expect during each third trimester.

What are your periods during the third trimester?

When you reach the third trimester (28 weeks to the end of pregnancy), you are probably worried about the arrival of the baby and want to rest as much as possible.

The good news is that you will meet with the doctor again and again to check the growth and development of your baby, so that you will be able to know exactly when it will be “go”. In the third trimester, there is usually a period every two weeks from weeks 28 to 36, so you will have a period once a week for the last month until you give birth. But every practice is different, so ask your provider if you have any questions about how often you should be exposed.

“I’m 32 weeks and I’m just starting my two-week session this week,” said BabyCenter Community member Bbroxmisox. “My last appointment was at 28 weeks. Then I will move every week at 36 weeks.”

Meanwhile, Community member Sharm256 says, “I’m starting my second cycle at week 34, and that will be my next period… so maybe every week at 36 or 38.”

In some activities where several experts share the call, you can make your own trips to get to know each one as your due date approaches. There is a chance that your doctor will not be there when you give birth, so this is a good opportunity to get to know other providers.

What happens during your third trimester?

You can expect:

• Check your blood pressure and weight.
• Test your urine for protein, sugar, and infection, although not all practices do this every time. Community member Justkeepswimming001 said: “I’ve had the same OB for all my pregnancies. In 2018, it was every appointment. In 2024 when I had my third, I was told I would have symptoms. I only had to do one urine sample for this pregnancy.”
• Hear your baby’s heartbeat using a Doppler.
• Measure the length of your pubic bone (the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus). At this time, the measurement corresponds to the number of weeks you are pregnant – for example, if you are 37 weeks, your fundus level may be about 37 cm.
• Discuss the results of previous tests and follow up on your experiences during pregnancy.
• Get an injection of Rh immune globulin (sometimes called RhIg or RhoGAM) at 28 weeks if you are Rh negative. This prevents your body from making antibodies that could harm your baby during birth.
• Check your cervix if you are past your due date. This is to see if your cervix is ​​getting ready to give birth. In most cases, doctors won’t do a cervical check unless they think it’s necessary, and you can refuse if you don’t feel well.

You don’t always get an ultrasound in the third trimester, but here are a few reasons why your doctor might give it to you:

• If your baby is measuring too small or too big, your doctor may order an ultrasound to check the size and amniotic fluid.
• If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may order an ultrasound to perform a biophysical profile (BPP) test, where they can check your baby’s movement and fluid level.
• Your doctor may order an ultrasound to check your baby’s position. If you notice that your baby is breech, your doctor may recommend that you do other things to change your baby’s position.

Some questions you can expect from your doctor include:

• How are you doing?
• Are you experiencing unusual aches and pains?
• Are you experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions (false contractions)?
• Are you struggling?
• How do you feel your baby move?
• Do you have sudden swelling?
• How are you feeling?
• Do you get enough sleep at night?
• How is your diet?

Whether or not they ask, tell your doctor about any symptoms you have, even if they seem like fatigue, depression, or pain.

Track your signs in real time: Download the BabyCenter app to record your Braxton Hicks, contractions, and energy levels so you’re ready to share information with your provider.

Be sure to also tell your doctor if you notice that your child is not working more than usual (he may ask you to count your child’s movement for a set time each day).

What tests can you take in the third trimester?

Group B strep

Between weeks 36 and 37, your doctor will do a swab of your stomach and intestines to check for an infection called group B strep. If you have HIV, you will be given antibiotics during delivery to prevent passing it on to your baby.

Gestational diabetes

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor will continue to monitor your blood sugar levels and make sure you are following a healthy diet and exercise routine. Your doctor may also order a third trimester ultrasound to monitor your baby’s growth and development.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (high blood pressure) usually begins during the third trimester. Symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Sudden swelling of the face and hands
• Sudden weight loss
• A severe or persistent headache
• Severe pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen or shoulder
• Protein in the urine

But most of the time, you don’t feel any symptoms. Preeclampsia is usually seen when your health care provider has a sudden drop in your blood pressure.

If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia and are 37 weeks pregnant, your doctor may want to deliver your baby. But if you are not at 37 weeks, your doctor will order an ultrasound and a heart check to see how well your baby is doing. In severe cases, your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital and consider an early delivery.

Twins are multiple

Carrying twins, triplets, and multiples is considered a high-risk pregnancy. Because you are at risk of premature labor, you may need to make frequent prenatal appointments, sometimes weekly. You will also need to have more tests, including ultrasounds and non-stress tests, which monitor your baby’s heartbeat to make sure they are doing well.

Placenta previa

If you’re diagnosed with placenta previa, which occurs when the uterus partially or completely covers the placenta, you’ll have a third-trimester ultrasound to see if the previa is gone. If not, you will have a C-section to deliver your baby safely.

Some women with placenta previa experience heavy bleeding, and in this case, your doctor may recommend a C-section to deliver your baby earlier. You will be given corticosteroids to help your baby’s lungs grow faster if your pregnancy is planned before 37 weeks.

Additional tests

Your blood may also be tested if you are anemic, especially if you have had bleeding in your stomach.

If you are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, you will also be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

Vaccination

Vaccines you get during pregnancy can pass antibodies to your baby, giving them immunity after birth. Your doctor may say the following:

• Tdap vaccine to protect you and your child from pertussis (whooping cough). Even if you’ve already been vaccinated, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all pregnant women get a booster between 27 and 36 weeks.
• RSV vaccine, flu shot, and COVID-19 vaccine if flu season (October through May) has arrived or is approaching.

What should you ask your ob-gyn at your third trimester appointment?

Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to write down any questions you may have for your doctor. This is a good time to start thinking about your birth plan, and what to expect after giving birth. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

And since you may not be in any shape to make important decisions after the birth, now is the time to start talking about whether you want your son to be circumcised, whether you want to breastfeed, and what you want to do to prevent miscarriage after birth. (Of course, you can always change your mind from now on.)

And if you haven’t found a doctor for your child, it’s time to start. Your doctor can give you other suggestions.

Finally, your doctor can show you symptoms of depression during pregnancy. But don’t wait to be asked. If you feel depressed or anxious, let your caregiver know. They can refer you to someone who can help you.

They may also ask about your support network at home after giving birth and mention the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). It is helpful to know how to distinguish “baby blues” caused by hormonal exhaustion from postpartum depression. If you think you are suffering from depression or anxiety, it is important to get help as soon as possible.