List of tests prescribed during pregnancy. Complete plan of examinations during pregnancy

The test confirmed the pregnancy and now you find yourself wondering when and what tests you need to know and what examinations to undergo. Of course, the progress of pregnancy cannot be left uncontrolled. It is necessary to avoid all possible risks and help the body cope with the upcoming stress, prepare it for the successful birth of a healthy baby. Let's consider at what time and what kind of research will be needed to control the situation and realize that the pregnancy is proceeding normally.

Mandatory tests in the first trimester

What else, besides the first ultrasound, will the doctor prescribe? And he will assign the following:

1. General and biochemical blood tests.
2. Checking blood for clotting.
3. Tests for group B and C hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, rubella, herpes, toxoplasmosis (these diseases affect the intrauterine development of the fetus).
4. Donating blood to determine your blood group and Rh factor.
5. General urine test (be prepared to take it a couple of days before each visit to the doctor).
6. Carrying out an electrocardiogram (ECG).
7. Vaginal smear for microflora and sexually transmitted infections.
8. From 11 to 12 weeks, a biochemical screening will be prescribed - a blood test for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin and plasma protein (they are responsible for the increased risk of genetic diseases)
9. Conducting mandatory consultations with a therapist, otolaryngologist, ophthalmologist, and dentist. If you have any diseases, the list of specialists will be expanded.

The doctor will review the results of all studies, enter the necessary notes and data into your medical record, after which you will be weighed and asked questions regarding your well-being and changes in your body. There are no unimportant details in this process. So, try not to miss anything and under no circumstances hide anything. You are responsible not only for your condition, but also for the development and health of the unborn baby.

Mandatory tests in the second trimester

What else is typical for the second trimester? Before each visit to a specialist managing the course of your pregnancy, you will have to take a general urine test. What about blood tests, then in the normal course of pregnancy it will take place from 18 to 20 weeks. If necessary due to health conditions, tests are carried out more than once.

At the same time, from 18 to 21 weeks, the doctor prescribes a second ultrasound, which is mandatory for any development of pregnancy.

From 24 to 28 weeks you will have to take a test to determine your glucose levels. It reveals the presence of hidden diabetes in the body of a pregnant woman. This analysis is carried out on an empty stomach and is warned about this in advance. Follow these instructions so that the analysis result is as accurate as possible.

Mandatory tests in the third trimester

What can be highlighted in relation to medical procedures upcoming in the third trimester of pregnancy?

At week 30 it will be necessary to:

1. General biochemical blood test.
2. Test for blood sugar levels.
3. Repeated tests for HIV, hepatitis group B and C, syphilis, blood clotting.
4. An analysis that detects antibodies to rubella and cytomegalovirus.
5. A vaginal smear that determines the state of the microflora before the expected birth. It is done from 34 to 36 weeks.
6. Third ultrasound.
7. Doppler testing is a study that helps determine the state of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus and placenta.

I will not describe cases with pregnancy complications due to the fact that all these situations are individual in nature. Depending on the presence of certain diseases or abnormalities, the doctor monitoring your health and the progress of pregnancy prescribes additional studies, tests, observations from specialists and treatment or procedures.

Well, expectant mothers, we can only wish you to be responsible, vigilant and treat all research with due attention. Follow your doctor's instructions and take care of your health. Let your pregnancy be easy, and the upcoming birth only delight you with the appearance of your beloved baby!

Physical examination

See the chapter “Clinical methods of examination of pregnant women”.

Laboratory research

· When registering a pregnant woman, a general blood and urine test, determination of blood group and Rh, and determination of blood glucose levels are required.

· If you have a history of stillbirth, miscarriage, or extragenital diseases, you should:

Determine the content of hemolysins in the blood of a pregnant woman;
- establish the blood type and Rh affiliation of the husband’s blood, especially when determining negative Rh- factor or blood group 0(I) in a pregnant woman;
- conduct research for the presence of pathogens of urogenital infection using a quantitative method PCR diagnostics;

Determine hormone excretion, indicators of immunoresistance, as well as all necessary research to judge the presence and nature of the course of extragenital diseases;
- for pregnant women with a burdened obstetric, family and gynecological history, conduct medical genetic counseling.

· Subsequent laboratory tests are carried out at the following times:

Complete blood count - once a month, and from 30 weeks of pregnancy - once a month
2 weeks;
- general urine test - at each visit;
- blood test for AFP, hCG - at 16–20 weeks;
- blood glucose level - at 22–24 and 36–37 weeks;
- coagulogram - at 36–37 weeks;
- bacteriological (desirable) and bacterioscopic (required) examination of vaginal discharge - at 30 weeks

· Screening for infections (see chapter “Infection screening”). Most infections diagnosed during pregnancy, do not deserve special concern, since in most cases they do not affect the course pregnancy, the risk of intrauterine or intrapartum infection. Therefore, for those who are leading a pregnant woman, It is important not to apply unnecessary restrictions to pregnancy and not to waste the available resources thoughtlessly. resources.

When a pregnant woman is registered, she is examined for syphilis (Wassermann reaction), hepatitis B and C, HIV infection. In addition, microscopic, microbiological and cytological examination is necessary smears and scrapings from the vagina and cervix to detect STIs (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia).
- Testing for syphilis and HIV is repeated at 30 weeks and 2–3 weeks before birth.

Additional research methods

· An ECG is performed for all pregnant women at the first appearance and at 36–37 weeks, if there are special indications - as necessary.

· Ultrasound is performed three times during pregnancy: first, to exclude pathology in the development of the fetal egg - on up to 12 weeks; second, for the purpose of diagnosing congenital malformation of the fetus - at a period of 18–20 weeks; the third - at 32–34 weeks.

· A study of the clinical significance of additional ultrasound methods in late pregnancy revealed increase in the number of cases of antenatal hospitalization and induced labor without any improvement outcomes.

The usefulness of ultrasound has been proven in special clinical situations:
– when determining the exact signs of vital activity or death of the fetus;
– when assessing the development of a fetus with suspected FGR;
– when determining the location of the placenta;
– confirmation of multiple pregnancy;
– assessment of the volume of AF in cases of suspected high or low hydramnios;
– clarifying the position of the fetus;
– with some invasive interventions.

· CTG. There is no evidence to support the routine use of CTG in the antenatal period as a additional checks on the well-being of the fetus during pregnancy. The use of this method is only indicated when a sudden decrease in fetal movements or antepartum hemorrhage.

Fetal movement assessment is a simple diagnostic method that can be used in a comprehensive assessment fetal condition in high-risk pregnant women.

Subjective assessment of fetal movement. Pregnant women should be offered informal monitoring fetal movements for self-control. Deterioration of fetal movements during the day is an alarming symptom during pregnancy, which must be reported to the expectant mother at one of the first appointments (no later than the 20th weeks) so that she can orient herself in time and seek medical help.

Counting the number of fetal movements. Two different methods have been proposed, but there is no data on the advantages of one over the other.

– Cardiff Method: starting from 9 am, the woman, lying or sitting, should concentrate on the movements of the fetus and record how long it takes for the fetus to make 10 movements. If the fetus has not made 10 movements before 9 evening, the woman should consult a specialist to assess the condition of the fetus.

– Sadowski’s technique: within one hour after eating, a woman should, if possible, lie down, concentrate on fetal movements. If the patient has not felt 4 movements within an hour, she should fix them for the second hour. If after two hours the patient has not felt 4 movements, she should contact a specialist.

Routine counting of fetal movements leads to more frequent detection of decreased fetal activity, more frequent use of additional methods for assessing the condition of the fetus, more frequent hospitalizations pregnant women and to an increase in the number of induced births. However, there is no data on the effectiveness of counting fetal movements to prevent late antenatal fetal death.

The very first and most basic sign of pregnancy is a delay in menstruation. If menstruation is delayed, it is recommended to have an ectopic pregnancy.”

First trimester (0 to 12 weeks)

After pregnancy is determined, a woman must register with the antenatal clinic at her place of residence. However, you can also be observed during this period in paid medical centers specializing in pregnancy management.

When registering

A triple test designed to study the “genetic health” of the unborn child. Blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and unconjugated estriol (NE) are determined. Based on the deviation of the level of these substances from the norm, one can suspect some chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus (in particular, Down syndrome). Sometimes it is recommended to take this test twice, with an interval of 1-2 weeks, between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This study is considered optional, therefore, as a rule, there is a fee.

Do not panic if the results of the “triple test” show a deviation from the norm. According to the literature, the test can give erroneous results in approximately 9.3% of cases. To clarify the result, the woman is sent for an additional examination - amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is a study of amniotic fluid, which allows you to confirm the presence or absence of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. The study is carried out under ultrasound control. Before this examination, the doctor should warn that in a small percentage of cases (about 1%) amniocentesis can cause a miscarriage.

In the second half of pregnancy, a woman should visit a gynecologist more often: once every 2 weeks (in the normal course of pregnancy).

Third trimester (from 24 weeks until birth)

At 24-26 weeks pregnancy, the next scheduled ultrasound is prescribed. During this study, the doctor examines the structure of the baby’s body, looks for congenital malformations of the internal systems of the body, determines the gender of the child, the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid, the place of attachment of the placenta and its condition.

At the same time, a clinical blood test is taken, which shows the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and, consequently, the presence or absence of anemia.

After 30 weeks the woman begins to visit the gynecologist every two weeks. Then the doctor issues the pregnant woman an exchange card, which contains the results of all tests and examinations. From now on, she must go everywhere with this card, since childbirth can happen at any time, and without an exchange card, doctors can admit a woman giving birth only to a specialized maternity hospital, where women without a specific place of residence, without tests, nonresidents without registration, etc. are admitted. .

After 32 weeks The gynecologist arranges maternity leave if the woman works.

At 33-34 weeks Doppler sonography is performed - a study that allows you to evaluate blood flow in the vessels of the uterus, placenta and main vessels of the child. Modern ultrasound technologies make it possible to accurately locate the vessel under study, assess the nature of blood flow and conduct Doppler measurements - a quantitative assessment of blood flow in the area of ​​interest. The study allows you to find out whether the child is getting enough oxygen and nutrients. If the blood flow rate is reduced, the gynecologist may prescribe *cardiotocography (CTG)**.

Using CTG, the tone of the uterus and the presence of its contractile activity, as well as the motor activity of the child, are determined. Possible intrauterine hypoxia of the fetus is assessed by motor activity. To perform CTG, the pregnant woman is placed on a couch, and tapes with sensors are attached to her stomach. Within 30 - 40 minutes, the instrument readings are printed on paper tape or reflected on the display monitor.

At 35–36 weeks a blood test for AIDS, syphilis, a biochemical blood test, and a vaginal smear are taken again. At the same time, the last ultrasound is performed, with the help of which the doctor assesses the condition of the placenta, the height and weight of the child, its position in the uterus (head or pelvic presentation), the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, water clarity).

In case of deviations from the norm

If the results of tests or examinations reveal any problem in the condition of the pregnant woman or child, the woman is taken under special control. Namely, medications are prescribed that improve blood flow through the placenta, and additional ultrasound and Doppler measurements are performed after a week or two. The last two examinations are also carried out when the expected date of birth (EDD) has arrived, but labor does not begin.

However, there is no need to be nervous and panic that labor is delayed. At each visit, the doctor will assess your condition and, if necessary, give a referral to the maternity hospital.

When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she is overwhelmed by a huge wave of various questions, among which important is information about the tests and examinations required by specialists for registration. While carrying a child, a woman will have to undergo a number of examinations and diagnostic procedures that will identify changes in the condition of both the pregnant woman and the child.

The most important and important task initially is timely registration in the antenatal clinic at the place of residence, or in a paid medical center, the main specialization of which is pregnancy management. This must be done before twelve weeks, then pregnant women are due payments from the state after childbirth. When registering with a medical institution, the specialist whose responsibility will be to manage the pregnancy must give you directions for a number of examinations.

During the first visit, the doctor must conduct a survey during which he asks the woman all the important data: the pregnant woman’s residential address, information about general physical and, in particular, sexual development, the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the age of onset of sexual activity, past and existing gynecological diseases, health status of the child’s father. All this information is recorded in the woman’s individual card. The pregnant woman is given an exchange card, which she will have to bring to the appointment for all visits to the doctor. Tests prescribed by a doctor during pregnancy have an important role and allow the specialist to prevent a number of complications and diseases.

Pre-pregnancy examinations

When planning a pregnancy, every expectant mother must also undergo a series of tests that will help identify the presence of all kinds of diseases and infections in order to try to eliminate them as quickly as possible. Before pregnancy, it is recommended to undergo examination for the presence of infections in the body that pose a danger to the intrauterine development of the fetus:

1. Toxoplasmosis;
2. Herpes;
3. Rubella;
4. Cytomegalovirus.

Also, some time before the onset of a planned pregnancy, it is necessary to be tested for STDs. Such precautions will help you avoid unpleasant surprises, as well as prevent the development of serious developmental pathologies in your child.

General examination and examination

When visiting a gynecologist, a gynecological examination of the pregnant woman will be performed using speculum, then the doctor will take smears, listen to the lungs and heart, examine the mammary glands to confirm the absence of lumps, and remove and record the size of the pelvis.

A gynecological examination, in which the fingers are felt from the inside of the genitals and light pressure is applied to the abdominal wall from the abdomen, allows the gynecologist to understand the state of the internal organs of the reproductive system, helps to recognize inflammatory diseases and all sorts of disorders in the activity of the reproductive organs. Unpleasant sensations and bloody discharge during such an examination indicate possible gynecological pathologies.

At each appointment, the doctor must take a number of measurements: check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. The weight gain or loss of a pregnant woman must be monitored.

Mandatory tests 1st trimester

Each stage of pregnancy has its own tests and examinations. Some of them will be repeated throughout the entire period of bearing a child, others only need to be completed once. In the first three months, a woman passes:

A routine examination by highly specialized doctors is also important for a pregnant woman, during which it becomes possible to identify the health problems the expectant mother has and take measures to eliminate them. Registering a pregnant woman requires approximately a week to undergo the following doctors:

1. A dentist who will examine the oral cavity for diseases that can subsequently cause toxicosis;
2. An otolaryngologist (ENT) who will examine your throat;
3. An ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist) checking vision and the condition of the fundus;
4. A surgeon whose task is to examine veins and limbs for the presence of edema;
5. A cardiologist who performs an ECG. If there are heart problems, the doctor prescribes the necessary examinations;
6. An endocrinologist who will assess the condition of the thyroid gland for its enlargement and determine the possibility of a genetic predisposition to diabetes;
7. A therapist who makes a general conclusion about the state of health of the pregnant woman;
8. Genetics. This is especially true for women after 35 years of age, since with age the risk of a child developing genetic diseases increases.

Examinations of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

The middle period of pregnancy is characterized by increased and active growth of the fetus, so visits to the doctor will become more frequent. At each examination, in addition to standard parameters, the doctor will measure the height of the uterine fundus. This is the distance from the pubic bone to where the uterus ends. This is done in order to assess the growth rate of the fetus and the readiness of the mother’s body to bear it. The main examinations of the 2nd trimester are:

1. Conducting an ultrasound of the fetus, which is mandatory and shows how the child’s development process is going at this stage;
2. A comprehensive examination, or second screening, which consists of an ultrasound scan and blood testing for hormones. This examination is carried out at the request of the woman to clarify the risk of developing fetal defects and is not mandatory;
3. General urine analysis. It is given at every visit to the doctor. With its help, kidney function is assessed throughout pregnancy, which is an important and significant indicator of its normal course and successful delivery;
4. Second examination for syphilis.

In addition to the main ones, there are additional examinations during pregnancy that a woman undergoes at this stage:

• Measuring the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at 15-18 weeks, which is carried out if the doctor suspects a developmental delay in the fetus or a missed abortion;
• If gestational diabetes is suspected, a blood sugar test is performed;
• Coagulogram (analysis showing the level of blood clotting).

The most important tests and examinations in the last 3 months of pregnancy

From the twenty-eighth week, each visit to the gynecologist will be accompanied by an examination of the pregnant woman’s legs for the presence of varicose veins. This is done for the purpose of timely prevention of the disease and its treatment. The fetal heartbeat is also constantly heard. At this time, specialists who examined the pregnant woman in the 1st trimester are most often prescribed again.

At 32-34, cardiotocography is performed, which will allow you to monitor the condition of the child’s heart and its movements. Three weeks before the expected date of birth, a woman is recommended to visit her gynecologist weekly.

Analyzes and studies of the last trimester:

1. Routine ultrasound examination at 30-36 weeks, or third screening. It is performed to find out what position the baby is in the womb and to assess the general condition of the placenta and umbilical cord;
2. Biochemical blood test at 29-30 weeks. At the final stages of pregnancy, this test is repeated in order to identify problems in the functioning of the internal organs and systems of the expectant mother. The results will allow the specialist to timely correct problems that have arisen before the onset of the delivery process;
3. Complete blood count at 30 and 36 weeks. This is an analysis that allows you to track the general health of the expectant mother;
4. General urine analysis;
5. Smear during pregnancy for microflora at 30 and 36 weeks. It is carried out to prevent infection of the child, which is possible during childbirth due to the presence of various infections in the cells of the mother’s internal genital organs;
6. Third examination for syphilis at 28-30 weeks. Since the disease develops over a fairly long period of time, a woman may not be aware of its presence in her body. Therefore, it is very important to undergo an appropriate examination before entering the maternity hospital;
7. HIV test at 30 weeks. Sometimes performed immediately before childbirth. If for some reason a woman does not have this test, she will not be allowed to give birth in the general room, but will be sent to the observation department with the other infected people.

Additional research and analysis from this period:

• If there is a Rh conflict, a blood test is performed to determine the presence of antibodies. In order to prevent the destruction of the baby's cells in the mother's womb, at 28 weeks an injection of human anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin D is given;
• Dopplerography, which is a study of the vessels of the uterus, placenta and fetus. Thanks to the results of the study, the doctor determines how much nutrients and oxygen the fetus receives;

If the pregnancy is normal and there are no complications, the woman visits the gynecologist up to twelve times during the prenatal period.

Rules for taking tests

1. The blood test must be taken exclusively on an empty stomach, usually in the morning. However, drinking water is allowed, as this does not affect test results. Usually blood is taken from a vein, because this method of analysis is the most informative. In some consultations, blood for general analysis is still taken from a finger.
2. During pregnancy, it is customary to collect a general urine test at home during the first morning trip to the toilet. To do this, you need to prepare a special container (you can buy it at the pharmacy), which should be thoroughly washed before use. Also, before collecting the analysis, it is important to carry out hygiene procedures, in which the external genitalia also need to be washed in the shower with soap.

In order for the process of bearing a child to proceed calmly and without complications, and for the birth to take place safely, it is necessary to conduct regular preventive examinations. Diagnosis of the condition of mother and child allows one to avoid complications or detect them in the shortest possible time.

Tests during pregnancy and instrumental studies are performed at a fixed time, since the time of the most favorable diagnostic procedure has been determined.

All tests during pregnancy can be divided by week, such a list will be presented below. In addition, studies are divided into mandatory and optional, the latter being performed only when indicated. This article will discuss in detail the mandatory tests during pregnancy.

Dates

When is a particular study prescribed? What tests should be taken by trimester? How often should you donate blood? Such questions often arise among pregnant women. A table that shows examinations by week helps you navigate:

It is useful for every woman to know not only what tests need to be taken in certain weeks, but also what the described examinations can detect. We suggest sorting them out by trimester of pregnancy.

First trimester

The greatest number of tests are taken in the first trimester of pregnancy. What is this connected with? The thing is that doctors are trying to determine the likelihood of complications developing as early as possible in order to have time to prepare the woman, eliminate the pathology, or even terminate the pregnancy if it is impossible to continue.

Why are blood tests taken so often during pregnancy? The thing is that the method of general and biochemical blood tests allows you to assess the condition of various human organ systems and detect pathology.

Laboratory research

Why do you need to take certain tests? Various examinations in the first trimester are carried out for a specific purpose:

1. Complete blood count – This test counts blood cells and other indicators. A lack of red blood cells and hemoglobin indicates anemia and requires correction to prevent oxygen starvation of the fetus. An increase in white blood cells may indicate the presence of an infectious process. When the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases, it is a sign of active inflammation.
2. Biochemical blood test - shows the condition of the liver and kidneys, as well as protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. If one or another indicator increases above the norm, additional diagnostics and treatment are carried out.
3. Coagulogram is a study that determines blood clotting ability. A decrease in indicators indicates a risk of bleeding and requires correction.
4. Urinalysis is the main method for assessing kidney function. It can also detect inflammation of the urogenital tract.
5. Serological tests for HIV and hepatitis are necessary for the proper management of women with a positive result. The patient takes appropriate medications, and delivery is often performed by cesarean section.
6. Tests for cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes and toxoplasmosis are needed to prevent severe malformations in the fetus. To ensure that these diseases do not cause complications, the necessary treatment is carried out, and sometimes the pregnancy has to be terminated.
7. An analysis of blood group and Rh factor is necessary to detect a possible Rh conflict between mother and fetus.
8. A smear on vaginal flora and analysis for sexually transmitted infections are needed for timely treatment of relevant inflammatory diseases in the early stages.
9. Double test - evaluates the amount of hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein. An increase in these proteins suggests the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal malformations.

At first glance, a woman will face a large number of tests, but all of them are needed for a full diagnosis and timely prevention.

Instrumental methods

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman needs to undergo only 2 instrumental examinations: an electrocardiogram and an ultrasound.

An ECG is necessary to assess the condition of a pregnant woman's heart. The procedure indicates the presence of defects, arrhythmias, conduction disorders, hypertrophy of one or another department. Women with congenital and acquired defects, as well as arrhythmias, should consult a cardiologist to decide on the possibility of prolonging pregnancy.

Ultrasound examination is a key method for diagnosing the condition of the fetus. The technique pursues the following goals:

• Determining a possible ectopic pregnancy.
• Detection of multiple pregnancy.
• Estimation of embryo parameters.
• Determination of fetal vital signs.
• Determination of malformations or complications of pregnancy.

The procedure is absolutely painless and safe for the child.

Doctor consultations

The list of mandatory diagnostic measures in the first trimester also includes consultations with specialist doctors. Which doctors should examine a woman?

A dentist and an otolaryngologist (ENT) examine a pregnant woman to detect chronic foci of infection. Caries, chronic otitis media or tonsillitis should be cured in the early stages of pregnancy, and if possible even before its onset. This plays an important role in the prevention of infectious complications.

The ophthalmologist must determine whether there is a possibility of vision deterioration during pregnancy and childbirth and prevent possible complications.

The therapist identifies concomitant pathologies of organs and systems and gives an opinion on the results of the tests. If necessary, he clarifies what else needs to be tested to make a diagnosis and refers to specialists.

Second trimester

The tests that need to be taken in the second trimester partially repeat those described above. In addition, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist daily, before which you must undergo a general urine test.

Laboratory research

You can also take blood tests monthly if there is a need to evaluate their indicators. In the case of a normal pregnancy without anemia and inflammatory diseases, blood tests are taken once every 18–20 weeks.

A general urine test is designed to monitor the absence of urogenital infections, as well as manifestations of pregnancy toxicosis and renal failure.

Glucose tolerance test - detects hidden insulin deficiency in the body. This condition is a predisposing factor to the development of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy. During the procedure, you have to drink a sweet glucose solution. Doing this is extremely unpleasant, but necessary to detect pathology.

Urine culture is performed to detect infections of the urogenital tract.

Ultrasound

Of the instrumental studies in the second trimester, only ultrasound screening is performed. The study determines:

• Fruit size.
• Correspondence of the development of organs and systems to age.
• Indicators and sizes of the placenta, amniotic fluid volume, umbilical cord.
• Motor activity of the baby.
• Gender of the child.
• Presence of developmental defects.

If deviations are detected, a gynecologist is consulted to determine treatment tactics. If necessary, a woman is sent for a triple test to determine the risk of genetic diseases.

Third trimester

Despite the fact that in the third trimester most tests repeat those that the woman underwent earlier, they still need to be taken, because the period of preparation of the body for childbirth begins. At this point, the intended method of delivery is established, and the necessary measures are taken to ensure that the birth takes place safely.

Laboratory research

At 30 weeks, the blood is checked again using general and biochemical analysis, and serological tests are performed for infections. The presence of active viral or bacterial inflammation changes the management of the third period and childbirth.

In addition, at 34–36 weeks, a vaginal smear for microflora is repeated. If an active infection is detected, it is treated, and delivery is performed surgically.

Instrumental methods

In the third trimester, the fetus is already sufficiently developed for a thorough ultrasound examination. During an ultrasound, the following is determined:

• The state of the baby's cardiovascular and nervous system.
• Degree of development of the skeleton and skull.
• Malformations of internal organs.
• Condition of the organs of the abdominal cavity and genitourinary system.
• Assessment of the function of the placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord.
• The presence or absence of entanglement of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck is determined.

In addition to ultrasound diagnostics, cardiotocography is performed in the third trimester. This safe and non-invasive test allows you to evaluate the number of fetal heartbeats and movements in a certain unit of time.

All studies during pregnancy are aimed at timely diagnosis and prevention. A pregnant woman must take responsibility for her health and the condition of the baby so that the period of pregnancy and childbirth passes without complications.