Video:What Are the Third Trimester Tests?

SHARE ON                

Transcript:What Are the Third Trimester Tests?

Hi. My name is Doctor Charletta Ayers, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, here for About.com.

Pregnancy: Third Trimester Tests

Today I'm going to explain what tests to expect on your third trimester. At this point in time there are three tests that will be specifically done on your third trimester. The first test as many of you have heard is called a group B strep. Group B Strep is found between 20 and 30 percent of all women. It's normal for women as adults, however, infants who may be exposed to this group B Strep may get severe infections. Pneumonie, Meningitis, or even overall infections. So, in order to prevent that what we do is we screen for Group B Strep between 35 and 37 weeks through a simple vaginal exam, by using a Q-Tip. The most important point is, when we do know that you're positive that we treat with antibiotics during labor. So, as the baby is going through the birth canal that that organism is treated and eradicated so that the baby can safely go through without being exposed to the group B Strep.

Other Third Trimester Tests

The other test that they will expect is another CBC if you have been anemic in the past. And the other is an HIV Screen right before labor.

Well, there is some risk regarding HIV where women could convert during their pregnancy. And the first HIV was negative, the earlier one, so now the recommendation is to repeat it in the third trimester. Now this test was based on the fact that some women had been negative, but when the baby was born the infant had been exposed to HIV.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.