The 36-week prenatal appointment marks a significant point in the third trimester, shifting the focus of care as the anticipated delivery date draws near. This visit ensures the continued well-being of both the expectant parent and the developing baby. It allows healthcare providers to assess progress, address concerns, and prepare for the upcoming birth.
Key Assessments and Screenings
During the 36-week prenatal visit, routine physical examinations monitor health. Healthcare providers measure weight and blood pressure, which are standard checks. A urine sample is also typically collected to screen for protein or glucose, helping to identify potential issues like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
The measurement of fundal height, the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, is an important assessment. This measurement helps gauge the baby’s growth; typically, after 36 weeks, the fundal height may decrease slightly as the baby begins to descend into the pelvis, preparing for labor. Factors like the baby’s position or the amount of amniotic fluid can influence this measurement, and an ultrasound may be recommended if there are significant deviations.
A screening performed around 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy is for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). GBS is a common bacterium found in the vagina or rectum of about 25% of healthy pregnant individuals, usually without causing symptoms for the carrier. The screening involves a swab of the vagina and rectum. A positive GBS result can pose a risk to the newborn during vaginal delivery. If positive, intravenous (IV) antibiotics are administered during labor to reduce the risk of the baby developing serious infections like sepsis or meningitis.
The healthcare provider also assesses the baby’s position within the uterus at this appointment. This is often done through external palpation of the abdomen, feeling for the baby’s head, bottom, and back. The preferred position for delivery is head-down, facing the parent’s back, known as cephalic or occiput anterior presentation. If the baby is not in a head-down position, such as breech (feet or bottom first), the provider may discuss options like an external cephalic version (ECV) to manually turn the baby, or consider alternative delivery plans.
Important Discussions and Preparations
The 36-week appointment provides an opportunity for a discussion about labor and delivery. Healthcare providers review the signs of labor, distinguishing between true labor contractions and Braxton Hicks “practice” contractions. They explain what to look for, such as regular, intensifying contractions, the breaking of water, or a “bloody show,” and guide when to contact the clinic or head to the hospital.
This visit is also a time to discuss or finalize birth preferences, often referred to as a birth plan. Topics might include pain management options during labor, delivery expectations, and specific wishes for the birthing experience. It allows the expectant parent to communicate their preferences and understand what is feasible and safe within the hospital or birthing center setting.
Practical preparations for birth are also covered. Discussions may include packing a hospital bag for both the birthing parent and the baby, understanding the route to the hospital or birthing center, and identifying who will accompany them during labor. The appointment also serves as a forum for the expectant parent to ask questions or voice concerns about labor, delivery, or the postpartum period.
What to Expect Going Forward
Following the 36-week appointment, prenatal visits typically increase to weekly until delivery. This increased frequency is designed to closely monitor both the birthing parent’s health and the baby’s development as the due date nears.
Weekly visits continue with routine checks like blood pressure, weight, and fetal heart rate monitoring. They may also involve checks for labor progression, such as cervical examinations, if indicated. The goal of these frequent appointments is to ensure a safe and healthy delivery by identifying and addressing any changes or concerns that may arise in the final weeks of pregnancy.