Third Trimester of Pregnancy: The Home Stretch

The third trimester marks the final, exciting milestone of your pregnancy journey. Spanning from week 27 until your baby’s birth, this phase is often filled with anticipation as you prepare for labor and delivery.

While you may experience new physical challenges as your baby grows rapidly, our medical team is here to support your comfort and peace of mind. At the Women’s Health and Menopause Center in West Bloomfield, our board-certified OB/GYNs provide comprehensive, compassionate prenatal care to ensure a safe, healthy delivery.

Essential Third Trimester Testing & Screenings

Most foundational prenatal testing takes place during your first and second trimesters. However, a few critical screenings are necessary during these final months to protect you and your baby:

Group Beta Streptococcus (GBS) Culture (Week 36): GBS is a common bacteria that can naturally live in the body. Therefore, we perform a quick, routine vaginal and rectal culture at 36 weeks. If the test is positive, we simply administer antibiotics during your labor to safely prevent passing the bacteria to your baby.
Routine Cervical Examinations (Weeks 39–40): During your final weekly visits, your provider will perform gentle pelvic exams to evaluate your cervix. Specifically, we check for dilation (opening) and effacement (thinning) to monitor how your body is naturally preparing for labor.

Helpful Pregnancy & Childbirth Resources

We want you to feel fully prepared and confident as you approach your due date. Therefore, you can explore these expert resources compiled by our medical team:

Trimester Guides: Review how far you have come by checking our First Trimester and Second Trimester overviews.
Community Education: Learn more about hands-on Birthing Classes available for expectant parents in our area to help you prepare for labor and newborn care.
Future Planning: Additionally, review trusted Cord Blood Bank Information to explore long-term storage options for your growing family.
Dietary Guides: Download our Glucose Tolerance Preparatory Diet – Meal Plan (PDF) for foundational pregnancy nutrition advice.