Late obstetric screening (3rd trimester):
Third Trimester Screening During Pregnancy:
What is it?
• A routine ultrasound examination conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Typically scheduled between 30–34 weeks of gestation.
• The main goal is to assess the growth and development of the baby in the later stages, prepare for delivery, and evaluate the overall condition of the mother and fetus.
Why is the third screening done:
• To monitor the growth and weight of the fetus and its correspondence to the gestational age.
• To assess the baby's position in the uterus (head-down, breech, or transverse).
• To check the maturity and location of the placenta.
• To diagnose hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) or intrauterine growth restriction.
• To determine the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid.
• To prepare for choosing the delivery strategy.
What can be seen on the ultrasound:
• Accurate measurements of the fetus and estimated weight.
• The condition and maturity of internal organs.
• The baby's heart activity and breathing movements.
• The position of the fetus relative to the birth canal.
• The degree of placental maturity and its attachment.
• The amount of amniotic fluid.
• Possible signs of complications (growth restriction, hypoxia).
When is it scheduled:
• Routinely for all pregnant women at 30–34 weeks.
• Unscheduled in cases of pregnancy complications, suspected fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, or placental dysfunction.
How the procedure is conducted:
• Performed through the abdomen (transabdominally).
• The patient lies on her back, the doctor applies gel to the abdomen and moves the transducer, with the image displayed on a screen.
• The procedure lasts about 10-15 minutes.
Features:
• The third screening may be supplemented with Doppler studies (measuring blood flow in the fetal vessels, placenta, and umbilical cord).
• Sometimes cardiotocography (CTG) is performed to assess the baby's heart activity.
• This is the final routine ultrasound before delivery, helping to predict the course of labor and prepare for it.
What is it?
• A routine ultrasound examination conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Typically scheduled between 30–34 weeks of gestation.
• The main goal is to assess the growth and development of the baby in the later stages, prepare for delivery, and evaluate the overall condition of the mother and fetus.
Why is the third screening done:
• To monitor the growth and weight of the fetus and its correspondence to the gestational age.
• To assess the baby's position in the uterus (head-down, breech, or transverse).
• To check the maturity and location of the placenta.
• To diagnose hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) or intrauterine growth restriction.
• To determine the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid.
• To prepare for choosing the delivery strategy.
What can be seen on the ultrasound:
• Accurate measurements of the fetus and estimated weight.
• The condition and maturity of internal organs.
• The baby's heart activity and breathing movements.
• The position of the fetus relative to the birth canal.
• The degree of placental maturity and its attachment.
• The amount of amniotic fluid.
• Possible signs of complications (growth restriction, hypoxia).
When is it scheduled:
• Routinely for all pregnant women at 30–34 weeks.
• Unscheduled in cases of pregnancy complications, suspected fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, or placental dysfunction.
How the procedure is conducted:
• Performed through the abdomen (transabdominally).
• The patient lies on her back, the doctor applies gel to the abdomen and moves the transducer, with the image displayed on a screen.
• The procedure lasts about 10-15 minutes.
Features:
• The third screening may be supplemented with Doppler studies (measuring blood flow in the fetal vessels, placenta, and umbilical cord).
• Sometimes cardiotocography (CTG) is performed to assess the baby's heart activity.
• This is the final routine ultrasound before delivery, helping to predict the course of labor and prepare for it.
