Learn more about the third trimester of pregnancy

It’s almost time to meet your baby. The third trimester of pregnancy is at 28 to 40 weeks, and you will be visiting our Athens obgyns more frequently than at the beginning of your pregnancy. To help you through the last few weeks, the team at Athens OB/Gyn explains what to expect towards the end of your pregnancy.

Doctor appointments during the third trimester of pregnancy

When you reach the third trimester of pregnancy, you will visit our Athens obgyns every two weeks until around 36 weeks. At that time, you will come in every week until delivery. Also, at around 36 weeks, you will have a GBS (group B strep) swab to screen for the presence of this bacteria in the vagina. If you test positive, you will receive antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from being transferred to your baby during delivery.

One of the most exciting appointments is the opportunity to have a fetal photo session at 26 to 30 weeks. This is available in our office, but it is not covered by insurance. These sessions are not for diagnostic purposes and are not evaluated by a physician. Please ask our staff for more information.

At 38 weeks, our Athens obgyns can check your cervix for dilation if you desire. If you are scheduled for a C-section, they are generally performed around 39 weeks. As for vaginal deliveries, we would like you to go into labor spontaneously if possible instead of inducing labor, unless it is medically necessary. However, patients are all managed on a case by case basis.

Symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy

During the third trimester of pregnancy, symptoms like fatigue reemerge. You may also notice new symptoms.

• Trouble sleeping
• Swelling
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Pelvic pain

Our Athens obgyns can help you with any of your questions or concerns. Our team is honored to care for you and your baby during this exciting journey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.