In your third trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every 2 weeks until week 36. After that, you will see your provider every week.

The visits may be quick, but they are still important. It is OK to bring your partner or labor coach with you.

During your visits, will:

• Weigh you
• Measure your abdomen to see if your baby is growing as expected
• Check your blood pressure
• Take a urine sample to test for protein in your urine, if you have high blood pressure

Your provider may also give you a pelvic exam to see if your cervix is dilating.

At the end of each visit, your doctor or midwife will tell you what changes to expect before your next visit. Tell your provider if you have any problems or concerns. It is OK to talk about them even if you DO NOT feel they are important or related to your pregnancy.

There are no other routine lab tests or ultrasounds for every pregnant woman in the third trimester. Certain lab tests and tests to monitor the baby may be done for women who:

• Have a high-risk pregnancy, such as when the baby is not growing
• Have a health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Have had problems in a prior pregnancy
• Are overdue (pregnant for more than 40 weeks)

In between your appointments, you will need to pay attention to how much your baby is moving. As you get closer to your due date, and your baby grows bigger, you should notice a different pattern of movement than earlier in your pregnancy.

• You will notice periods of activity and periods of inactivity.
• The active periods will be mostly rolling and squirming movements, and a few very hard and strong kicks.
• You should still feel the baby move frequently during the day.

Watch for patterns in your baby's movement. If the baby suddenly seems to be moving less, eat a snack, then lie down for a few minutes. If you still don't feel much movement, call your doctor or midwife.

Call your provider any time you have any concerns or questions. Even if you think you are worrying over nothing, it is better to be on the safe side and call.

Call your provider if:

• You have any signs or symptoms that are not normal.
• You are thinking of taking any new medicines, vitamins, or herbs.
• You have any bleeding.
• You have increased vaginal discharge with odor.
• You have a fever, chills, or pain when passing urine.
• You have headaches.
• You have changes or blind spots in your eyesight.
• Your water breaks.
• You start having regular, painful contractions.