Page 4 - GCMC Third Trimester

The Third Trimester
You have made it to the third trimester—the final stretch! During the third trimester, fetal development continues, especially brain growth. Your baby can now open and close his/her eyes and suck their thumb. By the end of the 7th month, your baby will weigh about three pounds and be about 15 inches long.
During the 8th month, you will notice harder kicks and you may see rhythmic movements of your belly, caused by the baby hiccupping or sucking their thumb.
During the 9th month, your baby’s lungs and brain will slowly become mature. During this month, s/he will gain up to a half pound every week. They will also get taller and be about 18 to 21 inches long at birth. S/he will start getting ready for their trip through the birth canal by moving downward (sometimes referred to as “lightening”). Their head will rest deep in your pelvis, which normally happens two to six weeks before labor.
TESTING & MONITORING
You will continue to have fetal monitoring at every checkup. As you get closer to delivery, you may need an ultrasound to check for fetal position or monitor growth and activity. Additional tests will include:
Group B Strep Testing (GBS). This test will be performed after 35 weeks. GBS does not make the mother ill and is commonly found in women. GBS can be passed to the baby during deliv- ery and can cause infection to the baby. If this test result is positive, you will receive antibiotics while you are in labor so that baby can fight off this bacteria.
Cervical Examination. As you near your delivery date, your doctor may check your cervix for dilation (opening) and effacement (thinning).