Third Trimester

Reaching week 27 of your pregnancy means you're now in the third and final trimester. While this trimester could end at week 40, in reality it ends whenever your baby is born.

What to expect in the Third Trimester

• Growth assessments in rooms at 32 and 36 weeks.
• Repeat full blood count at 36 weeks.
• Low vaginal swab at 36 weeks to detect presence of Group B streptococcus (GBS). GBS is a normal bacteria of the body and is transient in nature which is why we test in late pregnancy. GBS affects 1-1 per 1000 births and can cause serious infection of the newborn baby. If you test positive you will receive antibiotics in labour to help prevent transmission to your baby.
• Whooping cough vaccination recommended between 28 and 32 weeks. This timeframe passes the most protection onto your unborn baby. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious bacterial infection that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Whooping cough can have serious implications for newborn babies. Babies under 6 weeks of age cannot be immunised against whooping cough themselves which is why it is important for those caring for baby to be up to date with their vaccination. It is offered free to pregnant women and can be accessed through your GP.
• Flu vaccination at any time during the pregnancy. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through peple coughing and sneezing. It is a serious diease that can affect pregnant women and their babies. Having the fluvax during pregnancy ensures antibodies are passes onto your baby through the placenta. You can access this through your GP.
• In the week approaching your due date you will be offered a vaginal examination to asses your cervix. This may also entail a stretch and sweep.