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Prenatal care: What to expect during the third trimester

Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand, even as your due date approaches. During the third trimester, prenatal care includes vaginal exams to check the baby's position.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Prenatal care continues until delivery. Your health care provider will continue to monitor your blood pressure and weight, as well as your baby's heartbeat and movements. During the last month of pregnancy, expect weekly checkups.

Testing for group B strep

Most pregnant women are screened for group B streptococcus (GBS) during the third trimester. GBS is a common bacterium that's usually harmless in adults — but babies who become infected with GBS can become critically ill. If a swab from your vagina and rectal area tests positive for GBS, you'll probably be given intravenous antibiotics during labor to protect your baby from the bacterium.

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PR00094

June 18, 2008

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