What Are the Prenatal Examinations at 36 Weeks of Gestation?
May 31, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lei Ling
Introduction
1. Complete blood count (CBC): Primarily used to assess whether the pregnant woman has anemia.
2. Urinalysis: Urinary tract infections can easily lead to preterm birth, low birth weight infants, and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality.
3. Fetal heart rate monitoring: Evaluates fetal heart rate responses to fetal movement and uterine contractions.
4. Liver and kidney function tests, and hepatitis B serology (five-item panel): To ensure hepatic health.
5. Body weight.
6. Fundal height measurement: Used to estimate fetal weight.
7. Blood pressure.
During pregnancy, women undergo multiple prenatal examinations to ensure the healthy development of the fetus. Starting at 36 weeks’ gestation, expectant mothers are required to attend prenatal check-ups weekly. In addition to routine tests, more comprehensive assessments are performed during these visits to fully evaluate fetal development.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test primarily assesses whether the mother has anemia. Mild anemia generally has minimal impact on maternal health or delivery outcomes; however, severe anemia may lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
2. Urinalysis
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) themselves increase the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and elevated perinatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, pregnant women are prone to concurrent anemia and asymptomatic bacteriuria; if undetected, such infections may rapidly progress to acute pyelonephritis—posing serious health risks.
3. Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (Non-Stress Test)
This procedure uses specialized equipment to record changes in fetal heart rate, enabling assessment of fetal response to fetal movement and uterine contractions. It facilitates early detection of fetal hypoxia and timely diagnosis and management of fetal distress.
4. Liver and Kidney Function Tests, and Hepatitis B Serology (Five-Hepatitis-B-Test Panel)
These tests screen for hepatitis B virus infection and evaluate liver function, ensuring hepatic health—an essential factor supporting the baby’s healthy and safe development.
5. Weight Measurement
Weight management during pregnancy is critically important, as it influences the risk of gestational hypertension and diabetes, affects the development of stretch marks, and impacts postpartum recovery.
6. Uterine Height Measurement
Uterine height serves as one key indicator for estimating fetal size. Serial measurements allow dynamic monitoring of fetal growth, estimation of fetal weight, and timely identification and management of complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal macrosomia.
7. Blood Pressure Measurement
Gestational hypertension is a relatively common high-risk condition; therefore, blood pressure measurement is mandatory at every prenatal visit.
