Can I sit for a 3-hour exam at 36 weeks pregnant?

Generally, if a pregnant woman at 36 weeks of gestation has no physical discomfort, the fetus is stable, and the examination environment is suitable, she may attempt to sit for a 3-hour exam. However, if the pregnant woman has pregnancy complications, fetal instability, or experiences fatigue easily, sitting for a 3-hour exam is not recommended. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If prenatal checkups at 36 weeks show no complications such as hypertension or placenta previa, the pregnant woman has no significant discomfort like backache, abdominal pain, or edema during daily activities, and the fetal heart rate and fetal movements are normal, and if the examination venue is well-ventilated and allows brief standing or movement periodically, then attempting a 3-hour exam may be feasible with proper preparation—though close attention should be paid to any bodily reactions.

If the pregnant woman has conditions such as gestational diabetes or signs of preterm labor, or frequently experiences dizziness, uterine contractions, or worsened lower-limb edema after prolonged sitting, sitting for 3 hours may increase physical strain and elevate the risk of fetal hypoxia or premature delivery. Additionally, if the examination environment is crowded and lacks space for movement, this may compromise both maternal comfort and fetal well-being. In such cases, taking a 3-hour exam is not advised.

Pregnant women at 36 weeks should inform the exam proctors of their condition before the test. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, abnormal fetal movement, dizziness, or other discomfort occur during the exam, they should stop immediately and seek assistance.