What are the prenatal examination items at 36 weeks?
Jul 21, 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. Uterine 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 visits weekly. In addition to routine assessments, these visits include more comprehensive evaluations to fully monitor 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 predispose to preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, pregnant women are particularly susceptible to asymptomatic bacteriuria and concurrent anemia. If left undetected and untreated, asymptomatic UTIs can rapidly progress to acute pyelonephritis—posing significant risks to both mother and fetus.
3. Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (Cardiotocography, CTG)
This procedure uses specialized equipment to record changes in fetal heart rate, enabling assessment of fetal responses to fetal movement and uterine contractions. It facilitates early detection of fetal hypoxia and allows timely diagnosis and management of fetal distress.
4. Liver and Renal Function Tests; Hepatitis B Serology (Five-Hepatitis-B-Antigen Panel)
These tests evaluate hepatitis B virus status and hepatic function, ensuring maternal liver health—an essential factor supporting the baby’s healthy and safe development.
5. Maternal Weight
Weight management during pregnancy is critically important, influencing risks for gestational hypertension and diabetes, as well as the development of stretch marks and postpartum recovery.
6. Uterine Fundal Height Measurement
Fundal height is one key parameter used to estimate fetal size and growth. Serial measurements allow dynamic monitoring of fetal growth patterns, estimation of fetal weight, and prompt identification and management of complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal macrosomia.
7. Blood Pressure
Gestational hypertension is a relatively common high-risk condition in pregnancy; therefore, blood pressure measurement is mandatory at every prenatal visit.
