Description
Overview: As you approach your due date, the focus shifts from monitoring development to preparing for the actual birth. The Third Trimester Profile identifies late-stage complications that could affect the delivery process. It ensures that both mother and baby are safe during labor, checking for anemia, clotting ability, and bacterial risks.
What does this package cover?
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Newborn Infection Safety:
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Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Culture: A simple vaginal/rectal swab performed around 36 weeks. GBS is a common bacterium that is harmless to adults but can be dangerous for newborns passing through the birth canal. If positive, mothers receive antibiotics during labor to protect the baby.
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Maternal Delivery Readiness:
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Repeat Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is a critical pre-labor check.
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Hemoglobin: Checked again to ensure you aren’t anemic before inevitable blood loss during birth.
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Platelet Count: Crucial for anesthesia. If platelets are too low, an epidural may not be safe to administer.
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Immune Safety (For Rh-Negative Mothers):
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Repeat Antibody Screen: If you have Rh-negative blood, this test looks for antibodies that could attack the baby’s blood cells. It is typically done before the prophylactic RhoGAM shot at 28 weeks to prevent sensitization.
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Fetal Surveillance (Note):
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Non-Stress Test (NST) / Biophysical Profile (BPP): Note: These are surveillance procedures, not blood tests. They are frequently performed in the final weeks to monitor the baby’s heart rate and movement, ensuring the baby is not under stress in the womb.
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Patient Instructions
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Fasting Required: No fasting is generally required for these tests.
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Sample Type:
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Blood: Serum & EDTA tube.
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Swab: Vaginal/Rectal swab (for GBS).
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Report Turnaround:
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Blood: 24 Hours.
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Culture: 48–72 Hours (as bacteria needs time to grow).
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