Ninth Month Prenatal Checkup with Your Doctor
36-40 Weeks
During this month your healthcare provider may check you weekly. During ninth month prenatal checkup you may have:
• Examination of the size and height of uterus
• Palpation of your uterus to determine position of baby
• An internal exam, if indicated
• Weight and blood pressure check
• An ultrasound exam if needed to determine the size and position of your baby
• Urinalysis to test for infection, sugar and protein,
• An opportunity to discuss when to call your practitioner if labor begins
• An opportunity to discuss the difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and the “real” ones
• An opportunity to discuss signs that labor has begun
• An opportunity to discuss when to go to the hospital or birth center
• An opportunity to discuss your birth plan, including labor assistants, avoiding episiotomy or special birth requests
• An opportunity to discuss other concerns
If your weekly or twice weekly visits drag on, your healthcare provider may discuss what to do when you’re “overdue.” You may have a weekly ninth month prenatal checkup to get ultrasounds to assess the volume of the amniotic fluid, a biophysical profile or discussion of possible induction of labor at some point. If you are overdue, your healthcare provider will counsel you on worrisome signs to watch for. Frequency and content of healthcare provider visits during the final month depends greatly on your particular obstetrical situation.