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Now that you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, you'll be seeing your doctor or midwife more frequently.

After about your 30th week of pregnancy, you'll have an appointment every two to three weeks. In your final month, you'll see your healthcare provider every one to two weeks - or more often. Here are some examples of what to expect during third trimester medical visits:

Blood test (24–28 weeks)

• A shot of Rh-immune globulin will be given to women who are Rh-negative.

Group B Streptococcus screening (35–37 weeks)

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria found in the vagina and large bowel of 15 to 20 per cent of healthy pregnant women. Around the time of birth, GBS may be passed to the baby through the birth canal. If the baby gets a GBS infection, it can be serious. So all pregnant women should be offered screening between 35 and 37 weeks.
• A swab for GBS is taken from the vagina and anal areas.
• Women who test positive are given intravenous antibiotics, just to be safe. Often penicillin is given at the time membranes rupture or during labour. Treatment with antibiotics has been shown to decrease the chance of serious infection. However, no method has been proven to prevent all serious infections.
• Whether you require treatment in labour depends on your situation. Discuss GBS with your healthcare provider.

Discussions about your feelings

• Women may become depressed during or after pregnancy. For information about perinatal depression, click here.

Fetal movement count (35–37 weeks and beyond)

• Be aware of your baby's movement, especially in the third trimester. If you notice a drop or no movement at a time when your baby is normally active, contact your healthcare provider.
• Babies have active periods and quiet periods during the day and/or night. Healthy babies may slow down slightly toward the end of pregnancy, but they do not slow down a lot.
• Your baby should not stop moving at a time when he or she is normally active. 
• You don't need to record your baby's movement count unless your healthcare provider requests it.

Non-stress test

• This is a painless test done with an electronic fetal monitor to check your baby's heart rate while resting and moving

Tests usually performed at all prenatal visits include:

• blood pressure and pulse
• urine test
• fetal heart rate
• measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth