As you enter the final stretch of pregnancy, your prenatal appointments become more frequent and focused on ensuring both you and your baby are ready for delivery. These visits help monitor your health, track your baby’s growth, and prepare you for labor.
During these final weeks, your healthcare provider will closely monitor important factors like your baby’s position, your cervix’s readiness for labor, and any signs of potential complications. These checkups may include ultrasounds, cervical exams, and screenings for conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident as your due date approaches.
In addition to medical assessments, these appointments are a great opportunity to discuss your birth plan, pain management options, and any last-minute concerns. Your doctor or midwife can provide guidance on recognizing the signs of labor, when to head to the hospital, and how to stay as comfortable as possible in the final days of pregnancy.
If you’re wondering what happens in your last prenatal checkups, here’s a week-by-week guide to what you can expect!
Week 32-34: Preparing for the Final Trimester
At this stage, your doctor will start seeing you every two weeks instead of once a month. These appointments focus on monitoring your baby’s position, movement, and overall health.
What to Expect:
✅ Routine checks – Blood pressure, weight, and urine tests to check for signs of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
✅ Baby’s position – Your doctor will check if the baby is head down or still breech.
✅ Fundal height measurement – This helps estimate your baby’s growth by measuring the size of your belly.
✅ Fetal heartbeat check – Using a Doppler, your provider will listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
✅ Discussion about kick counts – You’ll be advised to monitor fetal movement and report any changes.
Questions to Ask:
- What are the signs of preterm labor?
- How do I track my baby’s movements?
- Is my baby’s growth on track?
As you enter the final trimester, it’s also a good time to start preparing for labor and delivery. Discuss your birth plan with your doctor, including pain management options and any preferences you have for delivery. If you haven’t already, consider taking a childbirth class to learn breathing techniques, labor positions, and what to expect during delivery. Additionally, now is the time to finalize your hospital bag, ensuring you have essentials like comfortable clothing, toiletries, and important documents ready to go.
Week 35-36: Testing for Group B Strep (GBS) & Birth Planning
Now, you’ll start weekly checkups until delivery. This is a crucial time for final screenings and birth planning discussions.
What to Expect:
✅ Group B Strep (GBS) Test – A vaginal and rectal swab is taken to check for a common bacteria that can be passed to the baby during delivery. If positive, antibiotics will be given during labor.
✅ Pelvic exam (if necessary) – Your doctor may check if your cervix is softening or dilating.
✅ Ultrasound (optional) – Some doctors perform a final ultrasound to check the baby’s size and position.
✅ Birth plan review – You can discuss your preferences for labor, pain management, and delivery.
✅ Hospital bag checklist – Your provider may remind you to pack essentials for delivery.
Questions to Ask:
- What happens if I test positive for Group B Strep?
- How can I recognize real labor contractions?
- When should I go to the hospital or birthing center?
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s also important to make sure you’re mentally and physically prepared for labor. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to help manage stress and anxiety. If you haven’t already, take a hospital tour or review your birthing center’s policies so you know what to expect when the time comes. Additionally, make arrangements for transportation and childcare (if needed) to ensure a smooth transition when labor begins.
Week 37-39: Signs of Labor & Cervical Checks
At this stage, your body is preparing for labor, and your doctor will monitor you closely.
What to Expect:
✅ Blood pressure & swelling check – To monitor for high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
✅ Cervical exam (optional) – Your provider may check for dilation and effacement (thinning of the cervix).
✅ Baby’s position confirmation – If the baby is still breech, options like an external cephalic version (ECV) may be discussed to try to turn the baby.
✅ Labor discussion – You’ll be reminded of when to call your provider and what to do when contractions start.
Questions to Ask:
- What are the differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labor?
- What are my pain management options during labor?
- What should I do if my water breaks?
As your due date approaches, it’s also a great time to finalize any last-minute preparations. Make sure your hospital bag is packed, your birth plan is easily accessible, and your support person knows the plan for when labor starts. You might also want to stock up on postpartum essentials, such as nursing supplies, comfortable clothing, and meals that are easy to prepare. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and practicing gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga can help your body get ready for labor.
Week 40: Due Date Check-In & Induction Plans
If you’ve reached 40 weeks and still haven’t gone into labor, your provider will discuss options for inducing labor.
What to Expect:
✅ Non-stress test (NST) or biophysical profile (BPP) – These tests check the baby’s heart rate, movement, and amniotic fluid levels.
✅ Membrane sweep (optional) – Your doctor may offer to sweep the amniotic sac from the cervix to naturally encourage labor.
✅ Induction discussion – If labor hasn’t started by 41-42 weeks, induction may be recommended.
Questions to Ask:
- How long can I safely wait before inducing labor?
- What are the risks of going past my due date?
- What are my options for a natural induction?
As you await labor, focus on staying as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Engage in light activities like walking, stretching, or bouncing on a birthing ball to help encourage contractions naturally. Eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated can also support your energy levels for when labor begins. If you’re feeling anxious, try meditation or prenatal massage to ease tension. Lean on your support system—whether it’s your partner, family, or a doula—to help you stay positive and prepared for the big moment.
Your last prenatal visits are an exciting and crucial time to prepare for birth. Stay informed, ask questions, and listen to your body as you get ready to meet your little one!
Calvin Bassey is a dedicated writer and parenting enthusiast passionate about guiding expectant parents through the journey of pregnancy. With a deep understanding of maternal health and baby care, he provides practical and insightful advice to help families prepare for childbirth and early parenthood. His work at Brimvue focuses on empowering parents with knowledge, ensuring they navigate this transformative experience with confidence and ease.