From the Guidelines
During a 38-week gestational office visit, your healthcare provider will perform several important assessments as you approach your due date, including checking your blood pressure, weight, and urine sample, measuring your fundal height, and monitoring the baby's heart rate, to determine if your pregnancy is progressing normally or if interventions might be needed. The provider will check your blood pressure, weight, and urine sample to monitor for signs of preeclampsia or other complications, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. They will measure your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) and palpate your abdomen to assess the baby's position, size, and presentation. The baby's heart rate will be monitored using a Doppler device, typically aiming for a normal range of 110-160 beats per minute. Your provider will also check your cervix for signs of dilation, effacement, and the baby's station if you're showing signs of labor. They'll discuss any symptoms you're experiencing, such as contractions, pelvic pressure, or water breaking, and review warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention, as outlined in recent studies 1. This visit may include a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test if not done previously, which involves a vaginal and rectal swab to determine if antibiotics will be needed during labor. Your provider will also review your birth plan, discuss labor signs, and answer any questions about the upcoming delivery, taking into account recent guidelines for managing pregnant women with obesity 1 and assessing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality 1. These assessments are crucial as they help determine if your pregnancy is progressing normally or if interventions might be needed as you approach delivery, and are in line with the most recent recommendations for prenatal care delivery guidelines in the United States 1.
From the Research
38-Week Gestational Office Visit
During a 38-week gestational office visit, several procedures and assessments may be performed to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. These may include:
- Fetal monitoring and assessment of fetal well-being 2
- Evaluation of the mother's overall health and any potential risks or complications 3, 4
- Discussion of labor and delivery options, including induction of labor if necessary 5
- Assessment of fetal viability and potential risks associated with prematurity or post-date pregnancy 6
Procedures and Assessments
Some specific procedures and assessments that may be performed during a 38-week gestational office visit include:
- Non-stress test to evaluate fetal heart rate and well-being 2
- Ultrasound to assess fetal growth and development 2, 6
- Evaluation of amniotic fluid volume and fetal movement 2
- Assessment of the mother's blood pressure, urine, and other vital signs 4
- Discussion of birth plans and expectations for labor and delivery 5
Risks and Complications
At 38 weeks of gestation, there are potential risks and complications that may be assessed and managed, including: