What to look for in a full-term checkup

A full-term checkup consists of a blood draw, urine test, ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring. The so-called full-term checkup is usually conducted at 37 weeks-38 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus has reached full term and is about to face the expected date of labor. The major checkup mainly includes blood tests, i.e. liver function, kidney function, coagulation four items, pre-transfusion three items, blood routine, blood type, etc., as well as routine urine tests, and taking vulvar and anal swabs to do the culture of group B streptococcus. At the same time, routine obstetric examinations, such as fetal ultrasound, fetal heart monitoring are also mandatory. An internal examination is also done during this period to check the cervix and pelvis to determine if there is any significant pelvic stenosis. All of these tests are done in preparation for admission to the hospital for labor.