Why do I need to fast for the 37-week prenatal checkup?

The fetus at 36 weeks of pregnancy is already full-term, and the baby will meet everyone in the next few weeks at any time, so the subsequent maternity leave needs to be carried out once a week. The 37-week pregnancy check-up requires everyone to see the doctor on an empty stomach. There are many new items to be checked this week. Why do I need to be on an empty stomach for the pregnancy checkup at 37 weeks? Liver function tests require fasting.

Why do I need to take a pregnancy test on an empty stomach at 37 weeks?

At 36-37 weeks, a fasting blood test is required to check kidney function. This week the fetus is already full-term and may meet you anytime and anywhere. Pregnancy check-ups are becoming more frequent. In addition to the basic examination items, the doctor will check the maturity of the cervix during this week.

Starting from the 37th week, pregnancy tests will be required every week for the next four weeks. Routine physical examination items include blood pressure, weight, uterine fundus height, fetal abdominal circumference, fetal heart rate, fetal position, routine blood test, routine urine test, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal position check. This routine physical examination item can help doctors fully understand the basic conditions of pregnant women and fetuses.

Key new items for 37-week pregnancy checkup

1. Basic prenatal examination items:

Starting from the 37th week, pregnancy tests will be required every week for the next four weeks. Routine physical examination items include blood pressure, weight, uterine fundus height, fetal abdominal circumference, fetal heart rate, fetal position, routine blood test, routine urine test, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal position check. This routine physical examination item can help doctors fully understand the basic conditions of pregnant women and fetuses.

2. The most important prenatal examination item: cervical maturity check

At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is already full-term and the cervical maturity will be checked this week. Cervical ripening test can determine whether labor has occurred and predict the time of labor. The closer the due date is, the more likely it is that you will be able to give birth naturally once your cervix is ​​fully perfected. Before full term, an overly perfect cervix can cause miscarriage and premature birth. If it is still imperfect at full term, it can cause prolonged pregnancy and delayed delivery. For pregnant women who plan to have a caesarean section, checking the cervix at 37 weeks of pregnancy and accurately measuring the length of the cervix can determine the timing of surgery.

Why do I need to be on an empty stomach for the pregnancy checkup at 37 weeks? Because a liver function test will be carried out at this time, the 37th week of pregnancy is the tenth prenatal check-up time during the pregnancy. Prenatal check-ups at this time are more frequent, and mothers should relax and be careful. In addition to routine physical examinations, there are also checks on cervical maturity.