THIRD TRIMESTER: PRENATAL TESTS FOR LOW-RISK PREGNANCY🔆HOW MUCH IS THE COST?

Finally, you are in the last trimester of pregnancy! I remember during this time I was already VERY EXHAUSTED (physically) and CAN'T WAIT to say hello to my baby!

Honestly, my first pregnancy is on my list of "I will NOT do it again", next to Chemical Engineering licensure examination!

I'm not one of those lucky mommies who have an easy pregnancy experience. I wish I had!

As always, I attended all of my prenatal check-ups. Unfortunately for me, during my third trimester, my OBGYNE requested a number of tests - some of them repeated, confirmatory tests.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS REQUIRED IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY?

Please note that this is NOT an expert's advice. Always consult your doctor. For reference, I will share to you the tests I did, based on my OB's request.

ULTRASOUND

In your third trimester, your OB will again order another ultrasound. As for me, I did a total of three (3) ultrasounds during my third trimester:

Biometry Ultrasound, the same type of ultrasound I did in my second trimester. However, this time, I did it in another clinic due to a conflicting schedule. In this clinic I paid ₱950.00 for Biometry Ultrasound (₱150.00 higher than my usual provider).

Biophysical Profile, I did two (2) of this type of ultrasound.

What is its difference from the Biometry Ultrasound?

As mentioned in my previous post, a biometry report measures BPD, HC, AC, and FL to estimate a baby's weight and gestational age. With a biophysical profile, it includes measurement of baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, and the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby. This type of ultrasound is commonly done in the last trimester of pregnancy.

I did my second biophysical scan on my 37 weeks of gestation. A healthy, thriving baby will get a score of 10 points or 8 out of 10 points.

According to clevelandclinic.org, a score of less than 8 points or a low score indicates a greater risk of stillbirths and fetal asphyxia (the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen).

Click the link for further reading https://my.clevelandclinic.org/.../21013-biophysical-profile

My first biophysical scan was secondary to my emergency check-up in the hospital. Emergency? What happened?!

Previously I mentioned that my placental position is ANTERIOR (placenta is in between my belly and baby). Having this position of your placenta (based on my experience) will make it difficult for you to feel the baby's movement. This was the very reason I went straight to Emergency after not feeling any movements in the last 24 hours!

You should at least count 10 fetal movements within 2 hours.

I paid a total of ₱1,225.92 for my emergency check-up in the hospital. This is less compared to you not going straight to the hospital when you feel like something is not right! Always (again I tell you, ALWAYS), follow your instinct. Prevention is always BEST.

When complications happen to you and to your baby (God forbids), it is not right to instantly blame your health care provider. You only see them once or twice a month (in the case of low-risk pregnancy), but you carry your body and your baby 24/7! Therefore, when your gut tells you something's not right or when you are in doubt, ACT NOW!

HOW MUCH PO ANG BIOPHYSICAL ULTRASOUND?

Davao City Rate (Women's Ultrasound Center at Toril): ₱900.00*

*Not including doctor's consultation fee for the test result reading.

For biophysical scan, I paid a total of ₱1,800.00.

You may look for OB clinics that also offer ultrasound scans to lessen your expense.

I got NORMAL results for both biometry and biophysical ultrasounds - no fetal anomalies.

LABORATORIES:

URINALYSIS, ₱50.00

I had an unfavorable urinalysis result which made my OB request for confirmatory tests. Aside from that, my skin allergy (white patches) had worsened. She demanded a visit to the dermatologist in order for us to know if my skin condition needs immediate medical intervention.

CONFIRMATORY tests:

1. CBC with platelet, ₱150.00

The result showed low hemoglobin (105 g/dL, normal values 120-140 g/dL). My OB warned me this time that she would not deliver my baby via "normal delivery" if my hemoglobin level would not reach at least 110 g/dL. She told me that giving birth will cause your body to lose a considerable quantity of blood which makes vaginal birth with low hemoglobin very risky. She would not recommend it. My OB doubled my Iron supplement at this point, to improve my hemoglobin level.

2. Urinalysis (repeat test), ₱75.00

3. HBS-AG (blood sample), ₱200.00

4. Albumin (blood sample), ₱180.00

5. Skin Allergy, ₱800.00 (dermatologist fee)

OTHER TESTS:

1. COVID-19 RT-PCR test

Here in Davao City, it's hospitals' protocol to submit a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test result upon admission. Tests should be done at around 37-38 weeks of gestation. In the hospital where I planned to give birth, they have a one (1) week (7 days from the time of specimen collection) validity requirement for the RT-PCR test result.

There are Covid-19 testing facilities that offer free specimen collection and testing for pregnant women. Ask your OB for recommendations.

Check out your nearest barangay health centers for a free COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

Some OBGYNEs and hospitals have specific preference for Covid-19 testing facilities. Make sure you have the recommended list from your OB or from the hospital where you plan to give birth.

I was not able to avail of the free test because I did not follow my instinct. I did the test when I was already in the Emergency room, with a cervix opening of 9.5 cm. Not following protocol. Haha!

In total, the cost for my third trimester tests is ₱5,280.92.

In conclusion, I spend more on prenatal tests in my final trimester of pregnancy.

#firstpregnancy

#firsttimemom

#prenataltest