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be necessary to maintain the mother's blood sugar at a normal level. This can often be accomplished with dietary restrictions but may, at times, require the mother to take insulin. In the vast majority of cases, gestational diabetes resolves following delivery, although women who develop diabetes during pregnancy should be monitored later in life for the development of diabetes.
Between 32 and 36 weeks
Group B streptococcus swab: This test involves a culture of the cervix to check for the presence of group B strep infection. It is usually performed toward the end of pregnancy between the 32nd and 36th week. Group B strep is common is women and usually not harmful. Although, Group B strep can be dangerous for a baby during a vaginal birth. If the mother has Group B strep, she will be given an antibiotic intravenously during labor that will help protect the baby as it passes through the birth canal.
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The following are other diagnostic test that are sometimes used during pregnancy.
Non-stress test (NST): During a NST, the fetal heart rate is observed by hooking the mother up to a fetal monitor, Evidence of accelerations in the heart rate that correlate with fetal movement are looked for. A reactive tracing in which the heart rate of the fetus varies is considered a good finding. A NST may be recommended when a woman notices a decrease in fetal movement or when the due date has passed.
Stress test (OCT): The oxytocin challenge test is usually performed when results of the stress test are questionable. This test is very similar to the non stress test, except that the woman is given a small amount of medication to induce uterine contractions. The purpose of the OCT is to see how the fetus will respond to the normal stresses of labor.
Bio-physiological profile: This test is also used to determine fetal well-being. It involves an ultrasound examination of the fetus to determine the type of fetal movement and muscle tone that is present, along with the amount of amniotic fluid.
Fetoscopy: This invasive test involves the insertion of a lighted instrument through the abdomen and uterus into the amniotic sac, where the fetus can be seen and photographed. The risk of fetal loss is estimated to be three percent to five percent. Therefore, the test is indicated only for those women who will benefit from having a fetal disorder identified and possibly treated during pregnancy. (continued)
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