8 Maternal Health Checkups You Should Not Miss

10. Third-trimester fetal position checks and delivery planning

As the due date approaches, visits become more frequent to check the baby’s position, growth, and overall readiness for birth. From around the late second trimester into the third, clinicians watch fetal heartbeat patterns and may measure fundal height to assess growth. Near term, the focus shifts to whether the baby is head-down, breech, or transverse because position guides delivery conversations. This is also the time to firm up a birth plan — preferences for pain relief, who will be present, and contingency plans if induction or cesarean becomes necessary. Practical steps include touring the birth location, packing a hospital bag, and discussing signs of labor. If the baby is breech near term, clinicians discuss options like external cephalic version or planning a cesarean. Early, clear planning reduces stress and helps families feel ready for the big day.