Patient's question:
What are the necessary check-up items for pregnant women within three months? Why are they necessary? Please be informed in writing, thank youDoctor's answer:
Twelve prenatal examination items:1. Blood test (blood type): Early detection of blood system diseases such as anemia. If the mother is anemic, not only will complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and puerperal infection occur, but it will also affect the baby, leading to a series of impacts such as increased susceptibility to infections, weakened immunity, and delayed growth and development.
2. Diagnosis of various types of hepatitis and liver damage: If the mother is a viral hepatitis patient and it is not detected in time, pregnancy can lead to very serious consequences, including premature birth or even neonatal death. Hepatitis viruses can also be vertically transmitted to children.
3. "Four" test: Rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma virus, and herpes simplex virus. Although most pregnant women infected with these pathogens show no typical symptoms, fetal infection often results in severe sequelae. Pre-pregnancy testing for these pathogens can confirm the mother's immune status.
4. HIV test: Sexual transmission is one of the major routes of HIV transmission. If a pregnant woman is infected with HIV, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta or to the newborn during delivery or through breastfeeding after birth.
5. Syphilis serological test: It is worth noting that the annual growth rate of sexually transmitted diseases among couples undergoing premarital examinations has increased by 66.72% in the past six years, with the majority being syphilis, and 85% being latent syphilis, with patients often unaware of their condition. Syphilis is the second most harmful sexually transmitted disease after HIV. It gradually "eats away" at the body, endangering health. It can be transmitted to a spouse, causing miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, congenital syphilis in newborns, etc. However, this disease can be completely cured with early detection and treatment.
6. Urinalysis: Helps in the early diagnosis of kidney diseases. A ten-month pregnancy is a huge test for the mother's renal system, as increased metabolism can place greater strain on the kidneys. If kidney disease is present, the consequences can be very serious.
7. Chromosome test: Early detection of genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome, as well as infertility.
8. ABO hemolysis test: Both partners should be tested for blood type to avoid hemolytic disease of the newborn, miscarriage, stillbirth, or malformations in the baby.
9. Chest X-ray and fluoroscopy: Primarily for diagnosing lung diseases such as tuberculosis. If a woman with tuberculosis becomes pregnant, treatment options may be limited, affecting the course of treatment. Additionally, active tuberculosis can worsen due to postpartum fatigue and poses a risk of transmission to the child.
10. Neural tube defect screening: China has a high incidence of neural tube defects, with a rate ten times that of the United States. Taking folic acid tablets (a low-dose folic acid supplement) orally from three months before pregnancy to three months after pregnancy can reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by more than 70%. A blood test for "Down syndrome screening" between weeks 14 and 20 of pregnancy can reduce the birth rate of children with congenital idiocy by 60% to 70%.
11. Echocardiography: Examines heart function. Abnormalities can lead to circulatory disorders, abnormal placental blood vessels, resulting in miscarriage, premature birth, and threats to the mother's health and life.
12. Breast examination: To identify conditions such as breast hyperplasia and fibroadenomas. Early treatment can prepare for breastfeeding.
It is recommended to undergo pre-pregnancy examinations to ensure safety. With the increase in children with birth defects, health authorities suggest that people should transition from voluntary to mandatory premarital or pre-pregnancy examinations. For couples who have chosen "zero premarital examination," pre-pregnancy examinations are essential. The following items must be noted during the examination:
1. Blood test (including blood type): Early detection of blood system diseases such as anemia. If the mother is anemic, not only will complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and puerperal infection occur, but it will also weaken the baby's immunity, making them more susceptible to infections and causing delayed growth and development. Additionally, knowing the mother's blood type can help prevent neonatal hemolytic disease, especially ABO and Rh hemolysis.
2. Urinalysis: Helps in the early diagnosis of kidney diseases. A ten-month pregnancy is a huge test for the mother's renal system, as increased metabolism can place greater strain on the kidneys. Therefore, patients with acute nephritis should ideally wait at least three years after clinical symptoms disappear before becoming pregnant.
3. Stool examination: Helps in diagnosing digestive system diseases and parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis. If not detected early, it can lead to serious consequences such as miscarriage and fetal malformations.
4. Liver function test (including HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs): Helps in diagnosing various types of hepatitis and liver damage. If the mother is a viral hepatitis patient and it is not detected in time, pregnancy can lead to premature birth or even neonatal death. Hepatitis B virus can also be vertically transmitted to children.
5. Chest X-ray/fluoroscopy: Primarily for diagnosing lung diseases such as tuberculosis. If a woman with tuberculosis becomes pregnant, treatment options may be limited, affecting the course of treatment. Additionally, active tuberculosis can worsen due to postpartum fatigue and poses a risk of transmission to the child.
6. Complete gynecological endocrine examination: Helps in diagnosing various ovarian diseases. For example, women with ovarian tumors, even if benign, may experience complications such as miscarriage or premature birth due to the enlargement of the uterus, which affects tumor observation.
7. Cervical discharge examination: Helps screen for trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and bacterial infections. If sexually transmitted diseases are present, it is best to undergo comprehensive treatment before pregnancy, as otherwise, it may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or premature rupture of membranes.
8. Chromosome test: Helps in early detection of genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome.
9. General physical examination: Primarily includes a comprehensive physical examination and fertility assessment, including routine checks such as height, heart, lungs, and the development of male and female reproductive organs. Although these are simple examinations, they play a significant role in family happiness and child health. Therefore, after missing the premarital examination, it is essential to undergo these pre-pregnancy examinations to truly achieve healthy reproduction and prevent birth defects.