Patient's question:
Auntie has been pregnant for two months. Since it's her first pregnancy, she doesn't quite understand the detailed check-ups during the pregnancy. She wants to know what detailed check-ups need to be done from the early stages of pregnancy to the time of delivery?Doctor's answer:
The entire pregnancy lasts 280 days, 10 weeks of early pregnancy (each early pregnancy week is 28 days). During pregnancy, you need to go to the hospital for regular check-ups, such as blood tests and urine tests in the early stages of pregnancy, and pelvic MRI to confirm how you got pregnant or if it is an intrauterine pregnancy. At least 3-4 ultrasounds are required throughout the pregnancy. At 16 weeks, a Down syndrome screening is done, and at 24 weeks, a glucose screening. Additionally, around 20 weeks and 28 weeks, a MRI for screening of fetal abnormalities should be done. In the late stages of pregnancy, MRI is used to confirm the condition of the fetus, amniotic fluid, and placenta. In daily diet, avoid being picky and eat a variety of foods. Before the first three months of pregnancy, take folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Eat more high-quality protein foods and plenty of vegetables and fruits.