Patient's question:
I have had two records of induced abortions. The first was because I didn't want to have a child, and the second was due to a miscarriage. Now I want to get pregnant. For safety, what tests should both partners undergo before pregnancy, and what preparations should be made in this case?Doctor's answer:
Hello: It's mainly just for a routine check-up! The items for pre-pregnancy and healthy baby checks are similar to our regular health checks, and the number of items can vary.The following explains a few important items:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test can determine the level of hemoglobin and identify anemia, allowing for early treatment. It also provides platelet counts.
Platelets are related to blood clotting, and childbirth involves some bleeding. Therefore, individuals with platelet issues should be treated before becoming pregnant.
This test can also measure the size of red blood cells (MCV). The Han Chinese population has a high prevalence of thalassemia carriers. Thalassemia carriers have smaller red blood cells, with an MCV below 80. This is an inherited disease, and only children whose parents are both carriers will be affected.
Therefore, if the expectant mother's MCV is below 80, the expectant father must also have a blood test. If both have an MCV below 80, further tests such as blood electrophoresis and DNA analysis may be required. If only one has an MCV below 80, there is no need to worry.
This is a genetic disease that can be diagnosed prenatally, so the number of newborns with thalassemia has significantly decreased in recent years. Thus, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) can be considered a cost-effective test with very important results.