Patient's question:
Detailed medical history and consultation purpose: Asthma history,Onset and duration of this illness: Continuous use of some medication,
Current general condition:
Doctor's answer:
Hello: The items for pre-pregnancy health checks are similar to our general 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 the platelet count.
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), as people of Chinese descent have a high prevalence of thalassemia carriers. Thalassemia carriers have smaller red blood cells, with an MCV below 80. This is an inherited genetic disorder, and only children with both parents as carriers will be affected.
Therefore, if the expectant mother has an MCV 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 for concern.
This is a genetic disorder that can be diagnosed prenatally, so the incidence of thalassemia in newborns has become very rare in recent years. Thus, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) can be said to be a cost-effective test with highly important results.