Patient's question:
[Condition Description: To save some costs on prenatal examination items, I waited until my maternity insurance green card was processed (which means buying one year of maternity insurance allows you to enjoy various benefits such as free examination fees) before going to the hospital for various checks. However, I had been regularly visiting the hospital for prenatal check-ups, such as general examinations (weight, blood pressure, fundal height, abdominal circumference, etc.), and had also undergone the Down syndrome screening within the scheduled time frame. But other blood tests and similar examination items were postponed until the green card was processed. I would like to ask the doctor if checking those items only at 25 weeks of pregnancy (when the green card was processed) would have any impact? Would it be too late?Doctor's answer:
Prenatal Examination in Early Pregnancy (1-3 Months): Around the third month of pregnancy, the doctor will use a gynecological speculum to examine your vagina and cervix to check if the reproductive organs are developing normally. The doctor will observe whether the vaginal mucosa is congested, the color and amount of vaginal discharge are normal, and whether there is any odor. Additionally, a leukorrhea test helps determine if there are trichomonas or Candida in the vagina. If necessary, tests for chlamydia, mycoplasma, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae may also be conducted to prevent these infections from affecting embryonic development and inducing miscarriage.Prenatal Examination in Middle Pregnancy (4-6 Months): During the second trimester, expectant mothers should be particularly vigilant about abdominal pain, as it may be a bad sign. If the abdominal pain gradually worsens and is accompanied by dizziness, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, cold limbs, or a decrease or disappearance of fetal movement, or if the fetal movement is unusual, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately without delay.
Prenatal Examination in Late Pregnancy (7-9 Months): As the due date approaches, check-ups become more frequent, approximately once a week. Expectant mothers should be even more attentive, closely monitoring their bodies for any "changes."