Patient's question:
I have an itchy lower body, and my underwear is always yellow. What's going on? How can I check if the fetus is deformed?Doctor's answer:
Prenatal check-ups, if possible, it is best to have one every month. If the situation does not permit, targeted check-ups can be conducted. At 12 weeks of pregnancy, the first formal check-up is performed, which mainly includes: weighing and measuring blood pressure, physical examination of various parts of the body, listening to the fetal heartbeat, checking the size of the uterus, blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasound to check for any abnormalities.At 13–16 weeks, the second check-up is conducted, with content similar to the first.
At 16–18 weeks, the Down syndrome screening is performed. If there is a possibility of Down syndrome in the child, amniocentesis should be arranged to check for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
At 17–20 weeks, the third prenatal check-up is conducted, which includes a detailed ultrasound examination. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound is performed to check for major developmental issues in the fetus. Carefully measure the fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference, and check the length of the femur to examine the spine for any congenital abnormalities.
By 16 weeks, the gender of the fetus can be determined, but the accuracy is higher at 20 weeks. The first fetal movements typically occur around 18–20 weeks.
At 21–24 weeks, the fourth prenatal check-up is conducted. Most screening for gestational diabetes and gestational cholestasis is performed at 24 weeks of pregnancy. After the second trimester, anemia and calcium deficiency are more common, so it is recommended to consume more iron-rich foods and supplement with iron and calcium.
At 25–28 weeks, the fifth prenatal check-up is conducted. The most important part of this stage is blood tests for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B antigens and antibodies for the expectant mother. The purpose is to reconfirm the tests performed during early pregnancy and to check if the expectant mother carries or has been infected with hepatitis B. Additionally, rechecking blood sugar and bile acids is also necessary.
At 29–32 weeks, the sixth prenatal check-up is conducted.