Patient's question:
Preparing to have a child, what check-up items should I do? How much will it cost approximately?Doctor's answer:
Hello: I’m sorry that the specific costs are not clear! Pre-pregnancy health checks are similar to our regular health screenings, and the range of tests can vary.Below is an explanation of 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 genetic condition, and only children with both parents as carriers will be affected.
Thus, if the expectant mother’s MCV is below 80, the father must also undergo 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 condition that can be diagnosed prenatally, so the number of newborns with thalassemia has significantly decreased in recent years. Therefore, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) can be considered a cost-effective yet highly valuable test.