Patient's question:
Please prepare to get pregnant. Do you need to go to the hospital for some routine tests before pregnancy?I have already done bacterial cultures, and the results did not show any Chlamydia trachomatis.
Besides these, what other tests do I need to do?
Thank you. Awaiting your reply online.
Doctor's answer:
Hello: The items for pre-pregnancy health checks are similar to our regular health checks, and the number of items can vary.Below is an explanation of a few important items:
General Blood Count Test (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 condition 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. As a result, the number of newborns with thalassemia has significantly decreased in recent years. Thus, the General Blood Count Test (CBC) can be considered a cost-effective yet highly valuable test.