Patient's question:
Two years ago, I worked in Guangdong. At 18 weeks of pregnancy, I had a prenatal screening at the District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, which showed spina bifida. The doctor said I needed to have an amniocentesis at a municipal hospital for a definitive diagnosis. When I arrived at the municipal hospital, the doctor said I needed to have a color ultrasound first before the amniocentesis, but due to the large number of patients, the ultrasound had to be scheduled six weeks in advance. I heard that the best time for an amniocentesis is between 16 and 20 weeks. The municipal hospital's procedure left me very puzzled, so I returned to my hometown. The healthcare in my hometown is relatively underdeveloped, and no problems were detected, but I ultimately gave birth to a child with Down syndrome. Now, I want to have another child. What should I do? (I have returned to Guangdong.)Doctor's answer:
It is recommended to have a pre-natal check-up before pregnancy and take three months of folic acid (Sulian) before stopping after three months of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Neural tube defects do not occur in every pregnancy. It is advisable to have a good mood, maintain a normal lifestyle, and work in a relaxed and pleasant environment. Generally, doctors recommend that women with signs of amniocentesis risk maintain personal hygiene and avoid sexual activity. Additionally, patients should also pay attention to having a comfortable environment, which is beneficial for rest. Wishing the patient a healthy delivery.