1. Early pregnancy primarily involves determining gestational age to confirm the timing of conception. Many women have irregular menstrual cycles and uncertain ovulation dates. If gestational age isn't established early, it becomes difficult to calculate the due date later and monitor normal fetal growth and placental function.If an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, internal bleeding can pose a life-threatening risk.If present, assess severity, determine treatment necessity, evaluate pregnancy viability, and gauge risks to the mother to implement timely measures ensuring maternal safety.For threatened miscarriage in an intrauterine pregnancy, prompt treatment is essential to ensure normal embryonic development. Scheduling the First Prenatal Visit The first prenatal visit should occur after early pregnancy is confirmed, no later than 3.5 months into the pregnancy. Typically, this takes place around weeks 11 or 12 at a trusted hospital, where the Mother and Child Health Handbook is also obtained.After the initial visit, most expectant mothers follow their doctor's recommendations for check-ups: every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2 weeks from 28 weeks onward, and weekly from 36 weeks until delivery.
Early Pregnancy Checkup Items
① Gynecological Speculum Examination
To assess the condition of the vagina and cervix, rule out abnormalities in the reproductive organs, and ensure a clear pathway for the baby's delivery. Observe whether the vaginal mucosa is congested, whether the color and amount of vaginal discharge are normal, and whether there is any odor.Check for cervical erosion or polyps. Especially during early pregnancy bleeding, determine if the cause is related to the vagina or cervix to guide treatment.
② Vaginal discharge examination
Detect the presence of trichomoniasis or fungal infections in the vagina. If necessary, test for chlamydia, mycoplasma, and gonorrhea. These microorganisms can cause ascending infections, affecting embryo development and inducing miscarriage.③ Cervical Smear Test
Due to increased blood volume and rich blood supply during pregnancy, timely treatment of cervical tumors can improve survival rates. This test primarily examines the morphology of cervical epithelial cells to rule out cervical tumors. While a cervical smear is a preliminary screening method, further diagnosis may require colposcopy or cervical biopsy if abnormalities are detected.④ Triad Examination
This assesses whether uterine size corresponds to gestational age and confirms normal embryonic development. If uterine size is inconsistent with gestational age, ultrasound is required to rule out uterine fibroids, uterine developmental abnormalities, or embryonic abnormalities.If fibroids are present, their size, location, and potential impact on fetal growth must be assessed. If significant, pregnancy termination may be necessary. Efforts should also be made to determine the nature of the fibroids. Additionally, the examination evaluates bilateral adnexal structures. Enlarged ovaries require differentiation between functional enlargement due to pregnancy and organic enlargement.Functional enlargement typically resolves spontaneously after three months of pregnancy. For benign organic enlargement, surgery is preferably scheduled after three months to minimize miscarriage risk. ⑤ Ultrasound Examination Ultrasounds are performed at 40 days and 60 days after missed period to assess gestational sac implantation and embryonic development. After four months of pregnancy, obstetric registration and follow-up ultrasounds are conducted per obstetric protocol.⑥ Other Tests
Select based on individual circumstances. If you have heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, or other conditions, consult an internist to assess whether continuing the pregnancy increases risks. For recurrent miscarriages, comprehensive testing for both partners during early pregnancy is essential.