During the preconception period, expectant mothers must undergo timely prenatal checkups. This is an essential prerequisite for healthy conception and childbirth. So, what exactly are the prenatal checkup items?
I. The Importance of Prenatal Checkups
Comprehensive prenatal screening includes vaginal smear tests, mycoplasma and chlamydia screening, cardiac evaluation, blood tests, liver and kidney function assessments, trace element analysis, color Doppler ultrasound, and more. Only when all results are normal can you proceed with confidence in preparing for pregnancy.
Women with pets should undergo testing for specific pathogens (e.g., toxoplasmosis, rubella, herpes simplex virus). If any gynecological conditions—particularly sexually transmitted infections or periodontal disease—are detected, prompt treatment is essential.
A personal note: Dental checkups are crucial. In our clinic, high-end pregnant women who neglected dental issues before pregnancy often suffer from periodontal problems during pregnancy—and cannot take medication, which is extremely painful. If you have problematic wisdom teeth or similar issues, it's better to get them extracted beforehand if you think you won't be able to endure the discomfort.
Next, let's look at the specific items included in pre-pregnancy checkups.
II. Preconception Screening Tests
1. Urinalysis
Urinalysis in preconception screening aids in early diagnosis of kidney disorders. Pregnancy increases renal strain, potentially leading to severe complications like renal failure and elevated hypertension risk. These conditions worsen during pregnancy, increasing risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and may necessitate pregnancy termination.
2.Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC reveals your hemoglobin levels, white blood cell count, potential infections, and whether you have anemia. Severe anemia during pregnancy may lead to iron deficiency, affecting fetal development and hindering postpartum recovery.
3. Chromosome Analysis
Many human diseases and birth defects result from chromosomal deletions, deletions, or extra copies.Chromosome karyotyping can detect numerous changes in large chromosomes. This test reveals whether the number of chromosomes is correct, identifies DNA abnormalities, determines an individual's sex, and addresses certain infertility issues. However, karyotyping cannot confirm minor genetic mutations—such as their precise location or mutation type.
4. Genetic Diseases
Historically, genetic diseases were considered incurable. In recent years, advances in modern medicine have enabled medical geneticists to elucidate the pathogenesis of certain genetic disorders. This research has laid a foundation for treatment and prevention strategies, with new therapeutic approaches continually emerging.Certain genetic disorders can be prevented through dietary control, achieving therapeutic effects. Medications often play a supportive role in treating genetic diseases, improving patient conditions and reducing suffering. Surgical correction involves removing certain organs or repairing organs with structural defects through surgery.
Expectant mothers must not neglect this step—be sure to undergo pre-pregnancy checkups at the hospital.