Many people think: "I get annual physicals at work and am perfectly healthy—why bother with additional preconception checkups?" Experts emphasize that routine physicals cannot replace specialized preconception screening.
Physical exams typically cover liver/kidney function, blood counts, urinalysis, ECGs, and other basic assessments. Preconception screening, however, focuses specifically on reproductive organs, related immune systems, and genetic history.Especially now that premarital checkups have been abolished, prenatal screening helps ensure you conceive a healthy baby.
Essential tests are non-negotiable for every expectant mother:
Step 1: First, register at the hospital. Registration is required everywhere and isn't expensive (here we're referring to general registration—unless you have specific reasons, there's no need to book a specialist appointment, which feels wasteful).
Step 2: Testing (6-7 forms of varying sizes). Nurses will guide you to the relevant testing areas. For example: vaginal discharge samples are collected by doctors, urine tests are administered using equipment provided by nurses, and blood draws require returning to the blood testing center in the outpatient lobby. Some results are available quickly after testing, while others like complete blood counts and liver function tests take several days.Important note: Do not eat breakfast on the morning of your pre-pregnancy checkup because blood tests will be performed. Eating beforehand may interfere with accurate results.
The relevant examination items and their prices are as follows:
Examination 1: Reproductive System
Content: Screening for trichomoniasis, fungal infections, mycoplasma and chlamydia infections, vaginal inflammation, as well as sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis through routine vaginal discharge tests.
Purpose: To identify gynecological conditions. If sexually transmitted diseases are present, thorough treatment is recommended before pregnancy to prevent risks like miscarriage or premature birth.
Method: A routine vaginal discharge test. Most women experience minimal discomfort, though relaxation during the procedure can reduce sensitivity.
Cost: Approximately ¥60 per test. Chlamydia and Mycoplasma tests cost around ¥150 each.
Target Population: All women of childbearing age
Timing: Any time before pregnancy
Test 2: Comprehensive Teratogen Screening
Scope: Includes rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing.
Purpose: 60%-70% of women contract rubella virus. Infection during pregnancy—especially the first trimester—can cause miscarriage or fetal abnormalities.
Method: Blood draw. Timing: Three months before pregnancy.
Cost: Approximately ¥240 for the full panel. Hospitals typically perform testing weekly.
Target Population: All women of childbearing age.
Test Three: Liver Function
Test Content: Liver function tests currently include comprehensive and basic panels. The comprehensive panel, in addition to the full hepatitis B panel, also includes blood glucose, bile acids, and other items, offering better value.
Purpose: If the mother has hepatitis, pregnancy can lead to complications such as premature birth, and the hepatitis virus can be directly transmitted to the child.
Test Method: Venipuncture Timing: Three months pre-pregnancy Cost: Approximately ¥70
Target Population: Couples of childbearing age
Test Four: Urinalysis
Purpose: Aids in early diagnosis of kidney disorders. The 10-month pregnancy places significant strain on the mother's renal system, as increased bodily metabolism burdens the kidneys.
Test Method: Urinalysis Timing: Three months before pregnancy Cost: Approximately 10 yuan
Target Population: Women of childbearing age
Total estimated cost: Approximately 630 yuan
Step 3: Test Results. Note that awaiting results takes considerable time. The nurse will provide a slip specifying when to collect the report, typically 12–14 days later. On that day, you must register again—this is mandatory. Note that specialist registration appointments likely expire daily.