What are the key items for preconception and prenatal checkups?

Jul 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I'm planning to go to the hospital in two days for preconception health checks. I've never learned about this before. Could someone please tell me what aspects are mainly covered in preconception care and examination?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
The preconception checkup involves a variety of medical assessments aimed at ensuring both partners' reproductive health and the healthy development of the fetus. The main examination items include: 1. Basic examinations: Such as physical examination to assess breast development, height, weight, limbs and other general conditions, along with routine tests including complete blood count, urinalysis, liver and kidney function, to understand both partners' general health status. 2. Examinations for infectious and genetic diseases: Including screenings for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS, as well as screenings for genetic disorders, such as thalassemia, to prevent congenital genetic diseases in the fetus. 3. Reproductive health examinations: For women, these include routine vaginal discharge tests and pelvic ultrasound examinations to assess the health of the reproductive system; for men, semen analysis is conducted to evaluate sperm quality and fertility. 4. Special examinations: Such as the "TORCH panel" (Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus), as well as genetic hearing loss screening, folate metabolism gene testing, etc., which are selectively performed according to individual circumstances. It should be noted that specific examination items may vary depending on individual conditions and medical advice; therefore, it is recommended to undergo examinations under the guidance of a physician.