Pregnancy is a special time that brings great changes to a woman’s body and mind. However, in order to have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth, it is important to check the health of the mother and baby in advance. Prenatal examinations are essential at this time. Prenatal examinations are important tests that must be received not only during pregnancy but also before planning a pregnancy. They help to manage potential risk factors by understanding the health status of prospective parents in advance and create a healthy pregnancy environment.보건소 산전검사
In particular, public health centers provide various prenatal examinations
드보라의 블로그for free or at a low cost, so many prospective parents can use them without burden. So, let’s take a closer look at the prenatal examinations that can be received at public health centers and the tests required before pregnancy.
Importance of Prenatal Examinations
Prenatal examinations are tests that are necessary for both women and men preparing for pregnancy. Through these tests, you can check for underlying diseases, genetic diseases, infections, etc. in advance and take appropriate treatment or preventive measures if necessary.
Checking and managing underlying diseases
Diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, etc. can cause complications during pregnancy, so they need to be controlled before pregnancy.
Genetic disease testing
If you have a family history or risk of genetic disease, you can check genetic factors that can affect the fetus in advance through genetic testing.
Infectious disease prevention
Check for infections such as rubella, hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis, and if necessary, get vaccinated or treated.
Nutritional status check
Check your nutritional status such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin D, and start taking necessary nutritional supplements before pregnancy.
Health center prenatal examination items
Health centers provide various prenatal tests for women before pregnancy and in the early stages of pregnancy. These tests are free or at a low cost, and are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Blood test
Anemia test: Anemia during pregnancy can affect the growth of the fetus, so it needs to be checked in advance.
Blood type test: Check the ABO blood type and Rh factor, and be careful if you are Rh negative.
Hepatitis B, C test: Check for infection, and take preventive measures if necessary.
Rubella antibody test: Rubella infection can have serious effects on the fetus, so check for antibodies. If there are no antibodies, vaccination before pregnancy is necessary.
Syphilis, HIV test: Check for infection in the mother, prevent vertical infection to the fetus.
Urine test
Proteinuria, diabetes test: Check for the risk of gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes in advance.
Urinary tract infection test: Asymptomatic urinary tract infection can also affect the health of the fetus, so it is tested.
Thyroid function test
Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can affect the maintenance of pregnancy and fetal development, so it is an essential test item.
Ultrasound examination
In the early stages of pregnancy, the heartbeat and development of the fetus are checked. Public health centers also provide basic ultrasound examinations.
Other examinations
Antibody tests for infectious diseases such as rubella and chickenpox
Ovarian function or hormone tests (if necessary)
Things to prepare before pregnancy
Folic acid intake
If you take enough folic acid before pregnancy, you can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida). It is recommended to take it 1 to 3 months before pregnancy.
Maintain a healthy weight
Because being overweight or underweight increases the risk of pregnancy complications, it is important to manage your weight appropriately.
Quit smoking and drinking
You should quit smoking and drinking before pregnancy to protect the health of the fetus.
Regular exercise and eating habits
Maintain your immunity and physical strength through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Vaccination Confirmation
Check your vaccination records for rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis B, etc., and complete vaccinations before pregnancy if necessary.
How do I get prenatal screening at a public health center?
Visit and consultation at a public health center
Visit a nearby public health center and get advice on prenatal screening programs.
In most cases, you can get tested for free with just your ID.
Reservation and testing
You can make a reservation in advance or get tested on the day.
Test results are usually available within 1-2 weeks.
Results consultation and management
Depending on the test results, additional testing or referral to a medical institution may be required.
If there are any abnormal findings, you will be directed to get a detailed examination at a specialized hospital.
Start a healthy pregnancy with prenatal screening
Prenatal screening before and during early pregnancy is not a simple procedure, but the first step to protecting the health of the mother and baby. If you actively utilize the support program of the public health center, you can manage your health systematically without any financial burden. Prepare for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth with early screening and prevention.