[Medical Q&A] Pre-pregnancy check-up is the first line of defense. What are the necessary examinations?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Shang Xuejun, Chief Physician, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command of PLA

Pre-pregnancy check-up refers to a comprehensive and systematic physical examination that the couple undergoes before planning to have a baby, so as to ensure a clear pregnancy and a safe and healthy birth. The purpose of pre-pregnancy check-up is to detect abnormalities in advance, treat them in time, and avoid potential problems and risks. Therefore, pre-pregnancy check-ups are very beneficial to future generations, pregnant women, families, and even society. The routine pre-pregnancy check-up items for couples preparing for pregnancy are as follows.

Items that need to be checked for both men and women: ① Basic information such as medical history, family history, and living habits; ② Physical examination such as height, weight, blood pressure, and cardiopulmonary examination; ③ Reproductive system examination; ④ Blood routine, blood type, and blood sugar test; urine routine; liver and kidney function test; thyroid function test; five hepatitis B serological tests; syphilis spirochete test; human immunodeficiency virus test.

Items that women need additional examinations: ④ Routine leucorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis examinations; electrocardiogram examinations; rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma, and herpes simplex virus examinations; routine gynecological ultrasound examinations.