[Medical Q&A] When should I do a pre-pregnancy checkup? What precautions should I take before the checkup?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

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

It is usually recommended to do the check-up 3 to 6 months before pregnancy, and both husband and wife should do the check-up at the same time. Women should avoid the menstrual period when doing the check-up, and it is best to do it 3 to 7 days after the menstruation is completely over, and sexual intercourse should be avoided during this period. Although there is no time limit for men to do the pre-pregnancy check-up, they should abstain from sex for 3 days before the pre-pregnancy check-up, otherwise it may affect the test results. In general, maternal and child health care hospitals, obstetrics and gynecology hospitals, obstetric specialty hospitals, and large and medium-sized general hospitals all provide pre-pregnancy check-up services. The departments that implement the examination are usually obstetrics and gynecology or family planning departments. Some hospitals may arrange it in the internal medicine department. For specific details, please consult the hospital front desk or check the official website.

Before doing a prenatal check-up, you usually need to make the following preparations.

(1) Pay attention to a proper diet and maintain good living habits 3 days before the examination. Quit smoking and drinking, limit greasy, high-sugar, and high-protein meals, eat a light diet, get enough sleep, and do not take drugs that affect liver and kidney function.

(2) Take a shower one day before the examination to ensure the cleanliness of the body. Women should note that they can wash the vulva, but not the vagina, even if the vaginal discharge increases or has an odor. This is because water can easily wash away bacteria that cause disease, interfering with the test results.

(3) You must fast completely after 12:00 PM the night before the test. Pre-pregnancy checkups include a large number of items that require blood tests, so you must fast for more than 8 hours before the blood test.

(4) Wear loose, comfortable, and easy-to-put-on and -off clothing and shoes. Since X-ray examination is required, cotton underwear is recommended, and bras and clothing with metallic materials and sequins should not be worn.

(5) Collect morning urine. The test results of morning urine are the most accurate. The first urine discharged in the morning of the test day can be placed in a clean glass bottle for examination.