How long before pregnancy should be screened?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Pham Thi Tuyet Mai - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Pre-pregnancy screening helps you to identify the risk that your baby may be born with birth defects and promptly take care of them. For the best results, how long should a couple have a pre-pregnancy screening?

According to current statistics, Vietnam is in the group of countries with very high maternal and infant mortality rates. Each year, it is estimated that about 41,000 children are born with birth defects, which significantly affects the happiness, as well as the economy of the whole family and society.

Counseling and health checks for pregnancy preparation for couples who are planning a pregnancy, for parents who have been pregnant or have had children with birth defects or related problems to chronic diseases, obstetric and gynecological diseases... is very important and necessary to minimize the risks that may occur in the next pregnancy.

Right from the moment you intend to have a baby, couples should go to antenatal care as soon as possible.
The reason is because in addition to folic acid need to be supplemented at least 3 months before pregnancy, you also need to get vaccinated before pregnancy to prevent disease as well as reduce the risk of birth defects. before a certain period of time. The specific time of vaccination before pregnancy is as follows:

Before going to the antenatal clinic, you need to note a few things:
During the clinical examination to check the reproductive health, it is necessary to provide sufficient information to the doctor about your health status, vaccination schedule in advance. Here, personal and family medical history, wife's menstrual cycle, husband's ability to ejaculate. Do not visit during menstrual cycle. It is recommended to test at least 7 days before or after your period. Do not have sex 24 hours before the check-up. When going to the doctor, priority should be given to loose, airy clothes. People being treated for diabetes should not take medicine or inject insulin on the morning of the day of blood collection to avoid affecting the test results. Only blood pressure medication is still used normally. You should fast for at least 8 hours before the blood test. Only drink filtered water and absolutely avoid carbonated water, milk, wine, tea, fruit juice, coffee.

Do not take minerals, vitamins or supplements within 24 hours before the test. You should fast for at least 4 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. Drink only filtered water and hold urine for about 1 hour for more accurate ultrasound results. Women who menstruate, are suffering from mastitis, breast abscess should not have mammograms or ultrasounds. A mammogram should be done on the 7th or 14th day of your menstrual cycle. Because at this time, the level of estrogen hormone in the body has dropped to low, the mammary gland tissue less water retention, less expansion. When collecting urine for testing, should clean hands and external genitals, do not touch the inside of the vial. You should pee into the toilet, after a few seconds to collect urine until 2/3 of the bottle, then stop.

Pre-pregnancy health care not only needs genetic screening, nutritional supplements, but also disease prevention to ensure health during pregnancy. Therefore, Vinmec's pre-pregnancy health care and counseling program was born, which is the perfect and complete solution for couples who are preparing for pregnancy to welcome a baby.
Pre-pregnancy health care and counseling program at Vinmec International General Hospital includes the following main contents:
Pre-pregnancy genetic counseling Screening to detect healthy people carrying disease genes Standard equipment for assisted reproductive services Pharmaceutical use and pregnancy Vaccinations Oral Vitamins and Folic Acid (vitamin B9) Food use and pregnancy Prevention of exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous physical agents Other health problems for you and your husband (wife) At Vinmec International General Hospital, the doctor will examine, guide as well as support the most complete information for couples before marriage. prepare to have children.