Parents who are thinking about having a child but are worried about pregnancy, today we have valuable information from an expert obstetrician who will explain pregnancy in depth and provide good advice to prepare your little one before facing the outside world.
Prepare… even before planning
The earlier you prepare, the better, because nowadays hospitals have health check-up programs to prepare parents before pregnancy. “Blood tests are done for both parents to check for any diseases or causes that could be passed on to the child. The blood tests include checking blood count, major blood groups A B O, or Rh subgroups. Although most Thai people are Rh+, some are Rh-, which can cause complications in the fetus if not closely monitored during pregnancy.”
Genetic diseases… cannot be overlooked
“In addition, tests for three sexually transmitted infections are done: syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B virus, as well as screening for genetic diseases such as thalassemia to see if the parents are carriers and the percentage chance of passing it on to the child.” Mothers may also be tested for rubella because in some cases, infection during pregnancy can cause fetal disabilities. Therefore, if the mother is found to have no immunity, the doctor may recommend vaccination beforehand, but pregnancy should be delayed for about 3 months after vaccination.
See the doctor… no need to wait until pregnancy
For parents who are worried about when to see a doctor, whether before pregnancy or after becoming pregnant, the doctor explains that “It is recommended that parents come for a readiness check at least 1-3 months before planning pregnancy because during the check-up, the mother will receive Folic Acid vitamins, which help reduce birth defects and the closure of the neural tube or spinal cord in the fetus.”
Be aware of risks… at every stage of pregnancy
Pregnancy is divided into three main stages called Trimesters:
- From 0-13 weeks: This is the period of embryo and organ formation. Checking during this time helps determine if the pregnancy is normal, if it is located in the uterus or uterine cavity, and if there is an embryo. During this early stage, vitamins are essential to support embryo development, with folic acid being very important in the first 12 weeks. Caution should be taken with medication use if the mother is ill, as some drugs may affect the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended to see a doctor whenever ill to avoid harm to the fetus.
- From 14-28 weeks: This period focuses on fetal growth. Most organs are already formed, and development involves increasing the size and weight of the embryo. There are generally fewer risks or dangers to the fetus during this stage.
- From 28 weeks onwards: This stage involves monitoring whether the fetus is growing normally according to standards. Especially as delivery approaches, close monitoring is necessary because the placenta or amniotic fluid may deteriorate, calcify, or blood vessels supplying the fetus may decrease, and amniotic fluid may reduce. Therefore, the final stage of pregnancy is very important, and mothers must strictly attend scheduled doctor appointments.
The more advanced the pregnancy… the more frequent the doctor visits
The doctor explains the schedule for parents’ visits as follows: “Before 28 weeks, appointments may be monthly. After 28 weeks, visits increase to every 3 weeks until 32 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and after 36 weeks, weekly visits begin. The frequency increases towards the end to closely monitor the fetus’s health and growth.”
For any parents still worried, the doctor wants to say “Pregnancy is not something to fear or worry about. Preparing before pregnancy, attending doctor appointments, and following the doctor’s advice at each visit will help ensure a smooth and safe pregnancy for both mother and fetus.”
Dr. Paweena Butrdeewong
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
