The health of the mother during pregnancy is an extremely important concern. Pregnant women's health is significant not only for the well-being of the mother but also for that of the developing baby.

Screening can be one method of ensuring that both mom and baby receive optimal and appropriate treatment during pregnancy. Which prenatal screenings are essential and when should they be carried out?

Health screening for pregnant women

Regular pregnancy examinations

Routine pregnancy checkups are one of the most crucial exams during pregnancy. This prenatal appointment is a crucial component in verifying pregnancy, detecting the fetal heartbeat, obtaining an estimated due date, and monitoring the baby's progress in the womb.

Furthermore, routine prenatal exams give women the chance to learn important information about appropriate physical activity, diet, and warning indicators that need to be considered seriously during pregnancy.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health recommends that expectant mothers get at least six checkups during their pregnancy. If you are over 35 years old, have a medical history that could impact pregnancy, or are in danger of early labor, you may need more frequent pregnancy checks.

Blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial component of regular pregnancy check-ups to detect the potential occurrence of preeclampsia. A significant increase in blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine are two characteristics of preeclampsia, which frequently manifests after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Tuberculosis screening

Screening for tuberculosis (TB) is crucial during every regular pregnancy check-up, spanning from the initial to the final trimester. Pregnancy can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) infection and associated complications.

The tuberculin skin test (TST) is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and is routinely included in the evaluation, particularly for pregnant women who are at a high risk of being exposed to tuberculosis (TB). This test entails the subcutaneous injection of a small amount of tuberculin, followed by an observation of the resulting swelling at the injection site within 48–72 hours.

Screening for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis

Prenatal screening includes crucial blood tests for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis, which are recommended to be conducted at least once during pregnancy. The purpose of this test is to identify the presence of hepatitis B, HIV, or syphilis infections, which have the potential to impact the health of both pregnant women and the developing baby.

Early identification of maternal infection with any of these pathogens enables timely administration of treatment, thereby preventing the potential difficulties for both the mother and the developing baby.

Anemia screening

Anemia in pregnant women is common due to an imbalance between the rapid increase in blood volume during pregnancy and the slower increase in the number of red blood cells. Pregnant women should get a comprehensive blood test to identify anemia on two occasions during pregnancy: between weeks 0–12 and weeks 24–40.

Ultrasound Examination

Throughout pregnancy, ultrasonography examination is a crucial diagnostic tool. Determined gestational age, early fetal abnormalities, placenta and amniotic fluid assessment, and delivery preparation monitoring are all made possible by ultrasound. Ultrasounds are done at least twice or at each regular check-up.

Oral health examinations

Dental and oral examinations are crucial throughout pregnancy due to the significant effect that oral health has on the well-being of both the expectant mother and the developing baby. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Changing dietary and gastrointestinal patterns are associated with an increased risk of dental caries. Furthermore, regular oral and dental examinations help in the early detection of lesions or ulcers that may require further medical treatment.

Dental and oral examination during pregnancy is important because oral health has a significant impact on the health of pregnant women and fetuses. hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease. Changes in eating and vomiting habits can increase the risk of dental caries. In addition, routine dental and oral examinations allow early detection such as wounds or lesions that require additional care.

Mental health screening

Pregnancy increases the risk of developing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and prenatal depression, among other mental health issues. Screening for mental health issues during pregnancy enables earlier identification of such concerns and supports the evaluation of necessary interventions.

Mental health screening is carried out on at least two occasions throughout pregnancy, specifically between 0–12 weeks and 24–40 weeks.

Pregnant women who undergo screening during pregnancy are expected to receive enough health monitoring and treatment to ensure a smooth progression of the pregnancy. Consult your doctor regarding the appropriate screening procedures based on your specific medical condition and requirements.

If you have any additional inquiries regarding pregnancy, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store

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