What examinations need to be done during the pregnancy preparation for the elderly?
Maternity preparation for the elderly refers to the situation that women over 35 years old or men over 40 years old decide to have children because of their age. As the age increases, female ovulation function and egg quality may decline, and male sperm quality and quantity may also be affected. Therefore, it is very important to carry out a series of physical examinations and examinations during the pregnancy preparation for the elderly to ensure a smooth pregnancy and healthy birth. The following will elaborate on what examinations need to be done during the pregnancy preparation for the elderly from four aspects: age assessment, basic physical examination, fertility assessment and genetic counseling.
Age assessment
Age assessment is the first step for the elderly to prepare for pregnancy. When women are over 35 years old, their biological clock will gradually accelerate, and the quality and quantity of eggs will also rapidly decrease. Therefore, age assessment is a very important link. In terms of age assessment, women's fertility can be judged by checking their reproductive hormone level, ovarian reserve and egg cell quality. Generally, doctors will recommend women to take ovulation stimulating drugs, basic temperature measurement and blood hormone detection to assess their ovarian function and pregnancy potential.
Basic physical examination
Basic physical examination includes physical examination, gynecological examination and male reproductive system examination. Physical examination is mainly to exclude existing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, which may affect the smooth progress of pregnancy. Gynecological examination is to understand the health status of female reproductive system, including the examination of uterus, ovary, cervix, etc. Male reproductive system examination is mainly to understand male fertility and sperm quality, generally including semen analysis and testicular ultrasound examination.
Fertility assessment
The purpose of fertility assessment is to assess the ovarian function of women, the sperm quality of men and the fertility of both sides. Female fertility assessment generally includes ovarian reserve assessment, uterine cavity shape inspection and tubal patency inspection. The evaluation of male reproductive ability mainly includes the examination of sperm quality and quantity. If both parties have reproductive problems, doctors may recommend further assisted reproductive technology or treatment.
Genetic counseling
The risk of fertility increases with age. Especially for elderly women, the chance of suffering from chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases. Therefore, it is very important to carry out genetic counseling during the pregnancy preparation for the elderly. Genetic counseling is mainly to assess the health of fetal chromosomes and genes through chromosome examination and gene mutation detection, so as to provide basis for future embryo screening and prenatal diagnosis.
Summary
During the pregnancy preparation for the elderly, both women and men need to carry out a series of examinations and assessments to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy birth. Age assessment, basic physical examination, fertility assessment and genetic counseling are the four aspects. Only after comprehensive inspection and assessment, both parties can better understand their fertility and risks, and make corresponding decisions and preparations. Therefore, it is very important and necessary to check and evaluate as early as possible during pregnancy preparation.
