Li expresses her feelings of uncertainty: "I feel conflicted." Even without any discomfort, she becomes anxious about her baby’s health. Since hearing the heartbeat at week eight, Li has been visiting the hospital almost every day for reassurance. If she doesn't, she spends her time worrying.
Understanding Prenatal Anxiety
According to doctors at the municipal maternal and child health hospital, they frequently encounter expectant mothers like Li who exhibit excessive prenatal anxiety. Notably, over 80% of these anxious mothers are well-educated women born in the 1980s. Typically, doctors advise expecting mothers to start their prenatal check-ups after three months of pregnancy, at which time they can establish their maternal health records.
Another expectant mother, Xiao Yan, who is five months pregnant, showcases similar behaviors. Her husband notes her extreme caution during this period: "Aside from normal check-ups, she has undergone additional tests at various hospitals just to verify the baby's health." Doctors label Xiao Yan’s behavior as typical prenatal anxiety.
The Impact of Excessive Testing
Zhang Hongping, deputy director of Obstetrics at the municipal maternal and child health hospital, points out that many expectant mothers are overly worried about their baby's health due to a lack of experience. This heightened anxiety can be detrimental to fetal development. She emphasizes that prenatal check-ups should be timely and appropriate, conducted under a doctor’s guidance. Frequent and unnecessary ultrasound tests can disturb the fetus instead of ensuring health.
Recommended Frequency of Ultrasounds
Generally, it is advisable for pregnant women to undergo four ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy:
- First Ultrasound: Conducted in early pregnancy (before 12 weeks) if there are risks like threatened miscarriage.
- Second Ultrasound: Performed in mid-pregnancy (between 13 and 27 weeks) to assess the baby’s organ development, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the placenta’s position, enabling early detection of abnormalities.
- Third Ultrasound: In late pregnancy (after 28 weeks), to evaluate the baby's growth and check for potential defects, especially conditions like cleft lip and palate.
- Fourth Ultrasound: Scheduled close to the due date to measure the fetal head diameter and skeletal parameters, estimating the baby’s weight and determining fetal position for potential vaginal delivery.
Expectant mothers should prioritize their mental well-being and approach prenatal care with a balanced mindset, relying on their healthcare providers to guide them through this unique journey.