ĐẶT LỊCH KHÁM

After IUI or embryo transfer, this is certainly a period when every mother feels a little anxious, yet full of hope and anticipation, eagerly waiting each day for the wonderful news that her baby has arrived.

Mothers-to-be should take note of the following 3 important pregnancy check-up milestones to ensure appropriate and adequate prenatal care, supporting a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery:

FIRST TRIMESTER: THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF PREGNANCY

• Day 14 after IUI, day 14 after a day-2 or day-3 embryo transfer, or day 12 after a day-5 embryo transfer: A serum hCG test is performed. An hCG level of ≥25 IU/mL confirms pregnancy.
• Days 19–21 after embryo transfer or IUI: An ultrasound is performed to determine the location of implantation and the number of gestational sacs.
• Days 26–28 after embryo transfer or IUI: An ultrasound is performed to check for fetal cardiac activity and estimate the due date.
• At 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy: Ultrasound examinations are performed to assess fetal development. In cases of multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets, if fetal reduction is medically indicated, it is generally performed during this period, usually between 7 and 9 weeks of pregnancy.
• From 11 weeks 6 days to 13 weeks 6 days: This is an important prenatal screening milestone. The mother may undergo:
  • Fetal morphology ultrasound: measurement of nuchal translucency and early screening for fetal abnormalities using the Double Test or NIPT.
  • Early preeclampsia screening and viral/parasitic testing: including Rubella, CMV and Toxoplasma.

SECOND TRIMESTER: THE MIDDLE THREE MONTHS OF PREGNANCY (WEEKS 14–28)

• Singleton pregnancy: prenatal check-ups every 4 weeks.
• Multiple pregnancy or high-risk pregnancy: prenatal check-ups every 2 weeks or as recommended by the doctor.
  • Weight, blood pressure and urine tests at each prenatal visit.
  • 2D or 5D ultrasound to screen for fetal abnormalities, assess fetal growth, and evaluate the umbilical cord, placenta and amniotic fluid.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound to measure cervical length and assess the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.
  • Routine gynecological examinations every 2–4 weeks or whenever symptoms of vulvar or vaginal inflammation occur.
• At 24–28 weeks or when indicated by the doctor: an oral glucose tolerance test is performed to screen for gestational diabetes.
• From 22 weeks:
  • Tetanus vaccination: women who have previously given birth generally receive 1 dose. Women who are pregnant for the first time or who had their previous pregnancy more than 5 years ago generally receive 2 doses, one month apart. The second dose should be given approximately 1 month before the expected delivery date.
  • Complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests and other tests as indicated by the doctor.

THIRD TRIMESTER: THE LAST THREE MONTHS OF PREGNANCY

Blood pressure and weight should be measured at every prenatal visit.

• 32–36 weeks: prenatal check-ups every 2 weeks.
  • Ultrasound to assess fetal growth, placenta and amniotic fluid.
  • Blood and urine tests.
• 36–39 weeks: prenatal check-ups once a week or according to the condition of the fetus and amniotic fluid.
  • Ultrasound to assess fetal growth, placenta and amniotic fluid.
  • Blood and urine tests.
  • Obstetric monitoring to assess the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

Understanding the recommended prenatal check-up milestones after IUI or embryo transfer is extremely important. Following the appropriate schedule and completing all recommended examinations allow doctors to promptly identify and manage any complications that may arise, helping ensure the safety of both mother and baby and supporting a safe and healthy delivery.