What Are the Four Essential Tests Before Pregnancy?

Pre-pregnancy screening typically includes four items: Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus. These screenings can help reduce pregnancy risks. Prior to conception, it is recommended to visit a hospital for corresponding screenings to identify any potential genetic diseases. During the preparation for pregnancy, both partners should quit smoking and drinking, and maintain a balanced diet to improve the quality of sperm and eggs.

1. Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic disease that is commonly transmitted through contact with pets such as cats and dogs. Infection during early pregnancy can lead to fetal malformations such as hydrocephalus, microcephaly, and blindness, and termination of pregnancy is often recommended. Infection during late pregnancy generally does not cause fetal developmental abnormalities, but severe infections can occur in the neonatal period, leading to abnormal neurological development. Early screening for brain damage is recommended.

2. Rubella virus is transmitted through the respiratory tract. Infection during early pregnancy can cause congenital cataracts, congenital heart disease, and neural deafness in the fetus, and termination of pregnancy is often recommended. Infection after 20 weeks of gestation generally does not cause fetal malformations.

3. Cytomegalovirus infection can cause intrauterine growth retardation, microcephaly, encephalitis, retinitis, and hemolysis in the fetus. The mortality rate is high in newborns, and the virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding.

4. Herpes simplex virus infection during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Infection during the middle to late stages of pregnancy generally does not cause malformations, but symptoms may manifest in the neonatal period.

From the perspective of eugenics, it is essential to undergo the "four eugenics screenings" before and during pregnancy. Women planning for pregnancy should undergo these screenings three months prior to conception. If abnormalities are detected, it is recommended to delay pregnancy until after treatment. During pregnancy, any abnormalities detected through screenings should be managed actively under the guidance of a doctor to minimize risks.