Prenatal & postpartum care

Prepare your last menstrual period, cycle pattern, previous pregnancies, births and surgery, medical conditions, allergies and a list of medicines and supplements. Bring previous test reports and your maternity handbook and Taiwan health insurance card if you have them. After fertility treatment, bring your treatment and embryo transfer records.

Taiwan's guidance includes visits around weeks 8 and 12; 16, 20, 24 and 28; 30, 32, 34 and 36; then weekly at 37–40 weeks. Multiple pregnancy, bleeding, chronic illness and other risks may require a different schedule. Publicly funded care depends on eligibility and should not be assumed to cover overseas visitors.

Blood and urine tests, ultrasound and chromosome-related tests answer different questions. Discuss gestational diabetes and anemia testing at 24–28 weeks, and group B streptococcus screening at 35–37 weeks under the local care plan. Before optional tests, ask what they detect, their limitations, the next step after an abnormal result and the cost.

Report new symptoms or medicine changes. Confirm what was tested and when results will be discussed, the next appointment and any preparation, and how to seek help outside clinic hours. Keep reports when changing hospitals so care can continue smoothly.

Significant bleeding, persistent severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe headache or vision changes need urgent assessment. Contact maternity care promptly for ongoing fluid leakage or clearly reduced movement after your baby's usual pattern is established. For severe symptoms in Taiwan, call 119 or attend emergency care instead of waiting for a LINE reply.