Taipei City adds subsidy for late-term pregnancy ultrasounds

Taipei City is enhancing prenatal care by offering an additional subsidized ultrasound examination for expectant mothers in their late pregnancy. This initiative, launched by the Taipei City Department of Health, provides a crucial late-stage check-up for pregnancies at 36 weeks or beyond.

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Prenatal examinations, through measuring the pregnant woman's blood pressure, weight, urine, and blood tests, combined with ultrasound tracking of fetal growth and development, amniotic fluid volume, placental position, and fetal heart sounds, continuously monitor maternal and fetal health.

The program partners with 43 contracted medical institutions to offer this enhanced assessment. It aims to closely monitor fetal growth and the mother's health, ensuring a safe and well-planned delivery. This adds to the existing national health insurance coverage, which includes three ultrasounds during pregnancy.

Dr. Chen Ching-hsuan, head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taipei City Hospital's Heping Fuyou Branch, emphasized the importance of regular prenatal check-ups. These examinations, including ultrasounds, help detect potential issues like gestational hypertension, diabetes, or fetal growth restriction early on. The late-stage ultrasound, particularly around the 36th week, is highlighted by international guidelines as significantly improving the detection rate of abnormalities compared to earlier checks.

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The late-stage pregnancy ultrasound examination's important assessment items include fetal structure, size, position, amniotic fluid volume, placental position, and umbilical cord status, while also assessing fetal weight and overall health status, serving as an important reference for planning the subsequent delivery method.

This additional subsidy is available to Taipei residents and the spouses of Taipei residents who are foreign nationals. The city aims to support families through every stage of pregnancy, from pre-conception health to late-stage delivery preparation, ensuring more families can welcome new life with peace of mind.

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Compared to the 32nd week, performing an ultrasound examination at the 36th week can increase the detection rate of abnormalities by 1.5 times, helping physicians grasp the maternal and fetal health status and perfect subsequent delivery planning, assisting more families in welcoming new life with peace of mind.