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Prenatal Care in Busan

Prenatal care in Korea is thorough and ultrasound-heavy, with frequent visits that are mostly handled at OB/GYN clinics and women's hospitals. This guide covers the typical schedule, what each stage involves, how the government pregnancy voucher works, and what to think about when choosing where to deliver.

Typical visit schedule

Schedules vary by clinic and by your health. A common pattern is a visit every 4 weeks until about 28 weeks, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. Most visits include an ultrasound.

What happens by trimester

• First trimester: confirm the pregnancy and heartbeat, estimate the due date, run the first blood and urine panel, measure nuchal translucency around 11 to 14 weeks, and offer first-trimester screening. NIPT is optional.
• Second trimester: second-trimester serum screening, a detailed anatomy ("precision") ultrasound around 20 to 24 weeks, and gestational diabetes screening around 24 to 28 weeks.
• Third trimester: growth and position scans, anemia recheck, discussion of recommended vaccines , fetal monitoring (NST) near term, and birth planning.

Choosing where to give birth

Not every OB/GYN clinic delivers babies. Many smaller clinics provide prenatal care only and refer you to a delivery hospital later. If you'd like to stay with one doctor, choose a facility that delivers from the start. University hospitals are best for high-risk pregnancies (twins, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous complications). Ask each place about epidurals, cesarean rates, rooming-in, partner presence, and links to postpartum care centers (산후조리원).

Cost and insurance

Many prenatal services are partly covered by NHI. Pregnant NHI enrollees can also get the pregnancy and childbirth medical expense voucher : 1 million won for a single pregnancy, or 1 million won per fetus for multiples, loaded onto a National Happiness Card. It can be used toward co-payments and many non-covered costs. Optional extras such as NIPT and 3D/4D ultrasounds are self-pay. See the pregnancy checkup cost guide .

Tips for foreigners

• Bring your ARC or passport. Ask the clinic for a pregnancy confirmation form so you can apply for the voucher.
• Ask whether the doctor speaks English, and whether you can get printed ultrasound reports.
• Korea issues a maternal and child health handbook (산모수첩). Bring it to every visit.
• See the international patients guide for interpretation help (1330).

Related

• Pregnancy Blood Tests
• NIPT Test Korea
• Gestational Diabetes Screening
• Morning Sickness Treatment
• Postpartum Care
• Pregnancy Checkup Cost
• International Patients

Elsewhere in Korea

• Prenatal care in Gangnam, Seoul
• Pregnancy checkups in Daegu

When to get help sooner

Go to your delivery hospital or an ER right away if you have vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache or vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, fever, or noticeably reduced baby movements.

Busan hospitals and clinics for prenatal care

Hospitals marked "Delivers" are on HIRA's list of facilities that can deliver babies. Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm before you go.

Prenatal care FAQ