Prenatal care in Korea: What You Need to Know

Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. In Korea, expectant mothers receive comprehensive care through regular checkups, advanced screenings, nutritional guidance, and delivery planning. Whether you’re a resident or international patient, Korean OB/GYN clinics and maternity hospitals offer modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and patient-centered support from early pregnancy to postpartum recovery.


What Prenatal Care Includes in Korea

1. Initial Pregnancy Confirmation and Blood Tests

  • Urine and blood tests to confirm pregnancy and check hormone levels
  • Initial screening for anemia, blood type, rubella immunity, hepatitis, HIV, and other infections
  • Ultrasound to estimate gestational age and confirm fetal viability

2. Regular Checkups by Trimester

  • First trimester: Visits every 4 weeks, early screening for chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., nuchal translucency, PAPP-A)
  • Second trimester: Anatomy scan, glucose tolerance test, fetal growth monitoring
  • Third trimester: Weekly or bi-weekly visits, Group B strep test, fetal position check, and delivery planning

3. Ultrasound and Fetal Monitoring

  • High-resolution 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasound scans
  • Doppler imaging for blood flow, fetal heartbeat, and placenta evaluation

4. Optional Genetic Testing and NIPT

  • Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) available as early as 10 weeks
  • Screens for Down syndrome, trisomy 18/13, and sex chromosome disorders

5. Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling

  • Guidance on prenatal vitamins, weight management, exercise, and safe medication
  • Support for managing morning sickness, heartburn, and other common pregnancy symptoms


Why Choose Korea for Prenatal Care?

  • Highly trained OB/GYNs and perinatologists experienced in both routine and high-risk pregnancies
  • State-of-the-art maternity centers in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong with English-speaking staff
  • Seamless integration of diagnostics, ultrasounds, and delivery services
  • Clean, private exam rooms and comfortable waiting areas
  • Support for natural delivery, C-section, and epidural options at modern birthing centers


Cost of Prenatal Care in Korea

  • Initial pregnancy confirmation + labs: ₩100,000 to ₩250,000
    (approx. $75 to $185 USD)
  • Routine checkups per visit: ₩50,000 to ₩100,000
    (approx. $35 to $75 USD)
  • Ultrasound scan: ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 per session
    (approx. $35 to $110 USD)
  • NIPT (optional): ₩500,000 to ₩900,000
    (approx. $370 to $670 USD)
  • Full prenatal packages (monthly checkups + delivery + basic labs): ₩2,000,000 to ₩4,500,000
    (approx. $1,500 to $3,400 USD depending on delivery method and hospital tier)

Maternity hospitals may offer discounted prenatal + delivery bundles for foreign patients.


Delivery and Postnatal Planning

  • Delivery typically occurs at the same hospital where prenatal care is received
  • Epidural and elective C-sections are available on request
  • Postnatal rooms (joriwon) available for recovery and baby care education
  • Breastfeeding support, newborn screening, and vaccination guidance included in postpartum care


Conclusion

Prenatal care in Korea combines advanced medical technology with attentive, personalized support. From early pregnancy screening to safe delivery planning, Korean clinics and maternity hospitals ensure a smooth and informed journey for expectant mothers. With modern facilities, transparent costs, and English-speaking professionals, Korea remains a top choice for prenatal and maternity care.