What to do when you learn you are pregnant Singapore

 

source from: http://www.globalsources.com/gsol/I/Pregnancy-fertility/p/sm/1063131879.htm#1063131879


Hi everyone
Today's post is about coping with your first pregnancy. If you are a noob like me and feel lost about what to do, where to go, I hope this post will be useful to you. When I learnt that I was pregnant, I tried to google online on where to go etc but I could not find much info. Some mums may be superstitious not to announce the pregnancy before the 1st trimester for fear of jinxing the pregnancy. I consulted 2 of my good friends for advice.

1st step: get a DIY pregnancy kit/ visit the GP to get tested.

Congratulations! Once you are confirmed pregnant, you will need to make an appointment to see a gynae between 6-8 weeks. To calculate your pregnancy weeks, you take the first day of your last menses. I have read in forums that some mothers are very excited and very eager to see the gynae even before 6weeks. Most gynaes won't see you/ it will be a waste of money cos you can't do the ultra-scan.

You will then need to decide if you would want to be subsidised/ private patient. I have called KKH and NUH to clarify the difference between the two. If you want to go under subsidy, you will need referral letter from polyclinic and you will be managed by a team of doctors and the appointments are usually on weekdays during office hours. I guess most mothers will rather pay a bit more and stick to one doctor throughout your pregnancy.

You can choose the doctor based on friends/ forum's recommendations/ reviews or you can call your preferred hospital and asked them for recommendation.

After your visit visit to the gynae, the gynae will prescribe you folic acid and multi-vitamins. The gynae will stress the importance of folic acid (though it's a small pill) as it will reduces the incidences of birth defects. My gynae also advises against taking caffeine eg coffee+tea, carbonated drink, raw food eg sushi.

What are some of the changes you might experience during your first trimester?
- fuller and bloated breasts
- morning sickness
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- stomach bloatedness
- frequent visit to toilets
- cramps mostly on right side of pelvic

The gynae will also schedule you to go for nuchal test ie test of down syndrome which comprises a blood test and an ultrasound scan when you are between 11weeks, 3days and 13weeks 6 days of pregnancy. You can read more about the tests via:

http://www.nuhgynae.com.sg/wbn/slot/u2349/Articles/screening%20for%20CA.pdf
http://yourhealth.asiaone.com/content/new-test-babys-dna-risk-available-singapore

I find that the iphone app the bump is very useful as it gives you updates and progress of your baby eg fruit size of your baby and weekly to do list.


I feel very thankful and blessed that there is a miracle life growing inside me. Thank you baby for being healthy and strong, I promise to be a better person and I'll do my best for you. I am also grateful to my supportive husband.

Love,
Sherlyn

comprises a blood test and an ultrasound scan

which comprises a blood test and an ultrasound scan - to determine the chances of their child getting Down syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities. - See more at: http://yourhealth.asiaone.com/content/new-test-babys-dna-risk-available-singapore#sthash.GVz8IKxa.dpuf