Fetuses with increased nuchal translucencyThe majority of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) detected at the routine first trimester scan at 11-13 weeks gestation are...
Breastfeeding - Recommendations and Practical AdviceRecommendations for breastfeeding 1. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for up to 6 months, and continued breastfeeding beyond that...
Breastfeeding - Advantages and DisadvantagesBenefits to breastfeeding For the infant 1. Human breast milk is specific for the needs of human infants. 2. Breastfed infant takes what...
Breast awareness during pregnancyRegular breast examination should be performed before, during and after pregnancy. Monthly breast self examination Checking your breasts...
First Trimester Screening (FTS)The FTS must be performed between 11+ weeks to 13 weeks 6 days gestation, best around 12 weeks. This is performed via: 1. History 2....
Second Trimester Screening Second Trimester Screening Scan or Fetal Anomaly Scan at 18-22 weeks This scan typically takes 30 minutes but may take longer if the baby...
Third Trimester Growth Scan (including 3D / 4D if the conditions are right)This is usually done at 30 to 37 weeks. The following details are assessed at this scan: a) Measurements of head circumference,...
Pre-pregnancy care or trying to conceiveAims of a pre-pregnancy check-up 1. Investigate for potential problems that may reduce fertility 2. Optimise control of pre-existing...
General advice in first trimesterDietary 1. To avoid toxoplasmosis, avoid raw meats (e.g. raw ground beef, rare lamb, uncooked pork), unpasteurised goat's milk, eating...
Physical activity and exercise (including pelvic / Kegel exercises) after deliveryAdapted from the Perinatal Society of Singapore's Guidelines published in 2020 1. Physical activity and exercise are beneficial during...
Mental wellness during and after pregnancyBoth the mother (up to 10%) and the father (up to 5%) can experience mental health issues during the pregnancy and after birth. It is...
Iron deficiency & anaemia in pregnancyWhat is iron deficiency in pregnancy? During pregnancy, your body produces more red blood cells to support the growth of the fetus. Iron,...
Routine tests in first trimester1. Blood and urine tests usually at 11-12 weeks – we require blood and 1 urine sample to perform these tests a) Full blood count (FBC) –...
Possible complications in first trimester - miscarriages and ectopic pregnanciesThese risks include: 1. Ectopic pregnancy - This occurs in 1% of pregnancies. This usually presents with vaginal bleeding with or without...
Mental wellness during and after pregnancyBoth the mother (up to 10%) and the father (up to 5%) can experience mental health issues during the pregnancy and after birth. It is...
Routine tests in Third trimester 1. Blood pressure and urine for protein at every visit - Screens for pre-eclampsia 2. Full blood count, serum ferritin, and 3-point oral...
Fetal movement monitoringMonitoring of fetal movement You may want to count fetal movement from 28 weeks onwards. By 28 weeks, you would have a mental idea about...
Physical activity and exercise in pregnancyAdapted from the Perinatal Society of Singapore's Guidelines published in 2020 1. Physical activity and exercise are beneficial during...
Physical activity and exercise in pregnancyAdapted from the Perinatal Society of Singapore's Guidelines published in 2020 1. Physical activity and exercise are beneficial during...
Travel during pregnancy12-23 weeks pregnancy is the best time to travel. Plan your holiday around this time. In the second trimester, the risk of miscarriage is...