Thyroid problems during pregnancy
The thyroid gland at the neck produces thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism in the body. Common disorders of the thyroid gland...
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the womb. Often, this is considered as a last ditch attempt after failed medical treatment to...
Iron deficiency during pregnancy
Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy. This is especially common amongst pregnant women in the third trimester. Local studies have...
BMI >= 25 during pregnancy
There is now much data that shows that the following risks are increased if the BMI is >= 25: During pregnancy 1. Miscarriages 2. Fetal...
Amniocentesis and CVS (chorionic villus sampling)
Invasive diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are performed under ultrasound guidance to obtain...
BMI >= 25 and trying to conceive
BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres. There is now much data that shows that the following risks are...
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....
Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)
One needs to understand the different types of chromosomal abnormalities to decide which tests to do. 1. Large chromosomal abnormalities...
Fetuses with increased NT (nuchal translucency)
The majority of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) detected at the routine first trimester scan at 11-13 weeks gestation are...
Breastfeeding - Practical Advice
Recommendations for breastfeeding 1. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for up to 6 months, and continued breastfeeding beyond that...
Breastfeeding - Advantages and Disadvantages
Benefits 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 pregnancy
Regular breast examination should be performed before, during and after pregnancy. Monthly breast self examination Checking your breasts...
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 conceive
Aims 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 trimester
Dietary 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 after delivery
Adapted from the Perinatal Society of Singapore's Guidelines published in 2020 1. Physical activity and exercise are beneficial during...
Mental wellness during and after pregnancy
Both 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 pregnancy
What 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 trimester
1. 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) –...