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...
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...
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) –...
Ectopic pregnancies
Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1% of pregnancies. This usually presents with vaginal bleeding with or without moderate to severe abdominal...
Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy
Adapted from the Perinatal Society of Singapore's Guidelines published in 2020 1. Physical activity and exercise are beneficial during...
Screen for chromosomal abnormalities
One needs to understand the different types of chromosomal abnormalities to decide which tests to do. 1. Large chromosomal abnormalities...
Physiological changes during pregnancy
There are numerous physiological changes that occur during the pregnancy. I will highlight some of the changes here that seem to bother...
Common symptoms in pregnancy
Nausea / vomiting of pregnancy (or "morning sickness") Morning sickness is a misnomer as this can occur at any time. It affects about 80%...
Common questions from pregnant women
A) Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy 1. This begins early in pregnancy, most commonly between the 4th and 7th week or pregnancy, peaks at...
Miscarriages
Types of miscarriage syndromes: 1. Threatened miscarriage - this is diagnosed when there is painless vaginal spotting / bleeding (brown...