101 to my Pregnancy
101 guide to my pregnancy
Firstly, go to polyclinic do urine test n get referral letter to kkh to be under subsidies rate. Regardless u want to go kkh or sgh or pte hospital to deliver juz get the letter first and think later.
You will only need to get a gynae appt on 7-10weeks, as any earlier the scan can’t see anything. I would suggest first 2 gynae visits go to kkh first so that u can get Dydrogesterone (安胎药) for oni $5!!! pte gynae $80.
Second, choose a gynae. for kkh u can’t arrange for a fixed gynae to see every mth, if u want to be under subsidized rate for the doc consultation fee. so i opt pte gynae as kkh waiting time will kill and i don’t see the point of paying pte fee at kkh.
How to choose a gynae:
- female/male: Female
- then wic hospital TMC/ Mt E Novena : TMC
- referral : no friends wif good female gynae
- credentials : yrs of experience n previously from kkh
- facility of clinic : more doc, systematic and friendly nurses.
My choice:
Third, Get free samples for milk from different brands to try see which taste u prefer more.
My choice: Dumex Mamil mama - taste better when mixed with my coffee.
Forth, Attend the Pregnancy / Baby/ Parenting talk organized by TMC or Abbott. You can get to learn and hear from experts sharing tips and advise what you need to know about being a 1st time parent. Cheaper than you sign up an antenatal course.
-First Mums' and Dads' Congress: only at $20/couple, an yearly event held in Jan/Feb - https://fmdc2018.tickledmedia.com/
-Pregnancy: A New Beginning by Thomson Medical: Only at $8/couple
-Supermum seminar at $10/couple. https://supermom.com.sg/seminar-pregnancy-delivery-raising-a-smart-baby.html
After that, just relax and chill. Just eat healthily and ensure less rice or bad carbohydrates food high GI. Eat fruit daily. Eat supplements- continue Folic acid, DHA Dhaxtra or gnc dha 250, Calcium pill Bonaclad by Orion pharma, Multi-vit with iron Obimin.
At week 28, scheduled to do glucose test checks for gestational diabetes.
As per Mayoclinic: A normal fasting blood glucose level is lower than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L).
One hour after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level is lower than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L).
Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level is lower than 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L).
My first reading was 5.0.
After drinking the glucose tolerance beverage, and after 1hr reading was 8.0.
Waited another 1hr to take the 3rd reading was 6.3. Yes, I passed the test 💪🏻. Anything above 6.7 is considered having GD - gestational diabetes.
You will have increased risk of GD if:
• You are overweight. Having a BMI of 30 or more.
• You have a higher level of abdominal fat.
• You are older. Doctors have noted that women over the age of 35 have a significantly higher risk of developing GD.
• You have a family history. If diabetes runs in the family, you may be more at risk of GD.
• You have a personal history of GD. If you had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.
Most women with have gestational diabetes have no symptoms, though a few may experience:
• Unusual thirst.
• Frequent urination in large amounts (distinguished from the also frequent but usually light urination of early pregnancy).
• Fatigue (which may be difficult to differentiate from normal pregnancy fatigue).
• Sugar in the urine (detected at a routine practitioner visit).
Fifth, sourcing for infant care. We want to fetch baby ourselves for the first 6mths so need to choose a strategic location for our convenience, after 6mths we will transfer to near our house so my mum can help to pickup before 7pm.
I have shortlisted CherieHeart $1350, Kinderland $1288, Josiah $1800, Learning Vision $1500, after 6mths PCF Sparkletots $750. *price after $600 subsidy for working mum.
Sixth, sourcing the recommended baby shower gel, laundry detergent, baby wipes, etc.
My choice: Sebamed
Kodomo/ Pigeon
Seventh, sourcing the good breast pump.
As per friend recommendation, buy electric double pump, easier and time-saving. My choice: Medela
Top 3 brands for breast pumps used by Singaporean mums
• Avent
• Medela - my choice
• Unimom
Other breast pump brands used by Singaporean mums
• Ameda
• Ardo
• Freemies
• Hygeia
• Lacte
• Pigeon
• Spectra
• Tommee Tippee
Eighth, sourcing for baby insurance for hospitalization plan. My choice: Great Eastern Supreme Health.
A very good comparison writeup to refer:
Ninth, sourcing confinement food if you don’t intend to get a confinement lady, which I think quite redundant and expensive. If husband can clear 3-4 weeks it is good enuf, just engaged part-time cleaner to clean the house weekly. To me being committed & involved is good to learn how to take care of baby on our own. However, for first time parent and never handle baby before, juz get a confinement lady, if mum or mil can’t help you out.
At week 31, suffered Round Ligament Pain, sharp pain in my less side at the abdomen, any movements can trigger a stabbing pain or muscle spasm.
Tenth, find out about CDA account and baby bonus.
Eleventh, find out what to pack in Hospital Bag. https://www.thomsonmedical.com/birth-at-thomson/admission-your-stay/hospital-bag-checklist/
You may wish consider packing the following items:
- Bedroom slippers
- Cardigan or dressing gown
- Maternity bras without underwire support
- Personal nightgowns (front-open type for easier breastfeeding)
- Polythene bags (for your soiled clothes)
- Socks
- Disposable underwear
- Personal toiletries
- Personal Breast Pump
- Compression socks (if have)
- HP charger
- Sanitary napkins or maternity pads for the blood discharge after childbirth.
- Slippers to use when you want to walk around or outside your room.
- Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, cleanser, etc for daily hygiene
- Towel to use after shower.
- Hairbrush, Toothbrush and other accessories
- Going-home attire to use when you are ready to be discharged from the hospital.
- Cosmetics such as powder and lipstick and other stuff you need
- Change of clothes for your husband
- List of official documents for admission registration
For baby:
- Receiving blankets to wrap around your baby to keep him or her warm.
- Baby clothes such as romper, pajamas, mittens, cap, socks or booties.
Extra stuff to find out when you have time:
- Products for postpartum hair loss:
- What to eat when breastfeeding?
- 10 diaper bag essentials
Changing pad
Water bottle
Extra clothes
Sunscreen (for babies 6 months and abv)
Bags
plastic or biodegradable- for dirty stuff
Pacifiers
Diaper rash cream
First aid supplies
Hand sanitizer
Diapers
