Antenatal care is your healthcare roadmap during pregnancy, meant to protect you and your baby. But when should you start, and what should you expect?
Find out more about the essentials of antenatal care in Singapore, such as the key stages and interventions that contribute to a safe, healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Ideally, the first prenatal check-up should be scheduled before the tenth week of pregnancy.
The first visit confirms pregnancy and reviews your general health and medical history. After that, check-ups will be scheduled once a month until your 28th week, once every two weeks from the 28th to the 36th week, and once a week from the 36th to the 40th week of pregnancy.
For high-risk pregnancies, such as those with multiple fetuses or pre-existing conditions like lupus, more frequent prenatal check-ups may be necessary.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure that involves the extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus. This procedure is usually performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy.
Under ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac. A small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells, is then withdrawn for analysis.
Amniocentesis is primarily used to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), neural tube defects, and genetic disorders. It can also determine the sex of the fetus and assess lung maturity in certain cases.
Chorionic villus sampling, often abbreviated as CVS, is another prenatal diagnostic test used to examine fetal chromosomes. Unlike amniocentesis, CVS can be performed earlier in pregnancy, typically between the 10th and 13th weeks.
During CVS, a small sample of tissue (chorionic villi) is taken from the placenta, which contains genetic material from the developing fetus. This sample can be obtained through the cervix (transcervical CVS) or the abdomen (transabdominal CVS), guided by ultrasound imaging.
CVS is primarily used to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, as well as certain genetic disorders. Because it can be performed earlier than amniocentesis, CVS provides results sooner, allowing for earlier decision-making regarding the pregnancy.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, or PUBS, is a diagnostic procedure used to directly sample fetal blood from the umbilical cord. This procedure is typically performed later in pregnancy, usually after 18 weeks gestation.
Under ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted through the mother’s abdominal wall and into the umbilical cord to obtain a small sample of fetal blood. This blood sample can then be analyzed for various genetic conditions and fetal abnormalities.
PUBS is used to diagnose certain blood disorders, infections, and genetic conditions that cannot be detected through other prenatal tests. It provides a direct assessment of the fetal blood, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and potential treatment options.
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Test
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Trimester Performed
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Sample Obtained
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Analyzes
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Risk
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Amniocentesis
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Second
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Amniotic Fluid
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Chrosomal abnormalities, genetic conditionsChrosomal abnormalities, genetic conditions
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Miscarriage, infection
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Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
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First
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Chorionic villi
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Chrosomal abnormalities, some genetic conditions
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Miscarriage, limb defects
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Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)
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Second or Third
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Fetal Blood
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Chrosomal abnormalities, genetic conditions, blood disorders, infections, metabolic conditions
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Miscarriage, infection, bleeding
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Antenatal care is essential for high-risk pregnancies as it enables healthcare providers to closely monitor and manage potential complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth restriction.
Antenatal care also emphasizes preventive measures to reduce the risk of complications, such as lifestyle counselling and early screening for genetic disorders, and helps in preparing a tailored birth plan for safe delivery, including discussions about timing, mode of delivery, and neonatal care if needed.
Here are some indications of a high-risk pregnancy:
High-risk pregnancies usually require earlier and more frequent prenatal check-ups so doctors can closely monitor the mother and baby’s health and detect any potential issues early.
Your current health status and medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, previous pregnancies, and family medical history, will be thoroughly reviewed.
High-risk pregnancies may require additional tests and screenings to assess fetal development and monitor for complications.
Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders require specialised care to manage these conditions during pregnancy. Your doctor may call for medication adjustments, dietary changes, and close monitoring of symptoms during prenatal care.
High-risk pregnancies often necessitate lifestyle modifications such as dietary advice and recommendations for exercise to reduce the risk of complications.
You may need consultations with various specialists, such as maternal-fetal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, or genetic counsellors to manage your risks.
Healthcare staff provide information on potential complications, warning signs to watch for, and instructions on when to seek medical assistance.
Healthcare providers offer emotional support and counselling to help manage anxiety and concerns throughout the pregnancy.
Pregnancy can evoke joy and excitement but sometimes also coincides with uncertainty. At our clinic headed by Dr TC Chang, we understand the emotional rollercoaster that expectant mothers experience, and we strive to provide compassionate and supportive care to address your needs throughout pregnancy.
We provide antenatal care services in Singapore that prioritise both mother and baby’s health, well-being, and safety. We aim to empower expectant mothers to embrace pregnancy with confidence and peace of mind.
