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Q&A

Obstetrics

I would like to know what to look out for when choosing a gynaecology clinic in Singapore.

1. Choose a clinic which is specialist accredited. Like other specialists, obstetricians must be accredited by the Specialists Accreditation Board, which is administered under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

2. Availability of care services before and after childbirth. Do enquire for experienced doctors. It depends on the number of years of experience and the number of babies they delivered each year. It is better to choose a hospital with skilled doctors as patients can learn about cases and experiences of other patients.

3. Choosing a clinic with support for ideal childbirth. It will be good to enquire if your desired delivery method is available.

4. Communication is see. Look out for key points such as whether the doctor is willing to talk to you as a caregiver, patiently listens and answers questions, or responds to your requests.

 

At the end of the day, choosing your gynaecologist is a highly intimate and personal decision. Please make sure that you are comfortable with him/her, and can fully trust your gynaecologist.

 

Please tell us more about Down Syndrome Tests in Singapore.

Down Syndrome is one of the commonest causes of mental retardation. The risk increases the older the mother is. There are a few ways to test for Down Syndrome – these tests are optional. : 1.First trimester screening: this is done at about 11-13 weeks’ gestation. It involves an ultrasound to assess the thickness of the skin behind the fetus’ neck (the thicker it is, the higher the risk for Down Syndrome & some other abnormalities) & a blood test. The results assess the risk for a fetus to have Down Syndrome. The test also assesses risk for other syndromes like Edward & Patau Syndrome – serious conditions that lead to abnormalities in the child & a shortened life span. This test is 90% sensitive.

2.NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing): this is a blood test done after 11 weeks’ gestation. Blood is taken from the mother & is sent for analysis. The baby passes some chromosomes to the mother during pregnancy, & this is assessed. It is 98 % accurate & does not lead to miscarriage. It tests for Down Syndrome, Edward’s & Patau’s Syndromes.
With evolving technology, it can also be used to test for rarer syndromes , e.g. Di George, cri-du-chat,Prader Willi & Angelman Syndrome

3.Amniocentesis : this is done from 15-20 weeks’ gestation. It involves the insertion of a needle into the womb under ultrasound guidance. 20 cc of amniotic fluid are extracted & sent for chromosomal testing. The test is 99.8 % accurate, but leads to miscarriage in 0.5 % of the time.

I am planning to get pregnant. Are there anything I can and should do during pregnancy planning?

1.Please start consuming folic acid. It is ideal to start consuming a month before pregnancy as it can be easily taken as supplements.

2.Please quit smoking.

3.Please consult a doctor if you have any chronic illness. It may affect the pregnancy, or the pregnancy may worsen the illness.

4.Please get vaccinated to rubella and chicken pox if you are not immune to them. Please also avoid pregnancy 3 to 4 months after the vaccination.

I am a vegetarian and I recently found out that I’m pregnant. If I continue on a vegetarian diet, will my child be getting enough nutrients for his growth and development?

With careful planning, a vegetarian diet during pregnancy can provide all the necessary vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. Make sure you include protein-rich food in your diet such as beans and tofu as these are vital for your baby’s growth. You should also consider supplementing your diet with a well-balanced maternal milk to make sure you are receiving all the required nutrients during the course of your pregnancy.

My first pregnancy was very smooth and easy. I’m now expecting my second child, and I am suffering from very unbearable morning sickness. Is there anything I should be worried about?

Every pregnancy is different – sometimes morning sickness is more severe in the first pregnancy and is less evident or absent in the next, and sometimes it is the other way around. There is no need to be worried. If you find you can’t hold down your food or drink at all, or completely lose your appetite, do consult your obstetrician.

Gynaecology

I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Can I become pregnant?

Uterine fibroids are caused by excessive growth of the uterine muscles in the womb. They can grow within the walls of the uterus , in the inner layer of the womb or somewhere on the outer layer of the uterus. In general these growths do not interfere with pregnancy & the growth of the fetus. However, sometimes a newly fertilized egg plants( less than 2 months ) plants itself onto the fibroid growth on wall of the uterus.
There is a need to be careful as there is a possibility of miscarriage. With regard to intramural fibroids, research results show they have no effect on pregnancy. There are also voices that claim they affect pregnancy especially when the fibroids are big. This issue is still being debated.

What is laparoscopic or keyhole surgery?

Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery is operation performed through small abdominal cuts using slender instruments, as opposed to conventional surgery where a cut of up to 10cm is required. Most gynaecological conditions can be treated by laparoscopic surgery. These include ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, ectopic pregnancies, early cancers and womb prolapse The benefits of laparoscopy, commonly known as keyhole surgery include smaller scars, less pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay (most patients are able to go home on the same day of operation or the day after), better dissection and precision during surgery, less internal scarring, less infection and fever post operatively.

I would like to know the difference between uterine fibroid and cervical cancer.

Uterine fibroids are excessive growths of the muscle (the substance ) of the womb. This is due to stimulation from female hormones. They happen more commonly after age 30. They could cause heavy menses or painful menses. If big enough they could cause pressure symptoms. Fibroids are diagnosed clinically & on ultrasound. They hardly ever become cancerous (<1%). Cervical cancer is a cancerous growth arising from the cervix (the opening of the womb). It is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There is no visible symptoms at the early stage & progress of the cancer is slow. Therefore it is necessary to go for medical examination on a regular basis.

I have irregular menstruation & was diagnosed with a blocked fallopian tube. What should I do?

You need to go for consultation if you wish to have children. In vitro fertilization ( IVF ) is one of many options. At the same time check your hormonal balance which can lead to menstrual irregularity and infertility. If both fallopian tubes are blocked , the doctor may recommend in vitro fertilization . Even when only one fallopian tube is blocked, it is difficult to become pregnant with artificial insemination ( IUI ), so in vitro fertilization is recommended.

I would like to seek infertility treatment. What treatment can I expect?

We recommend both partners to go for medical examination. Tests may include: blood tests, sperm analysis, checking patency of the Fallopian tubes, and ultrasound scan. Get copies of your medical history ready. If you have already taken medical examination at another hospital and have the examination result and report, please bring it. Please bring along the results & report of all medical examination taken at other hospital as well. We advise the couple about timing of intercourse, administer ovulation induction drugs when necessary. Intrauterine insemination can also be done.

Menopause

What are undesired menopause symptoms?

Menopausal disorder occurs as the ovarian activity declines with menopause and the secretion of female hormone estrogen (follicle hormone) decreases sharply. Some women may not have any symptom while others experience mood swing , severe palpitations, insomnia, hot flash (even in an air conditioned room you may feel the heat on the chest, neck, face ) & pain during intercourse.

Do I need to seek treatment?

Consult a doctor if the undesired symptoms start causing some problems in your daily life.

Others

Do I need to book an appointment for first time consultation?

All consultations are by appointment only. Please contact us by 2 pm the day before. 

Are there parking lots?

Yes

Can we use cashless service?

Yes. Please notify us in advance.

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