List of all pregnancy prenatal tests in Singapore
This is just a list of all pregnancy tests that are done in Singapore. I consolidated it to prepare new mums on what to expect each time they head to the clinics. Do take a look at what to expect for first, second and third trimester too!
Week 6 - Trans-vaginal scan
To check for the embryo/embryos. The gynaecologist will put a probe up your private part to do this so be sure to wear something easy to take off. You will know if you have twins or more at this point. It will not hurt but it is uncomfortable of course.
Week 8 - First ultrasound on belly
They will also start to monitor your weight and blood pressure. Doctors may print our baby pictures for you but nowadays, it has gone digital. The ultrasound pictures can be sent to your phone via an app called "Hello Mom" where you can print them yourselves.
Week 13 - Oscar test
Cost is around S$320, this is a blood test and sent to a Singapore lab. If you are older than 35 years old or at high risk, you may be recommended to just go straight to do a Harmony test where it will cost S$1000+ as they will send it to a USA lab. The gender results can also be known with the Harmony test.
Week 16 - Gender test
For those not doing Harmony test, you might be able to see it from the ultrasound. If it's a girl, there will be 3 lines. For boys, it should be quite obvious.
Week 21 - Detailed diagnostic scan
This is to check for abnormalities. I had to go TMC clinic (Thomson or Orchard) for the high end equipment as this is not the usual ultrasound used in normal clinics. It cost around S$188 including a CD of the scans. Gender test should be confirmed in this scan.
Week 21 or later - Glucose test
It is now compulsory for all as stipulated by MOH. Fasting is needed to be done the night before for 8 hours. You should not take food or drink water so as not to dilute the blood results. A blood test will be done, which means they will draw blood from you before you drink a glucose liquid and after 1 hour of drinking it. This will determine if your body is able to metabolize glucose. If not, you will have to watch your sugar intake carefully or take some medication.
Week 30 onwards - Swab test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria infection.
It means the gynaecologist will be using a cotton bud to sweep your genitals and send it to test for bacteria growth. If so, you might need to take antibiotics so that it will not affect the baby during vaginal birth. The gynae will also use a prop to widen your genitals to see if there is fungal infection. If so, you will need to insert a paste-like medicine called Zalain down there like a tampon at night.
Week 30 onwards - Optional: Whooping Cough Vaccine
This vaccine is still under review from MOH to make it compulsory. Australia has already made it mandatory but more research is still ongoing on its effectiveness. Not just protecting the mother, the vaccine also protects your newborn child from getting affected while he/she is still too young to defend against the virus. It cost just $70 for a small injection and it's quite affordable and painless for me.
Week 36 onwards - Dilation test
Your gynae might insert his/her fingers down there to check if you are dilated. 1 finger inserted means 1cm.
Regularly - Urine test
There will be a urine test every time you visit the clinic or hospital to check if there is high level of proteins.
Not to worry, all these tests are pretty painless compared to the actual labour itself. All the best to a smooth delivery!
Week 6 - Trans-vaginal scan
To check for the embryo/embryos. The gynaecologist will put a probe up your private part to do this so be sure to wear something easy to take off. You will know if you have twins or more at this point. It will not hurt but it is uncomfortable of course.
Week 8 - First ultrasound on belly
They will also start to monitor your weight and blood pressure. Doctors may print our baby pictures for you but nowadays, it has gone digital. The ultrasound pictures can be sent to your phone via an app called "Hello Mom" where you can print them yourselves.
Week 13 - Oscar test
Cost is around S$320, this is a blood test and sent to a Singapore lab. If you are older than 35 years old or at high risk, you may be recommended to just go straight to do a Harmony test where it will cost S$1000+ as they will send it to a USA lab. The gender results can also be known with the Harmony test.
Week 16 - Gender test
For those not doing Harmony test, you might be able to see it from the ultrasound. If it's a girl, there will be 3 lines. For boys, it should be quite obvious.
Week 21 - Detailed diagnostic scan
This is to check for abnormalities. I had to go TMC clinic (Thomson or Orchard) for the high end equipment as this is not the usual ultrasound used in normal clinics. It cost around S$188 including a CD of the scans. Gender test should be confirmed in this scan.
Week 21 or later - Glucose test
It is now compulsory for all as stipulated by MOH. Fasting is needed to be done the night before for 8 hours. You should not take food or drink water so as not to dilute the blood results. A blood test will be done, which means they will draw blood from you before you drink a glucose liquid and after 1 hour of drinking it. This will determine if your body is able to metabolize glucose. If not, you will have to watch your sugar intake carefully or take some medication.
Week 30 onwards - Swab test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria infection.
It means the gynaecologist will be using a cotton bud to sweep your genitals and send it to test for bacteria growth. If so, you might need to take antibiotics so that it will not affect the baby during vaginal birth. The gynae will also use a prop to widen your genitals to see if there is fungal infection. If so, you will need to insert a paste-like medicine called Zalain down there like a tampon at night.
Week 30 onwards - Optional: Whooping Cough Vaccine
This vaccine is still under review from MOH to make it compulsory. Australia has already made it mandatory but more research is still ongoing on its effectiveness. Not just protecting the mother, the vaccine also protects your newborn child from getting affected while he/she is still too young to defend against the virus. It cost just $70 for a small injection and it's quite affordable and painless for me.
Week 36 onwards - Dilation test
Your gynae might insert his/her fingers down there to check if you are dilated. 1 finger inserted means 1cm.
Regularly - Urine test
There will be a urine test every time you visit the clinic or hospital to check if there is high level of proteins.
Not to worry, all these tests are pretty painless compared to the actual labour itself. All the best to a smooth delivery!
Jes
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