Image credit: Lonely Planet
As discussed in the previous article , the best time to travel when you’re preggers is around the 20 – 24 week mark! If you’re leaving on a jetplane before 28 weeks, a medical certificate usually isn’t required to prove that you’re fit for travel.
Here are some suggestions (and favourite travel destinations) from us:
For Seekers Of Pure Relaxation
Image credit: Cebu Tours
Cebu Island, Philippines
The most popular tourist destination in the south of Philippines, it’s home to a bustling, metropolitan city and beautiful, world-class beach resorts. Enjoy their pristine beaches while lying back on a beach chair, reading a book, and feeling the warm breeze breathe some much needed energy into your body! Cebu Island’s weather is very much like Singapore’s – tropical and humid throughout the whole year.
If you’re up for some light travel (don’t overexert yourself and make sure to stay hydrated if you do travel!), you can check out some sights in Cebu City and nearby islands such as the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, which is the first ever church that was built in the Philippines in 1565, and was burnt down thrice before the current church was built in 1737 (thanks lonely planet, for the history lesson!).
When to visit Cebu?
Best weather: From December to March, where it’s the coolest and least humid.
Months with the most tourists (2016): November to February saw the most amount of tourists, with a peak of 576,638 in December. July also saw 560,872 tourists, a big jump from 459,138 in June.
Months with the least tourists (2016): From April to June, and September to October were the least number of tourists, with a low of 422,943 in September.
Statistics taken from http://www.tourism.gov.ph/pages/industryperformance.aspx
For more information on things to do in Cebu, go here.
Image credit: Travel Zom
Bali, Indonesia
Bali doesn’t really need that much of an introduction, because it’s the standard, go-to destination for Singaporean vacationers who’re looking for a fun and relaxing getaway from the grind!
For expectant mums, stay away from the more hectic and touristy parts and instead, turn your gaze to the multitude of relaxing and rejuvenating resorts in the quieter and more chill areas of the island.
When to visit Bali?
Best weather: April to September is Bali’s dry season!
Months with the most tourists (2016): June to December (except November), with a peak of 484,231 in July.
Months with the least tourists (2016): January to May, with a low of 350,592 in January. November saw a dip in tourism between October and December, with 413,232 tourists.
Statistics taken from http://www.disparda.baliprov.go.id/en/Statistics2
For more information on things to do in Bali (even though we go there so often, you never know… your perspective might be different during your pregnancy!), go here.
Continue reading on Page 2 for more Babymoon destinations...
For Seekers Of Something New
Image credit: ExploreLanka
Sri Lanka
Psst, now this is a beautiful country that’s got a ton of hidden gems strewn about, pristine beaches that are mostly untouched by people, and vivid greenery all around! It’ll take a bit more planning than the other trips, but if you’re healthy and up for some new sights, Sri Lanka will definitely bring a smile to your face. Hop onto one of their iconic trains and head for the hills or their beaches.
Here are some wonderful areas in Sri Lanka that you can consider visiting for your babymoon:
Galle
Found close to the southern tip of Sri Lanka, the city of Galle is home to beautiful colonial architecture such as the Galle Fort, the National Museum of Galle, and the Dutch Reformed Church. Enjoy the Unawatuna Beach while relaxing and sipping from a coconut that’s been cracked open!
Wadduwa
Another amazing beach awaits you at Wadduwa, with plenty of villas and resorts to choose from there! This beach paradise is located at the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, and perfect for couples who are searching for a romantic trip by the beach. Nightlife isn’t a thing there, so don’t expect bars and clubs (save the alcohol for after baby is more than a year old)!
When to visit Sri Lanka?
Best Weather: Okay, this will get somewhat complicated. There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka – their southwest monsoon that affects the eastern and south-eastern regions happens from April to September, and their northeast monsoon happens from November to March.
The best times to visit the west and south coasts is from December to March, and the best times to visit the east coast is from April to September.
Months with the most tourists (2016): January to March, July and August, and December saw the highest number of tourists. The peak periods within those 3 were Feb with 197,697, July with 209,351, and December with 224,791 tourists.
Months with the least tourists (2016): April to June, and September to November saw the lowest number of tourists. The low points of tourists were June with 118,038, and September with 148,499.
Statistics taken from http://www.sltda.lk/node/745
Continue reading on Page 3 for more Babymoon destinations...
For Seekers Of… Laziness
Image credit: Bintan Lagoon Resorts
Bintan, Indonesia:
For those who are inclined towards destinations closer to Singapore, you can’t go wrong with Bintan – similar to Bali, but a bit less of a hassle to get there, we Singaporeans visit Bintan all the time for a weekend getaway. If you’re not picky about your babymoon destination, Bintan is a great (and cheap) place that’ll give you the tranquillity, food, beaches, and massages that you need.
If you’re up for a bit of exploring, you could always visit some of their lesser known islands on a quick boat ride! I’m pretty sure that everyone who’s visited Trikora Beach has also paid a visit to the Pizza Casa Italia – get authentic Italian pizza from an Italian family that fell in love with the island and moved there!
There are also a private island near Bintan Island itself. If you’re interested to explore a unique and more private destination, you can consider Nikoi Island. Overall journey time from Singapore’s Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Nikoi Island is around 2.5 hours. If you’re planning to get there from Bintan, it is just a 20 minutes ferry from Bintan jetty to Nikoi.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how luxurious and secluded this island is. tinged with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, this tiny island is so unspoilt you’ll feel like you’ve rented the whole thing to yourself. Affordable and far from pretentious, Nikoi Island offers the ultimate beach getaway without having to travel far.
When to visit Bintan?
Best Weather: The monsoon season for Bintan is usually during November and December, so visiting them at any other time should be fine
Image credit: Singapore Guide
Sentosa, Singapore
For those who are looking EVEN CLOSER to home… close enough that it’s actually within our own country, booking a babymoon staycation in one of Sentosa’s swanky resorts won’t disappoint you. You’ll still be in Singapore, but it doesn’t quite feel like you’re here. Think of it this way – you’ll be able to ‘top up’ your babymoon experience in Sentosa with the cost of the tickets if you were flying overseas!
Lots of love has been given to Capella as a staycation choice with their own special babymoon packages that includes a couple spa, breakfast, and dinner. The hotel’s staff treats expectant mums like queens, and are extremely polite and helpful to them.
When to visit Sentosa?
Best Weather: Well… Sentosa’s pretty humid all year round, and the less rainy period is from March to June. If you’re looking for cooler weather, October and November are good choices (though there might be some rainy days in November)!
Tourists: It’s generally crowded throughout the entire year at Sentosa, but you can expect more people (both Singaporeans and tourists) during the school holiday periods (June and November/December). The first two weeks of December might also be a bit more crowded, due to Zouk Out, so avoid it if you don’t want to deal with more expensive accommodations and drunk clubbers!
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Understanding TCM
The practice of TCM originates from the writings of HuangDi NeiJin more than two thousand years ago. It remains a cornerstone of healthcare in modern China. In fact, the philosophies underpinning TCM has interwoven into the cultural DNA of Chinese people all over the world, shaping their lifestyles, disease prevention, and sickness management.
When the Communists assumed power in 1949, they quickly revived TCM as mainstream medicine, having been side-lined after Western Medicine was introduced. The herculean project to integrate TCM and Western Medicine came full steam in the 1960s. Together with the meteoric rise of alternative therapies, Chinese herbology and acupuncture became recognized for its health-restoring ability. Countries like Australia and Singapore establish TCM alongside western medicine, despite their different health concepts.
The bedrock of TCM is to achieve homeostasis, or physiological balance, of the Yin and Yang. The Yin-Yang philosophy encompasses the entire natural world, both large and small. The ebbs and wanes of the Yin-Yang opposing forces presides the health of man, as man interacts with the environment. The Yin-Yang forces conduct through the Qi and Blood energy, along meridians that organizes the organ systems of man. TCM promotes the holistic approach to maintain equilibrium by the use of natural medicine.
The Pregnancy Concept In TCM
Unlike Western Medicine, TCM does not identify pregnancy as a phase with altered human physiology with its unique vulnerabilities. Pregnancy ill health is similarly managed as in the non-pregnant women, by stabilizing the Yin-Yang balance, using herbs and acupuncture that manipulate the Qi movements. There is a weak appreciation of the interaction between the growing fetus and the pregnant mother.
The pregnant mother and the fetus are managed as one. TCM textbooks only discuss few pregnancy related conditions like threatened miscarriage and fetal mal-presentation. Pregnancy-related disorders are not considered unique conditions; they are treated according to the presenting complaints, such as abdominal pain, leg swelling, headaches and so forth.
Use Of Herbs During Pregnancy
Many pregnant women uses herbs or complementary therapies to have more energy, to feel well, and to strengthen the body to cope with the pregnancy. Between 15% and 50% of women use some form of herbs in pregnancy. Surveys in western communities found that the pregnant women of higher socio-economic classes consume more Chinese herbal products; they are more interested in alternative therapy, and more able to access TCM.
The results were different when in the Taipei survey. In 2005, doctors from the Taipei Municipal Maternal and Child Hospital reported on the use of Chinese herbal substances in pregnant Taipei women in the 1980s. They highlighted 42% of pregnant women used Chinese medicine; and these users are more likely to be of the lower income group, to have history of abnormal menstruation, previous miscarriages and other gynecological diseases. The Taiwanese imbibed Chinese herbs largely to improve health, to help fetal growth, and to prevent miscarriages and premature delivery. The authors also recorded that 75% of pregnant women obtained the Chinese herbs directly from their local Chinese herbal stores.
The widespread belief is that Chinese herbs being natural are mild and harmless, and should not have the noxious effects of western processed medications. This is far from true as ingested herbs have potent and unintended effects. The ancient Shennong’s Herbal Classic asserts that toxic herbs are those that effect a cure, and non-toxic herbs restore deficiencies.
All herbs are invariably toxic, and excessive doses of even a “weak” herb can cause extensive injury. The classic TCM pharmacopoeia warns against the dispensing of many individual herbs and medicinal material that are poisonous, that may cause miscarriage and injure the pregnancy. These include animal products (e.g. scorpion, beetle, toad, leeches, and centipedes), heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, mercury, and lead) and many other purgative, invigorating, and harsh plants.
The common Chinese medications used during pregnancy are ones like Ba-Zhen Tang, Si-Wu Tang, An-Tai-Yin, compound powder like Dang-Gui-Saho-Yao-San, and single herbs like Ginseng and Huanglian.
The expert TCM practitioner has to master the functions and characteristics of hundreds of herbs. He has also to understand how these herbs interact when combined – either to synergize, to antagonize, or equilibrate the desired effect.
Herbal concoction is to exert its impact on different patient eco-systems, which are intrinsically different according to gender, age, genetics, and lifestyles. If a TCM prescription that involves more than three herbal products and aspires to be curative, its formulation according to the classical methodology will be arduous.
Countless man-hours and innumerable patient encounters were consumed to derive effective decoction, with many misses along the way. Chinese herb prescribing is more of an art, resting on the experience of the master herbalist. To meddle with herbs while inexperienced is dangerous.
Natural herbs may have more than one function, and their potency varies according to where they are harvested. Some natural herbs have opposing functions depending on their chemical state. The preparation of the herbs changes their properties.
Studies have found that some concoctions have been tainted with either contaminants unintentionally, or intentionally with synthetic potent drugs such as steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The safety of using herbs is improving fast when modern TCM practice applied the latest technologies to identify the active components of ancient formulations, which can then be studied scientifically.
Summary
Pregnancy is an altered state of human physiology, when the fetus, who is part foreign to the mother, “the host”, is allowed to mature with the uterus. Herbs use must be careful as it affects two living systems.
The use of herbs is not advisable in the first trimester, as this is the phase of embryogenesis, when the fetus’ organs are assembling to become a functioning unit. Any unnecessary chemical compound, be it processed medication or plant product, must be tested safe before consumption.
Herbs should only be taken if there is a clear need for them to be used. They should be prescribed by a trained TCM practitioner, who has evaluated the pregnant woman’s present condition, and is able to appropriately customize the herbs to meet her requirement.
To allow pregnant women to take herbal treatment for a prolonged period, there must be both clinical and biochemical evidence that the herbal compounds do exert the positive effects as claimed. Otherwise, the potential risk to the pregnancy and fetus may be indefensible.
In conclusion, well-tested herbs may be beneficial in the correct circumstances. It is unwise to encourage herb use in pregnancy without prior consultation with a trained TCM practitioner.
Dr James Lee, MBBS (Singapore), MRCOG (London), GDIP Acupuncture (Singapore)
Obstetrician & Gynecologist
The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre @OUE
6A Shenton Way
#02-19/20
OUE Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068815
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There is no need to forego your favourite beauty routines now that you’re pregnant. The belief that pregnant mothers should stop the use of any products they use on their skin are generally untrue.
If you’re wondering what you can or can’t do with your hair during this 9 months, here are a few things you should take note of!
DO: Go for a deep-conditioning product
Dry hair tends to get drier during pregnancy, which means you might find your hair to be frizzier and more prone to breakage. If you get this, it’s a good time to go for a deep-conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment. Don’t overdo it though! Once a month should be enough.
DON’T: Go crazy with chemical treatments
Hair dyes are generally not highly toxic and safe to use during pregnancy. Only a small amount of hair dye may be absorbed into the skin. Hence, this small amount is not considered harmful to the fetus. Try not to go overboard with the chemicals (like bleaching) either! During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes and it can affect the way your body reacts to these treatments.
That said, do test the colour on some strands first. As hormonal changes can make your hair react to the colour differently.
DO: Opt for simpler and safer services
Root touch-ups and root-to-tip colour change are considered single-process colour. This means the dye is applied to the hair and scalp where the pores in your skin soak up the chemicals. For a safer alternative, try techniques where the colour is painted directly on the hair shaft. For example, highlights and streaking. Or just ask your hairdresser to avoid touching your hair roots.
DON’T: Dye your hair during the first trimester
Yes, we mentioned above that it is generally safe to get some basic hair dye done during pregnancy. However, the first three months of your pregnancy is extremely sensitive. It is ideal to wait till you’ve passed the first trimester before making an appointment!
DO: Get a hair massage
Pamper yourself! A hair and head massage can greatly improve your hair’s condition and it’s a great way to help you relax as well.
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Image credit: Veer
Most of the time we over think our pregnancy symptoms and we end up worrying about nothing. Still, pregnancy problems can happen. Which is why is it also important for all pregnant Mummies to know the warning signs and which symptoms will require immediate attention from your doctor.
1. Extreme vomiting
While morning sickness is common in most pregnancies, excessive vomiting can cause you to be severely dehydrated, which isn’t good for baby and you. If you can’t keep liquids down or if you’re not peeing like you normally would, it might be a sign that you’re suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme type of morning sickness that might last through pregnancy.
Also, seek medical attention if you’re not able to keep food down for 2 days straight and if you have food poisoning or if you’re running a fever.
2. Intense pain in abdomen
If you’re less then 12 weeks into your pregnancy and feeling a sharp pain on one side of your stomach, see your doctor to rule out ectopic pregnancy. If you’re far along your pregnancy, call your doctor if the pain is so intense or frequent.
3. Bleeding
Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding at any time of your pregnancy. It could mean you have a tear in your placenta or other problems. Don’t panic though! Most of the time, the bleeding doesn’t lead to long-term problems.
Keep in mind that if you’re in your first trimester, many women experience spotting, so bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a miscarriage.
4. Severe headache and excessive swelling all over the body
Headache and swelling might be overlooked as they are all symptoms of pregnancy. However, if you suddenly get splitting headaches in your 2nd and 3rd trimester, or hands and face start to swell like crazy, you could be suffering from preeclampsia.
5. Watery discharge or contractions
If you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy, the watery discharge might mean your water has broken. Some mothers experience a sudden gush of water while others experience a trickle. While some mothers may think their water have burst, but instead it is just them not able to hold their pee in.
Contractions are another sign of preterm labour. This is easily mixed up with Braxton Hicks. Still, don’t assume! If you’re feeling confused, just drop your doctor a call to be sure.
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It is probably one of the most worrying news to receive if your Gynae tells you that you’ve failed the glucose test and that you have Gestational Diabetes (GD). Having GD can cause problems for both you and baby during the pregnancy and might affect your birth plan.
Good news is, it can be controlled if you follow a healthy meal plan. Most often than not, the level of glucose will be reduced once you start eating right!
6 steps to reduce your glucose level
1. Eat small amounts of food about every 2 to 3 hours.
Spreading your carbohydrates evenly throughout the day helps keep your blood glucose stable.
2. In every meal and snack, include some healthy protein.
Protein helps you feel satisfied and full of energy throughout the day and helps even out your blood glucose.
3. Eat a very small breakfast, with a similar mid-morning snack about 2 hours later.
When you have GD, your blood glucose tends to be high in the morning. To offset this, your meal plan will probably have fewer carbs at breakfast than at lunch or dinner. For example, your plan may specify a breakfast that includes one milk serving, one starch serving, and some protein.
4. Choose high-fibre foods.
Good sources include whole-grain breads and cereals, fresh and frozen vegetables, and beans. Fruits are also a good source of fibre. Most plans include fruit in afternoon or evening meals and snacks.
5. Watch out for sugar and concentrated sweets.
Sweets raise your blood glucose quickly and significantly without giving your body the nutrition it needs. Here are some tips:
6. Be careful about fat, especially if you’re gaining weight.
Follow these suggestions:
Tips to stay healthy during your this period
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As discussed in the previous article , the best time to travel when you’re preggers is around the 20 – 24 week mark! If you’re leaving on a jetplane before 28 weeks, a medical certificate usually isn’t required to prove that you’re fit for travel.
Here are some suggestions (and favourite travel destinations) from us:
For Seekers Of Pure Relaxation
Image credit: Cebu Tours
Cebu Island, Philippines
The most popular tourist destination in the south of Philippines, it’s home to a bustling, metropolitan city and beautiful, world-class beach resorts. Enjoy their pristine beaches while lying back on a beach chair, reading a book, and feeling the warm breeze breathe some much needed energy into your body! Cebu Island’s weather is very much like Singapore’s – tropical and humid throughout the whole year.
If you’re up for some light travel (don’t overexert yourself and make sure to stay hydrated if you do travel!), you can check out some sights in Cebu City and nearby islands such as the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, which is the first ever church that was built in the Philippines in 1565, and was burnt down thrice before the current church was built in 1737 (thanks lonely planet, for the history lesson!).
When to visit Cebu?
Best weather: From December to March, where it’s the coolest and least humid.
Months with the most tourists (2016): November to February saw the most amount of tourists, with a peak of 576,638 in December. July also saw 560,872 tourists, a big jump from 459,138 in June.
Months with the least tourists (2016): From April to June, and September to October were the least number of tourists, with a low of 422,943 in September.
Statistics taken from http://www.tourism.gov.ph/pages/industryperformance.aspx
For more information on things to do in Cebu, go here.
Image credit: Travel Zom
Bali, Indonesia
Bali doesn’t really need that much of an introduction, because it’s the standard, go-to destination for Singaporean vacationers who’re looking for a fun and relaxing getaway from the grind!
For expectant mums, stay away from the more hectic and touristy parts and instead, turn your gaze to the multitude of relaxing and rejuvenating resorts in the quieter and more chill areas of the island.
When to visit Bali?
Best weather: April to September is Bali’s dry season!
Months with the most tourists (2016): June to December (except November), with a peak of 484,231 in July.
Months with the least tourists (2016): January to May, with a low of 350,592 in January. November saw a dip in tourism between October and December, with 413,232 tourists.
Statistics taken from http://www.disparda.baliprov.go.id/en/Statistics2
For more information on things to do in Bali (even though we go there so often, you never know… your perspective might be different during your pregnancy!), go here.
For Seekers Of Something New
Image credit: ExploreLanka
Sri Lanka
Psst, now this is a beautiful country that’s got a ton of hidden gems strewn about, pristine beaches that are mostly untouched by people, and vivid greenery all around! It’ll take a bit more planning than the other trips, but if you’re healthy and up for some new sights, Sri Lanka will definitely bring a smile to your face. Hop onto one of their iconic trains and head for the hills or their beaches.
Here are some wonderful areas in Sri Lanka that you can consider visiting for your babymoon:
Galle
Found close to the southern tip of Sri Lanka, the city of Galle is home to beautiful colonial architecture such as the Galle Fort, the National Museum of Galle, and the Dutch Reformed Church. Enjoy the Unawatuna Beach while relaxing and sipping from a coconut that’s been cracked open!
Wadduwa
Another amazing beach awaits you at Wadduwa, with plenty of villas and resorts to choose from there! This beach paradise is located at the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, and perfect for couples who are searching for a romantic trip by the beach. Nightlife isn’t a thing there, so don’t expect bars and clubs (save the alcohol for after baby is more than a year old)!
When to visit Sri Lanka?
Best Weather: Okay, this will get somewhat complicated. There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka – their southwest monsoon that affects the eastern and south-eastern regions happens from April to September, and their northeast monsoon happens from November to March.
The best times to visit the west and south coasts is from December to March, and the best times to visit the east coast is from April to September.
Months with the most tourists (2016): January to March, July and August, and December saw the highest number of tourists. The peak periods within those 3 were Feb with 197,697, July with 209,351, and December with 224,791 tourists.
Months with the least tourists (2016): April to June, and September to November saw the lowest number of tourists. The low points of tourists were June with 118,038, and September with 148,499.
Statistics taken from http://www.sltda.lk/node/745
For Seekers Of… Laziness
Image credit: Bintan Lagoon Resorts
Bintan, Indonesia:
For those who are inclined towards destinations closer to Singapore, you can’t go wrong with Bintan – similar to Bali, but a bit less of a hassle to get there, we Singaporeans visit Bintan all the time for a weekend getaway. If you’re not picky about your babymoon destination, Bintan is a great (and cheap) place that’ll give you the tranquillity, food, beaches, and massages that you need.
If you’re up for a bit of exploring, you could always visit some of their lesser known islands on a quick boat ride! I’m pretty sure that everyone who’s visited Trikora Beach has also paid a visit to the Pizza Casa Italia – get authentic Italian pizza from an Italian family that fell in love with the island and moved there!
There are also a private island near Bintan Island itself. If you’re interested to explore a unique and more private destination, you can consider Nikoi Island. Overall journey time from Singapore’s Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Nikoi Island is around 2.5 hours. If you’re planning to get there from Bintan, it is just a 20 minutes ferry from Bintan jetty to Nikoi.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how luxurious and secluded this island is. tinged with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, this tiny island is so unspoilt you’ll feel like you’ve rented the whole thing to yourself. Affordable and far from pretentious, Nikoi Island offers the ultimate beach getaway without having to travel far.
When to visit Bintan?
Best Weather: The monsoon season for Bintan is usually during November and December, so visiting them at any other time should be fine
Image credit: Singapore Guide
Sentosa, Singapore
For those who are looking EVEN CLOSER to home… close enough that it’s actually within our own country, booking a babymoon staycation in one of Sentosa’s swanky resorts won’t disappoint you. You’ll still be in Singapore, but it doesn’t quite feel like you’re here. Think of it this way – you’ll be able to ‘top up’ your babymoon experience in Sentosa with the cost of the tickets if you were flying overseas!
Lots of love has been given to Capella as a staycation choice with their own special babymoon packages that includes a couple spa, breakfast, and dinner. The hotel’s staff treats expectant mums like queens, and are extremely polite and helpful to them.
When to visit Sentosa?
Best Weather: Well… Sentosa’s pretty humid all year round, and the less rainy period is from March to June. If you’re looking for cooler weather, October and November are good choices (though there might be some rainy days in November)!
Tourists: It’s generally crowded throughout the entire year at Sentosa, but you can expect more people (both Singaporeans and tourists) during the school holiday periods (June and November/December). The first two weeks of December might also be a bit more crowded, due to Zouk Out, so avoid it if you don’t want to deal with more expensive accommodations and drunk clubbers!
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One of the main reasons babymoons are popular is because it’s one of the final times that couples are able to go on a trip by themselves (at least for the immediate future)!
Once baby arrives, there are a ton of new factors to consider when going on a vacay with them – will they like the food, is the weather bad for them, flu vaccinations, public and private transport, etc.
You probably won’t be able to experience a romantic trip with just the two of you for a long, longtime, at least until baby’s progressed to late toddlerhood or their early teens. So grab this opportunity to reconnect with each other before baby’s around, because things will get a lot more hectic than you think!
But First, Go See Your Doctor
It’s extremely important to pay your doctor a visit and get an ‘all clear’ for both you and baby to travel. Let them know where you’re going, how you’re getting there (airplanes, cruises), and what the weather’s like during your trip. They’ll advise you on whether it’s a good idea to go ahead with the trip, and give you pointers on the do’s and don’ts of your trip.
It is also recommended to get a memo from your gynae to state that you are fit to travel. Carry that memo with you everywhere, especially when you’re at the airport! Some airlines might ask you for a doctor’s note if you look ‘too pregnant’ at that point of time. We’ll touch on this in detail below, read on!
The best time for a babymoon would be during your 2nd trimester, after all that business with morning sickness is over with and you’re slightly more energised.
Airline and Cruise Policies For Expectant Mums
Here’s something that you might’ve not known about, and it’s extremely important for pregnant mums who are planning to do a babymoon – airlines and cruises are able to turn you down if you’re past a certain week during your pregnancy.
Here are the general policies for expectant mums on airlines:
And here are the general policies for expectant mums on cruises:
Please do check with your chosen airline or cruise what their specific policies are regarding expectant mums, and plan accordingly!
Some General Guidelines For Your Babymoon
Travel Tips For Pregnant Moms
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Maternity leave is something that working mums in Singapore need to plan out thoroughly. Just imagine you’re near your expected due date (EDD), your tummy’s still getting bigger, you’re aching in places that you never knew could ache, and then there’s work the next day.
According to the Ministry of Manpower, mums are eligible for 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (ML)if they meet these requirements:
For your first and second births, your first 8 weeks are employer-paid (which they can claim from the government), and your last 8 weeks are government-paid.
For your third and subsequent births, all 16 weeks are government-paid.
When Should You Take Your Maternity Leave?
You can either choose to take the entire 16 weeks of ML continuously at once, starting at 4 weeks before your EDD. If you decide to do it this way, Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays are included as part of those days of leave, so some mums consider it a waste of leave.
Alternatively, you can talk to your employer and come to an agreement on how flexible your ML will be, which would be the best outcome for you to maximise your maternity leave!
If you’ve got a flexible arrangement with your employer, you can decide how soon or late you wish to begin your ML. Some mums decide to start their leave 4 weeks before delivery, others choose to do it 2 weeks before, and some even work up until their EDD!
Here’s an example:
With a default arrangement, your ML will be from 25 Feb 2018 to 16 June 2018 (4 weeks before EDD and 12 weeks after delivery).
With a flexible arrangement, you can choose to go on ML on 25 March 2018 to 19 May 2018, and then decide when to use your remaining 8 weeks of leave from 20 May 2018 to 24 March 2019 (12 months after you’ve delivered).
We Ask Mummies How They Managed Their ML
“I worked all the way till I delivered cos I hate to waste my leaves sitting at home doing nothing! I went back to work after 14 weeks of ML. The remaining days I put on standby for doctor visits.” – Daphne Chen
“I used up all my annual leave 1 week before my EDD since I needed to clear it anyway. Then continued maternity leave when baby was born. I took 10 weeks of ML and subsequently had 4-day work week till I finished all my ML.” – Lee Hui Ling
“I started my ML from the day I gave birth and went back to work after 12 weeks. The remaining 4 weeks converted to 20 working days. More worth it!” – Tracie Goh
“I started my ML at 36 weeks cos I wanted to rest. Felt very tired and was having frequent Braxton Hicks. Didn’t want my water bag to break at work! I used up all 16 weeks at once.” – Jacqlyn Tan
Remember to plan your ML around public holidays if you can! Here’s a list of PH for 2018:
Credit: Ministry of Manpower
Can I Use My Hospitalisation Leave?
In some cases, your gynaecologist will provide you with Hospitalisation Leave (HL) but they’ll ask you to get bed rest at home instead. This is due to the fact that most of us have 14 days of medical leave, and over 40 days of HL.
HL is usually given if you’ve got medical conditions (touch wood!) such as spotting, high blood pressure/preeclampsia, a low lying placenta, and other conditions that your gynae believes might pose a health risk to either you or your unborn child.
Proper check-ups and medication will be given to you, and you’ll most likely be asked to be warded for a few days for the check-ups before you’re able to head back home to be on bed rest.
Some companies might ask to use your ML instead of HL, especially if you’re 36 weeks pregnant and on. Do check with your human resource department about the validity of your HL – for more serious cases, they’ll usually be understanding enough.
Something for the Dads too
Dads will also get the benefit of going on Paternity Leave (PL) for them to help their wife and baby out with things such as medical check-ups – they’re entitled to 2 weeks of paid PL if they fulfil the same requirements as mum, with the exception of:
They’ll be able to take their 2 weeks of PL at once, within 16 weeks after baby is born. Or if they’re able to come to an agreement with their employer, they can either take 2 weeks any time within 12 months after birth, or to split the 2 weeks into working days and take them in any combination within 12 months.
The way the working days is counted is 2 X (number of working days in the week), and is capped at 6 working days per week. For example, if you’re working for 5 days a week, you’ll have 10 days of flexible paternity leave to allocate.
Mums can also choose to transfer up to 4 weeks of their ML to the dad’s PL via shared parental leave (unfortunately, dads aren’t able to return the favour)!
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Congratulations, you’ve gotten a positive on your pregnancy test kit, and you’re now a mum- and dad-to-be! In 9 months (give or take a few days), your baby boy or girl will be unleashed unto the world, and there’s definitely a lot to do and prepare in advance!
But, for the moment, now what? Schedule an appointment with an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and listen to their advice on what you two should do during your pregnancy. One part of pregnancy that we’ll be looking at today will be the prenatal screenings and tests that you’ll have to do. There’ll be quite a bit of them, but you and your ob-gyn will be able to come up with a doable schedule.
Why Do Prenatal Screenings and Tests?
These tests are performed during pregnancy to ensure the health of both mummy and her baby, and to find out if baby has any conditions, or the risk of them happening. If there are any conditions present and aren’t taken care of, mum and baby could be at risk. Each test allows your doctor to keep track of your pregnancy and ensure that you’re both healthy and doing well.
First Trimester Tests
1. Blood Tests
During your first pregnancy visit, your doctor should ask you to do a Full Blood Count test. It’s mainly done to check if you have anaemia or thalassaemia. Other blood tests that can be done are: Hepatitis B, Rubella immunity, syphilis, and HIV.
Procedure: Blood sample will be drawn at the clinic
Costs: Depending on your clinic charges
2. Dating Scan
This ultrasound scan can be done from 6 to 12 weeks, and lets you know if your baby is in the right position, if you’re expecting more than one baby, which stage of pregnancy you’re in, and your expected due date. It also checks for any potential abnormalities in the structure of your baby’s bones and organs.
Procedure: Ultrasound scan
Costs: Depending on your doctor’s charges
3. One Stop Clinic for the Assessment of Risk (OSCAR)
Usually done from 11 to 13 weeks, it’s also known as OSCAR. This is a first trimester option offered to all pregnant women as an earlier and more accurate method of screening for risk of fetal anomalies, in particular, Down’s Syndrome.
Accuracy: 90% with 5% false positive
Procedure: Ultrasound measurement of fetal NT (thickness of fluid-filled area behind fetal’s neck) and a blood sample will be drawn
Costs: $340 - $380
4. Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT)
There are 2 types of NIPT in Singapore – Harmony Test (can be done as early as 10 weeks) and Panorama Test (as early as 9 weeks).
The tests analyse the DNA in a sample of your blood to predict the risk of Down Syndrome (trisomy 21) and two other genetic conditions, trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome).
The 2 tests can also determine the gender of the fetus.
Accuracy: 99% with 0.1% false positive
Procedure: Blood sample will be drawn
Costs: $1,200 - $1,400
Remember to check with your gynaecologist on which screening is most suitable for you.
Second Trimester Tests
1. Foetal Anomaly Screening Scan (FA Scan)
This scan can be done from 18 to 21 weeks, and is a much more detailed ultrasound scan with the goal of examining your baby’s anatomy for major anomalies. They’ll focus on the brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, stomach, bowel, kidneys, limbs, genitalia, and umbilical cord. The growth of your baby, amount of amniotic fluid, placental position, and uterine blood flow are also assessed during this scan.
Procedure: Ultrasound screening of the fetus
Cost: About $280
2. Glucose Screening
This is usually done from 24 to 28 weeks, and checks for gestational diabetes – a condition that could develop during your pregnancy, and is usually temporary. As with all glucose tests, you’ll be required to fast for at least 8 hours.
This test has been made compulsory at some hospitals (KKH and SGH). Your gynaecologist should advice you accordingly.
Procedure: You’ll be asked to drink a glucose solution and blood sample will be drawn
Cost: $20 - $40
Third Trimester Tests
1. 3D or 4D Scans
These scans are more for parents to have as a keepsake of their unborn baby rather than for medical reasons. The 3D scan is a three dimensional photograph of the baby, whilst a 4D scan is a video of the baby. The best time to obtain a good picture of the baby’s face is between 26 – 32 weeks.
Procedure: Ultrasound scan
Cost: $250 - $350
2. Growth Scan
This is usually done from 28 to 32 weeks, and checks the growth of your baby and its positioning for labour. The position of the umbilical cord and the amount of amniotic fluid is also taken into account.
Procedure: Ultrasound scan
Costs: Depending on your doctor’s charges
And that should about wrap it up for the scans that you’ll have to go through during pregnancy!
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Image credit: Casper Women's Care
