Women’s Health Clinic Singapore: Is it Still Necessary to Visit the Facilities when Pregnant?
Many expectant mothers often genuinely wonder whether it’s necessary to visit a women’s health clinic during pregnancy. While the internet and online resources offer plenty of information, nothing can replace the guidance and expertise provided by women’s health specialists.
In an accredited women’s health clinic in Singapore, you should expect to have access to not just the latest medical technology. You will also meet experienced specialists who ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.
But, what else you can expect during those visits? And, why these checkups are essential for a healthy pregnancy? Stay on this page for all the answers.
Why Are Regular Visits to a Women’s Health Clinic Necessary during Pregnancy?
As you probably, already understand, pregnancy requires careful monitoring and regular checkups to ensure that both the mother and baby are progressing well. A women’s health clinic is a dedicated facility where women can receive specialized care during pregnancy.
These clinics provide a range of services, from routine prenatal checkups to more advanced diagnostic tests, depending on the stage of pregnancy. Here are four key reasons why regular visits to your women’s health clinic in Singapore remain necessary during pregnancy;
- Monitoring Fetal Development: One of the primary reasons to visit a women’s health clinic while pregnant is to monitor the health and development of the baby. Regular ultrasounds and fetal heart rate monitoring help ensure that the baby is growing at a healthy rate. The women’s health specialists can check for any abnormalities or signs of complications, such as fetal distress or growth restrictions, that may require further attention.
- Screening for Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Pregnancy brings about significant changes in a woman’s body. Some of these changes can lead to health complications. Regular visits to a women’s health clinic in Singapore can help you detect conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or anemia early. Early detection of these conditions is crucial as they can be managed or treated more effectively when identified in their early stages.
- Ensuring Maternal Health: Pregnancy not only involves the health of the baby but also the well-being of the mother. Regular checkups allow your healthcare provider to track your weight, blood pressure, and overall health. Conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or infections can be detected and treated before they pose a risk to your pregnancy.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Pregnancy can bring about a range of emotional and psychological changes. Actually, it is normal to feel overwhelmed or anxious about your health and the well-being of your baby. Women’s health clinics in Singapore provide counseling and mental health support for pregnant women. Through these tailored programs, they ensure that they have the emotional and psychological resources they need during this important time.
What to Expect During Your Pregnancy Checkups?
Pregnancy checkups are tailored to your specific needs and the stage of your pregnancy. Here’s what you can generally expect during a typical visit to a women’s health clinic in Singapore;
- Routine Tests and Screenings: At each visit, your doctor will perform routine tests to check your health and the baby’s development. Some of the standard tests include blood tests, urine tests and ultrasounds.
- Checking Vital Signs: Your doctor will regularly check your blood pressure, weight, and heart rate. These tests can help identify any early signs of complications such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Your weight will also be monitored to ensure you are gaining the appropriate amount for a healthy pregnancy.
- Physical Examination: During each visit, your women’s health specialist will perform a physical examination to check for any signs of discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms. This could include examining the abdomen, checking for any swelling or tenderness, and assessing the position of the baby.
- Emotional Well-being: Your doctor will also check in with you about your emotional and mental health. Pregnancy can bring many emotional ups and downs, and women’s health clinics often offer support services including counseling or advice, to help you manage any anxiety, depression, or stress you may be feeling.
When Are These Visits Most Critical During Pregnancy?
While it is important to visit the clinic regularly throughout the entire pregnancy, there are certain times when visits are especially crucial. Here is a summary of the different pregnancy stages when visiting your women’s health specialist remain crucial;
- First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): In the first trimester, early screenings and tests are essential to rule out any complications or risks. This is also when your women’s health specialist will confirm the pregnancy and establish a baseline for your health. Regular visits during this stage help catch any early signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26): The second trimester is often considered the most stable period of pregnancy. However, it is still important to attend regular checkups. Ultrasounds during this period will allow your doctor to assess fetal growth, check for abnormalities, and measure the baby’s nuchal translucency. Blood tests will also check for conditions like gestational diabetes.
- Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40): In the third trimester, visits to the women’s health clinic become more frequent. Your doctor will closely monitor the baby’s growth, check for signs of labor, and ensure that your body is prepared for delivery. This is also when you will begin discussing your birth plan, delivery options, and any special considerations you may have for the birth process.
Are Women’s Health Clinics the Only Place to Get Prenatal Care?
Many women choose to visit women’s health clinics for their prenatal care. However, there are several other healthcare providers such as family doctors or general practitioners (GPs) that can also provide prenatal care.
The key difference is that women’s health clinics specialize in the care of women during pregnancy and are staffed by specialists, such as obstetricians and gynecologists, who have in-depth training in the field. These clinics are often better equipped to handle any complications that may arise during pregnancy and offer more specialized services.
Choosing the right clinic depends on your personal preferences, medical history, and the complexity of your pregnancy. Some women may prefer to see a general practitioner for basic care, while others may want to be closely monitored by an obstetrician in a women’s health clinic in Singapore.
Wrapping Up
It doesn’t matter whether you are experiencing a low-risk pregnancy or have underlying health conditions. Women’s health clinics offer the resources and support you need.
So, don’t hesitate to book regular visits with your healthcare provider to keep track of your health and your baby’s well-being. Book your first appointment below;
The Health Advisory Clinic – STD & HIV Testing Singapore
1 Raffles Pl, #04-49, Singapore 048616
+65 6226 6442
