My Pregnancy Journey - Part 4

OSCAR + FA

The Singaporean in me surfaced when I opted to go for OSCAR + FA for a piece of mind. Dr Claudine referred me to Thomson Diagnostic Imaging Centre for the scans and we took their OSCAR + FA package at $495.40.

One-stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk for Fetal Anomalies (OSCAR)
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 Syndrome (Trisomy 21).

1. Screening for chromosomal defects in the first rather than the second trimester provides earlier reassurance for those with a normal result.
2. The composite risk score will help you decide whether you want any invasive testing such as CVS or Amniocentesis.
3. For those choosing this optional test, it will also be less traumatic if a termination is necessary.

OSCAR involves :

1. Ultrasound measurement of Nuchal Translucency (NT) at 11-13 weeks + 6 days gestation of the fetus.
2. A sample of the mother’s blood is analysed for levels of free beta hCG and PAPP-A (Pregnancy associated plasma Protein A).

Studies have shown that Down Syndrome is associated with
• Increased maternal age
• Increased fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT)
• Increased maternal serum free beta-HCG and
• Decreased pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) concentration
The detection rate of Trisomy 21 by this method would be about 90%, for a false positive rate of 5%. This is superior to the 65% by maternal age and second trimester serum biochemistry; and 80% detection rate by NT and maternal age in the first trimester.

Date : 13 Jun 2014
EDD by ultrasound : 29 Dec 2014
Gestational age : 11 weeks + 4 days
Report includes :

1. Fetal Biometry - fetal heart rate (FHR), crown-rump length (CRL), nuchal translucency (NT), biparietal diameter (BPD), nasal bone
2. Maternal Serum Biochemistry
3. Estimated Risk for Aneuploidies

Second trimester Fetal Anomaly (FA) Scanning
Date : 08 Aug 2014
EDD by ultrasound : 29 Dec 2014
Gestational age : 19 weeks + 4 days
Report includes :

1. Fetal Measurements - biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), hemisphere, anterior ventricle (Va), posterior ventricle (Vp), transcerebellar diameter (TCD), cisterna magna (CM), nuchal fold thickness, nasal bone, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length, estimated fetal weight, placenta, genitalia
2. Fetal Anatomy

Baby weighs 314g (11ozs) at almost 20 weeks and is more than 50th percentile for all measurements. Fetal movements are visible, amniotic fluid is normal and cord has 3 vessels. Although placenta is anterior and slightly low, Dr Claudine assures that it is not an issue. Sonographer also confirmed the genitalia of baby to be male. Both hubby and I are glad that baby is growing well. =)

My Pregnancy Journey - Part 3

Prenatal and Baby Insurance

AIA Family First Baby
http://www.aia.com.sg/en/individuals/products-services/protection/life/aia_family_first_baby.html

AXA Mum's Advantage
http://www.axalife.com.sg/health/mums-advantage

Prudential PRUfirst Gift
http://www.prudential.com.sg/corp/prudential_en_sg/solutions/protect/PRUfirst_gift.html

Disclaimer : Comparison / summary is done based on my own understanding after gathering information online and speaking to AXA and Prudential financial consultants

During one of our meet-ups, PP mentioned that we should consider getting preterm plan for our baby as she personally feels that it is necessary. Upon her advise, I decided to text Nicky, my NTU hall-mate and financial consultant after years of no contact. He informed that Pru First Gift can only be signed at 18 weeks of pregnancy, me being me, decided to procrastinate since I was only 12 weeks then.

Started gathering information from online sources at 15 weeks when other Dec mummies discussed about this. Realised that I needed to meet up with respective representatives in order to clear my doubts and fixed the session with Nicky for the following week. Coincidentally, we left our contacts during a baby fair the same week, and Jia Le from AXA called to arranged for a meeting the same week as Nicky.

After discussing with Nicky and Jia Le, we figured that all 3 coverage are pretty much similar, and it became an even tougher choice between Prudential and AXA. Decided to exclude AIA from the list which might further complicate decision. Considering our budget and our comfort with each consultant, we finally chose to sign with AXA at 18 weeks. It is advisable to confirm the plan before 20 weeks detailed scan as they would take the results into consideration thereafter.

Name of Plan : MumCare Plus
Commencement Date : 01 Aug 2014
Single Premium : $615.00

Name of Plan : INSPIRE FlexiProtector (Choice Cover)
Commencement Date : 01 Aug 2014
Regular Premium : $2,400.00

My Pregnancy Journey - Part 2

Health and Beauty Regime

4-14 weeks : Folic Acid 5mg - 1 tab every morning before food
guardian : 50 tabs - $2.75

Why you need folic acid
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs)—serious birth defects of the spinal cord (such as spina bifida) and the brain (such as anencephaly). Neural tube defects occur at a very early stage of development, before many women even know they're pregnant. Women who take the recommended daily dose of folic acid starting at least one month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy reduce their baby's risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 70 percent. Some research suggests that folic acid may help lower your baby's risk of other defects as well, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain types of heart defects. Your body needs folic acid to make normal red blood cells and prevent a type of anemia. Folic acid is also essential for the production, repair, and functioning of DNA, our genetic map and a basic building block of cells. So getting enough folic acid is particularly important for the rapid cell growth of the placenta and your developing baby. Some research suggests that taking a multivitamin with folic acid may reduce your risk of preeclampsia, a complex disorder that can affect your health and your baby's.

How much folic acid you need
To reduce your baby's risk of developing a neural tube defect, experts recommend that you take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day, beginning at least a month before you start trying to get pregnant. The neural tube—from which your baby's spine and brain develop – begins to form about three weeks after conception, so it's critical to get a sufficient daily dose of folic acid before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Don't take more than 1,000 mcg per day of folic acid unless your healthcare provider advises you to. This is particularly important if you are a vegan. Vegans are at risk of being deficient in vitamin B12 and taking too much folic acid would make it hard to diagnose that deficiency.

When you might need extra folic acid
Women who are obese appear to be more likely to have a baby with a neural tube defect, although the reason for this is still unclear. If you're significantly overweight, see your healthcare provider before you try to conceive. She may advise you to take more than 400 mcg of folic acid a day. If you've previously been pregnant with a baby with a neural tube defect, be sure your current providers are aware of this and schedule a visit before you try to get pregnant. With no intervention, women in this situation have a 2 to 5 percent chance of having another pregnancy complicated by an NTD. The good news is that this risk can be reduced significantly by taking a very large dose of folic acid. Talk to your doctor about how much folic acid you should take if you're in this situation. Women who are diabetic or are taking certain antiseizure medications are also more likely to have a baby with an NTD. If either of these situations applies to you, see your provider at least a month before trying to conceive to find out how much folic acid you should be taking and to monitor your condition in general.

Food sources of folic acid
Research shows that the body absorbs the synthetic version of this vitamin (folic acid) much better than the version that occurs naturally in certain foods (folate). While enriched cereals and other grain products are fortified with the synthetic version, most women don't eat these foods consistently enough to rely on them as a source of folic acid. Foods that are rich in naturally occurring folate include lentils; dried beans and peas; dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, collard or turnip greens, okra, and asparagus; and citrus fruit and juice. These foods aren't a substitute for supplemental folic acid. Instead, consider them a complement to your supplement. Because while your body absorbs all of the folic acid in a supplement, it absorbs only some of the naturally occurring folate from the food you eat. What's more, folate can be lost during storage or destroyed by cooking.

The signs of a folic acid deficiency
The signs of folic acid deficiency can be subtle. You may have diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss, as well as weakness, a sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, and irritability. If you're only mildly deficient, you may not notice any symptoms at all, but you won't be getting the optimal amount for your baby's early embryonic development.

6 weeks onwards : Doctor's Choice Prenatal Essential - 1 tab every morning before food
Thomson Women's Clinic : 30 tabs - $24 

6 weeks onwards : Bio Oil - application to lower back, buttocks, abdomen, hips, thighs twice a day
Watsons & guardian : 125ml - $23.50

Bio‑Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. During pregnancy, Bio-Oil should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks.

9 weeks onwards : Dhaxtra Softgel - 1 tab every morning after food
Thomson Women's Clinic : 30 tabs - $49

The most important fatty acids for the brain and retina are the polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an Omega-3 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (AA). These EFAs are well documented for their importance in normal neurological development. Concentrations of DHA in brain tissue increase three to five folds during the last 3 months of pregnancy and by as much again during the first 3 months of life.

Each softgel capsule contains :
Concentrated Omega-3 Triglycerides (EPAX 1050) 815mg
Providing Omega-3 Marine Triglycerides
- DHA 350mg
- EPA 73mg
Arachidonic Acid 18mg
Olive Oil 67mg
- Equiv Oleic Acid 50mg
D-alpha-tocopherol 4mg

Boy oh Boy!

08 Aug : detailed scan at 19 weeks 4 days, 314 grams

21 Aug : our boy at 22 weeks 2 days, 485 grams (obstetric scan)

My Pregnancy Journey - Part 1

The Beginning

As per majority of newly wedded couples, hubby and I planned to start a family of our own. We have been trying, I have to admit not actively, to conceive. Due to tiredness from work and time taken off for social life (eg. clubbing, mahjong), we hardly have time for good quality sex. Even with the help of P Tracker Lite app (indicates fertility period and ovulation date, recommended by Joyce and Zhenlin), there was no good news.

The sign finally came when my average 26 days cycle was past due in Apr 2014. Bought a twin pack pregnancy test kit on 24 Apr, and yay! I am pregnant! Both tests in the evening and next morning showed positive results. Hubby and I were elated and shared the great news with our parents and a few close friends. This marks the start of the life-long planning. 

My very first task was to choose a gynaecologist. It was easy to shortlist as I wanted the clinic to be as near as possible to my parent's or in-laws' place for obvious convenience reason. There were 3 choices, Dr Tan Poh Kok @ PK Women's Specialist Clinic, Dr Claudine Tan @ Thomson Women's Clinic and Dr Tan Yin Yin @ YY Tan Clinic for Women. After reading reviews online and seeking friends' advices, the final decision by elimination was to go with Dr Claudine Tan. PK shares the premises with OneDoctors GP which would expose myself and baby to unnecessary risk. YY Tan is highly recommended with good reviews which explains the crowd and long waiting time even with scheduled appointment. 

1st visit to Dr Claudine was during my 4th week. Much as the nurse who picked up my hubby's enquiry call was not too friendly, the whole experience was pleasant. His call must have been at the wrong timing when the clinic was packed and busy. Was requested to confirm the pregnancy via urine test and I remembered my last question to Dr Claudine was "So I'm really pregnant?". 😛 Opted for obstetric scan to be done next visit 2 weeks later as we probably will only see the water bag at that stage as per advised by Dr Claudine. 

Happy 49th Birthday Singapore

tribute to Singapore - a national day video shot 2 years back with my dear friends who are all over the world now.

NDP 2014 - NE3 - Live from The Float @ Marina Bay

the visor included in fun pack was my greatest saviour

red lion in action

the parade contingents

our singapore flag

act one : celebrate it!

act one : celebrate it!

act one : celebrate it!

Baby's a Boy!

22 Jul : our baby at approximately 17 weeks (obstetric scan)

22 Jul : can you tell the gender?

doctor claudine knew i wish for a baby girl and did not want to confirm the gender till after detailed scan. she showed my hubby the 2nd photo and softly commented that it is obvious. much as it is scientifically proven that gender is determined by the male's sperm, dear insisted is due to the random song i made up and/or the dramas i have been watching. upon the almost 100% confirmation, i decided to filter my online shopping cart and check out the neutral coloured baby apparels.

NDP 2014 - NE1

air was still that evening which caused the fireworks to hide behind the smoke after a while, only the 1st few shots were clear.

NDP 2014 - CR3

the lights were really beautiful that evening. did not manage to capture any fireworks as we had to evacuate due to the light drizzle that came at the same instance.

NDP 2014 - CR2

Our precious gift, sent from above, a lifetime of happiness, our miracle to love

24 Apr : home pregnancy test - positive result

12 May : our baby at 6 weeks 4 days (1st obstetric scan)

13 June : oscar scan at 12th week

Happy Fathers' Day & Bay South Garden

macritchie reservoir

my dad doted on me since young, even till today, he would save the best for me. 2013 was a great challenge to him and i am proud of him to have fought hard to win the battle.