Singapore Expats

Hello! I am in my early 30's and looking to start a family in the next year or so. While researching pregnancy information, I came across the concept of preconception check-ups. I like the idea of it and would like to know if anyone has had that done here in Singapore? Where did you go? Is this something that all OB/GYNs offer as part of their services? I have only been here for a year and half and have not had a chance to find myself a regular gynecologist.

Thanks!!

Sounds like another concept to relieve some additional monies from your purse to me. Sure you don't need to have a pre-concept meeting to approve your concept for pre-conception so you can actually conceive?

The world got overpopulated already, without all that!

I'm no expert, but I always took the "pre-conception check-up" to mean just a regular physical with your GP. It's a good idea to be sure everything's in order throughout your whole body, not just your reproductive tract. I typically go to my GP once a year for my complete physical, although I haven't yet here since I've been in SG only a few months. Not sure how much it costs here, especially in light of the fact that certain preventative procedures for women aren't covered by (at least my) health insurance provider(s), ie. pap smear, breast exam. While you're there the doc will likely ask if you have any specific concerns, and that's when you mention you're ready to start TTC. He/she will likely have a bit of advice, like cut out alcohol and start taking prenatal vitamins, and wish you best of luck. At least that's what my GP did.

Never had it done in Singapore but in Australia, it is usually recommended to check your rubella, varicella and hep B immunity before thinking of conceiving. If you need varicella zoosters, it can take up to 3 months ( 2-3 injections a month apart - don't quote me on this) before you can conceive. Then you have to take folic acid 3months prior..etc. etc...

Thank you all for your input! Getting a general wellness checkup sounds like a good idea, especially since now I am in my 30's.

I had never heard of a preconception checkup either when I lived in the U.S. Maybe it's something that one would come across when one is planning to have a family?

amiee40: Did you get a preconception checkup in Australia? Did you go to your family doctor or your gyne?

Yes, i did. I went to my local family doctor. The system is abit different in Australia. The ob&gyn will only see pregnancies over 12 weeks and with referral by a family doctor.

amiee40: Did you get a preconception checkup in Australia? Did you go to your family doctor or your gyne?[/quote]

Thanks again!!

This concept is relatively new here in Singapore and I've yet to find any complete preconception packages available here. But from my research into this area, it really involves making sure both partners' bodies are healthy, have good immunity levels and especially for women sufficient level of nutrients, healthy fats (weight) levels, vaccinated against rubella and other bacteria/viruses that will affect the mother's health during pregnancy term etc. All these prior to conceiving so that risk of birth defects/abnormalies are significantly reduced. Please refer to the URL for more information:

http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/b ... health.cfm