Are you pregnant or are you trying to have a baby? As a future mother (or father), you no doubt have many questions – ranging from pre-pregnancy preparations to delivery options and even what are the myths and facts with regards to pregnancy.

Question by rsim

Hi Prof Tan, Regarding the myths concerning pregnancy, it's said that it's best not to do any renovation work, painting, or sorts during this period otherwise the born child will have birthmark. How does bithmark comes about then?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that doing renovation works during pregnancy will result in birth mark on the child.

Question by Chai

Hi Prof Tan, My wife and I are trying to have our second child. It has been 5 years+ after our firstborn. Are there any steps we can take to increase the pregnancy chances?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

By definition a couple is said to be suffering from sub-fertility after trying to have a child (unprotected sexual intercourse) for more than a year.

Trying for 5 years is indeed a long time, may I suggest that both you and your wife see a gynaecologist to exclude possible causes of sub-fertility such as anovulation, problem with the fallopian tube and sperm count, as well as endometriosis.

Question by pocoyosky

Hi Prof, Was told to take folic during my pregnancy, besides this supplement, what are other health supplements required?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

A pregnant woman should have a good and well balance diet that can provide all the necessary nutrients require during pregnancy. Vitamin supplement is just to supplement the diet however I would advise all pregnant mothers to take daily folic acid.

Question by pocoyosky

Hi Prof, When we opt for normal delivery option, if the delivery process is difficult then, what happens next? Is surgery then required?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

If the baby cannot be delivered safely through a normal vaginal delivery, then logically the only other option is caesarean section. Please consult your obstetrician regarding the delivery options.

Question by esim

Hello Prof, Why does some pregnant mother have morning sickness and some don't? What causes morning sickness during pregnancy?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

Most pregnant mothers experience morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of various degree of severity during the first trimester. This is due to hormonal change. However if the vomiting is severe resulting in dehydration, an admission to hospital maybe necessary.

Question by sch

Dear Prof Tan, What are the options available if we want to have a painless delivery?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

A certain degree of pain is to be expected, whether it is normal vaginal delivery or caesarean section. However, there are many pain relief methods available in the labour ward such as inhalational of nitrous oxide/oxygen, intra muscular injection of pain killer or epidural analgesia. Please discuss options with your obstetrician during your antenatal visits.

Question by dsim

Dear Prof Tan, My pregnant wife has food craving and these craving changes by weeks with different kind of food, how long does food craving during pregnancy last?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

It really depends on the individual. Pregnant women should have a good and balance diet throughout the pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.

Question by mosmos

Hi Prof, For pre-pregnancy checkup, it is necessary to go for bloodtest to check for various underlying dieases?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

Yes it is prudent to have a pre pregnancy medical checkup and blood tests to check for underline medical conditions such as anaemia, thalassemia, infection etc

Questions by octane

Dear Prof Tan, Many of my friends went for pre-pregnancy counseling by a professional and advised me to go for one in the future. Do you it is necessary to go for pre-pregnancy counseling for future parents?

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

Yes it is prudent to have a pre pregnancy counselling and blood tests to check for underline medical conditions such as anaemia, thalassemia, infection etc.

Question by sockwee

I am a 37-year-old mother of one. My first pregnancy at 34 was smooth. Delivery was however, vacuum-assisted, with fundal pressure applied. I was on epidural. After delivery, I had relatively bad pelvic girdle pain and continue to have stress incontinence till now. I did not have these symptoms during the pregnancy itself. Could these be due to injury during child birth? I am planning for a second child, but am worried if another vaginal birth may aggravate my pelvic floor problems. Should I consider elective c-section instead? Thank you.

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

It is common for women to experience certain degree of urinary incontinence at the immediate post delivery period. Pelvic floor exercise may help. However, if the incontinence were to persist, please consult your doctor for a pelvic floor assessment and mode of delivery for your next pregnancy.

Question by eldercat_17

Hi Dr Tan, My daughter in law is having our first grand child and she is in her 5th month. She works from 9 to 6pm. At the end of the day, she feels very tired. Its not the nature of her work but after her pregnancy she seems more tired than usual. Is there anyway she can keep up her stamina? She is 35 years old. Thanks,

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

It is common for pregnant mothers to feel tired more easily especially in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters. Pregnant mothers should have more rest and avoid excessive physical activities in addition to a balance diet.

Question by bbj8889r

Dear Prof Tan, I am interested to find out if there other activities I should steer clear of while pregnant? Or Do more of during pregnancy? Thanks.

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

In general pregnant mothers should have adequate rest. Regular light exercise is advisable if there is no contral indication such as bleeding or uterine contraction. Pregnant mothers are advised to avoid strenuous exercise or activities with risks such diving, etc.

Question by bel888

Hi Prof Tan, I had a serious cramp last night and felt like passing motion. The cramp did get better after I pass motion few hours later. However, I still feel mild cramp on the lower abdomen the next day. May I know any ointment I can use to massage my abdomen? Thanks :)

Answered by A/Prof Tan Hak Koon Head & Senior Consultant Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Singapore General Hospital

Persistent lower abdominal pain may be due to many reasons, such as musculoskeletal pain, problem with intestines, urinary tract infection or gynaecological problems. May I suggest to see a family physician to exclude serious medical conditions if the pain persists.

Ref: S13