How Many Prenatal Appointments Do I Need in Singapore?

The complete Singapore antenatal schedule - every visit, scan, and test from booking to delivery, with subsidised vs private cost comparison.

Singapore Prenatal Appointment Schedule

The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends 8-12 antenatal visits for a low-risk pregnancy. High-risk pregnancies (twins, GDM, preeclampsia risk, previous complications) will have more frequent visits. Here is the standard schedule:

When	What Happens	Key Tests	Ask About
Week 6-8 Booking Visit	Confirm pregnancy, dating scan, full history, weight, BP, urine	Blood group, FBC, HIV, Hepatitis B, Rubella, urine culture, TVS scan (for viability)	Folic acid dose, food safety, exercise, workplace adjustments
Week 11-13 NT Scan	Nuchal translucency scan + blood test (OSCAR/FTS) for chromosomal conditions	NT measurement, PAPP-A, free beta-hCG; combined risk score	NIPT (optional); results and what they mean; amniocentesis if high risk
Week 16-18 Mid-T1 Review	Weight, BP, urine dip, fundal height, discuss FTS results	Blood pressure monitoring, anaemia check if needed	TIFFA scan booking; optional 3D ultrasound; dental check reminder
Week 18-22 TIFFA Scan	Detailed fetal anatomy scan; checks all major organs, placenta position	Brain, heart (4-chamber view), kidneys, spine, limbs, face; gender can be revealed	Placenta previa; cord insertion; amniotic fluid levels
Week 24-28 OGTT + GDM	Glucose tolerance test (2-hour); weight, BP, baby's position	OGTT (fasting blood glucose, then 1hr and 2hr post-glucose drink), FBC, anti-D if Rh-negative	GDM management if positive; birth plan discussion; iron supplementation
Week 28-36 Monthly Visits	Routine monthly checks; baby's growth, position, heartbeat	Fundal height, fetal heart rate, BP, urine; GBS swab at week 35-37	Birth plan, hospital bag, labour signs, pain relief options, maternity leave
Week 37+ Weekly Visits	Weekly checks; cervical assessment; baby engagement check	BP, urine, baby position, cervical dilation if relevant; biophysical profile if needed	Induction timing; signs of labour; when to go to hospital

Key Scans Explained

NT Scan (Week 11-13) - Nuchal Translucency

Measures the fluid at the back of baby's neck. Combined with blood tests (OSCAR), it gives a risk estimate for Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Edwards syndrome. It is not diagnostic - a high-risk result means further testing (NIPT or amniocentesis) is needed. NT scan is standard at most gynaes in Singapore.

TIFFA Scan (Week 18-22) - Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies

The most detailed ultrasound in pregnancy. A trained radiologist checks over 40 anatomical points. It can detect major structural conditions like heart defects, spina bifida, and cleft palate. It is done by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, not your regular gynae. KKH and NUH both have dedicated MFM departments.

Optional: NIPT and 3D/4D Ultrasound

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a blood test done from week 10 that screens for chromosomal conditions with higher accuracy than OSCAR. It costs S$800-1,500 at most Singapore labs (e.g., Prenetics, Illuminate). 3D/4D scans are optional keepsake scans available at many private clinics from around S$150-300.

Subsidised vs Private Antenatal Care Costs

The cost difference between polyclinic shared care and full private obstetric care can be substantial. Here is a rough comparison:

Service	Polyclinic / KKH Subsidised	Private Gynae (TMC/Mt A)
Consultation per visit	S$10-35 (subsidised)	S$80-200
Routine ultrasound	S$30-80	S$80-200
OSCAR / FTS (NT scan + blood)	~S$150-250	S$250-450
TIFFA scan	~S$100-200	S$250-500
OGTT (glucose test)	~S$20-40	S$60-120
Total antenatal care (estimated)	S$500 - S$1,500	S$3,000 - S$7,000

MediSave can be used for antenatal outpatient bills at approved clinics, up to S$900 per pregnancy. Costs above are estimates and vary widely by provider.