Pregnancy Guide
Everything you need, week by week - From your first positive test to birth. Prenatal screening timelines, nutrition tables, and hospital guides.
Jump to Your Week
Pregnancy Guides
First Trimester
Confirming pregnancy, morning sickness, first scans, and what to expect.
Week 1 → Week 13 →Symptoms & Topics
Common symptoms, nutrition, and what to expect at every stage.
- Early Pregnancy Symptoms
- Pregnancy Nutrition Guide
- Prenatal Vitamins
- Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
- Sleeping in Pregnancy
- Singapore Hospital Guide
- Full Week-by-Week Guide
Pregnancy by Trimester
First Trimester
Weeks 1-13- Positive test usually at week 4-5
- Heart starts beating at week 6
- Morning sickness peaks weeks 6-9
- OSCAR screening at weeks 11-14
- Miscarriage risk drops sharply after week 12
Second Trimester
Weeks 14-27- Energy typically returns in trimester 2
- Baby's movements felt (quickening) at weeks 16-22
- Anomaly scan (full anatomy check) at weeks 18-22
- Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes at weeks 24-28
- Your belly becomes clearly visible
Third Trimester
Weeks 28-40- Baby gains most of its weight now
- Group B Strep swab at week 36
- Baby drops into pelvis (lightening) near week 36-38
- Braxton Hicks contractions are common
- Use our Contraction Timer when labour starts
Singapore Prenatal Screening Schedule
Based on KKH and MOH guidelines. Private and public timelines may vary slightly. Always confirm dates with your obstetrician.
| When | Screening / Test | What It Checks | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 8-10 | First antenatal visit | Blood group, rubella immunity, Hep B, syphilis, iron levels, urine | Routine |
| Weeks 11-14 | OSCAR / NIPT (optional) | Chromosomal abnormalities – Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 & 13 | Screening |
| Weeks 18-22 | Detailed anomaly scan | Full fetal anatomy, placenta position, amniotic fluid | Routine scan |
| Weeks 24-28 | OGTT (glucose tolerance) | Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) | Routine |
| Weeks 28-32 | Growth scan | Baby's size, weight estimates, blood flow (Doppler) | Routine scan |
| Week 36 | Group B Strep swab + CTG | GBS bacteria (treated with IV antibiotics during labour) | Routine |
| Week 38-40 | CTG / Biophysical profile | Baby's wellbeing and readiness for birth | As needed |
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) costs $800-2,000 at private labs. OSCAR is subsidised at public hospitals.
Recommended Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Based on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Use our Weight Gain Calculator for personalised tracking.
| Pre-Pregnancy BMI | Category | Total Gain (singleton) | 2nd-3rd Tri Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18.5 | Underweight | 12.7 – 18.1 kg | 0.5 kg/week |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal | 11.3 – 15.9 kg | 0.4 kg/week |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | 6.8 – 11.3 kg | 0.3 kg/week |
| ≥ 30.0 | Obese | 5.0 – 9.0 kg | 0.2 kg/week |
Source: Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines, widely used in Singapore hospitals. Twins require additional 4-5 kg.
Key Nutrients During Pregnancy
Most can be obtained through a balanced diet - But supplements ensure you hit targets. Use our Nutrition Calculator to check your intake.
| Nutrient | Daily Target | Why It Matters | Best Food Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 600 mcg | Prevents neural tube defects (spina bifida) | Leafy greens, fortified cereals, supplements |
| Iron | 27 mg | Supports growing blood supply, prevents anaemia | Red meat, spinach, lentils, tofu + vitamin C |
| Calcium | 1,000 mg | Baby's bone and teeth development | Dairy, tofu, sardines, ikan bilis, broccoli |
| DHA/Omega-3 | 200 mg | Brain and eye development | Salmon, mackerel, DHA-fortified eggs, algae oil |
| Vitamin D | 600 IU | Calcium absorption, immune function | Sunlight, fortified milk, fatty fish, supplements |
| Iodine | 220 mcg | Thyroid function and baby's brain development | Seafood, dairy, iodised salt |
| Protein | 71 g | Builds baby's organs, muscles, and placenta | Eggs, fish, tofu, chicken, lentils, nuts |
Singapore Maternity Hospitals at a Glance
All offer medisave-claimable deliveries. Public hospitals offer subsidised rates for Singapore Citizens and PRs.
| Hospital | Type | Known For | Est. Delivery Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| KK Women's & Children's (KKH) | Public | Highest birth volume in SG, NICU, subsidised | $3,000-8,000 (subsidised) |
| National University Hospital (NUH) | Public | Strong obstetrics, good subsidised rates | $3,000-8,000 (subsidised) |
| Thomson Medical Centre | Private | Private suites, Natural birth focus, midwives | $8,000-18,000 |
| Mount Alvernia Hospital | Private | Catholic hospital, homelike birth suites | $8,000-16,000 |
| Parkway East Hospital | Private | East Singapore, boutique, personalised care | $8,000-16,000 |
| Gleneagles Hospital | Private | IVF and high-risk pregnancy specialists | $10,000-20,000 |
*Estimates before Medisave claims and insurance. Actual cost depends on ward class, complications, and length of stay.
Pregnancy Tools
Pregnancy Terms Explained
Common terms you will hear at your antenatal visits.
Baby Size by Trimester
Pregnancy questions?
Our pregnancy community group has parents who've been there.
Pregnancy Community →