Only you can decide where you feel most comfortable having your pregnancy check-ups. Pregnancy check-ups help monitor your baby’s development and growth and your own health during pregnancy. While most people will have their check-ups with their GP (general practitioner), some women prefer to go to a dedicated pregnancy clinic.
Here are some things to think about when making your decision:
Your Health History
If you have any medical conditions that may complicate your pregnancy, ensure that your GP is aware of them from the start. You should also let them know if you have had any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, abortions, or a c-section.
Chronic illnesses may also require special care for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, mental health issues or epilepsy, and more. If you experience any of these, you might want to choose a well-established pregnancy check-up clinic in Singapore because they will have staff with experience in dealing with these sorts of cases.
Compatibility With Your Doctor
You need to feel comfortable with your GP or midwife. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, so you want to ensure that you have a good relationship with your care provider. You want someone you can easily communicate with who will listen to your concerns and answer any questions. It helps to ask yourself questions like:
- Do you feel like your GP or midwife understands your needs?
- Do they make you feel comfortable and at ease?
- Do they have good availability and are easy to get in touch with?
- Do they offer the services you need, such as ante-natal classes?
- Do they explain things clearly and thoroughly?
- Are they able to refer you to specialist care if necessary?
- Do they seem like they can respect your wishes?
- Do they have experience in dealing with any specific needs you may have?
The doctor’s outlook
You’re spoilt for choice regarding who will provide your prenatal care. You can see your regular doctor (general practitioner, GP), a midwife, or an obstetrician. No matter who you choose, try and establish what is important to you in a provider? Level of experience, continuity of care, special interests, or services offered? Find out the doctor’s attitude about the issues that matter to you. Depending on your priorities, some of the things you might want to consider are:
- Ultrasound availability and location.
- Availability of specific pain medications, if desired during labour.
- Genetic testing availability.
- Routine use of interventions such as continuous electronic foetal monitoring, IVs, and episiotomies.
- Does your doctor support unmedicated vaginal delivery, if you’re interested?
- Do they encourage breastfeeding?
- You might want to determine the doctor’s philosophy on prenatal care and whether it matches your own.
- The clinic’s environment and services are offered. Is it a clean, calm and comfortable environment?
- Can the clinic offer all the services you might need, such as blood tests, C-sections, and so on?
Bottom Line
The decision of where to have your pregnancy check-ups is a personal one. Therefore, do your due diligence to ensure that you’re comfortable with your chosen provider and that they can offer the services and care that you need. The health of you and your baby is of the utmost importance, so make sure you’re in safe hands.
