My pregnancy journey as a FTM (first time mum)
Sharing my personal experience about how my pregnancy journey has progressed so far as a first time mum🤰
How trimester one unfolded (Conception-13 weeks):
-suspected I was preggy at week 7 (early Sept 2024) when my period was supposed to arrive but didn’t - we were actively trying so i suspected it too (experienced severe bloating daily and extreme fatigue that I’ve never felt in my entire life before). Took Clearblue pregnancy test on 21 Sept 2024 and my suspicions were confirmed 😍
-Visited nearest Polyclinic for a referral to KKH (subsidized route) as we wanted to save $ on the upcoming tests that were required
Tests during Trimester 1:
-Urine dipstick test, Height & Weight
-Ultrasound Dating Scan (to confirm pregnancy and get EDD)
-FTS (First trimester screening) blood test and ultrasound scan
Tests during Trimester 2:
-NIPT AKA Harmony test (blood test) to detect further accuracy of Down Syndrome (DS) as FTS results returned with an intermediate risk (this test allows parents to find out the baby’s gender too!) thankfully all went well and results revealed a low probability of DS 🙏🏻 we also got to know the gender of our baby 😍
Symptoms during Trimester 1:
-extreme food aversion (fish & chicken is a NO)
-tender and sore nipples
-severe bloating and fatigue
-constantly felt cold
-decreased appetite due to nausea & aversion
-random daily cravings (bread, carbs, sweet things like Milo/Doughnuts, citrus fruits like grapefruit and pomelo became a 🥰), -frequent urination and a heavy bladder
Challenges:
Sleeping with a 5cm fibroid gradually became a little uncomfortable & slightly painful. Tip for all first time mums: invest in a pregnancy pillow! It’s a sleep saver (minus the random hip pain that you may experience even with pregnancy pillow).
The one I’m using: https://sg.shp.ee/iJK5pf7
How Trimester Two is unfolding (Weeks 13- present):
Bump is slowly growing and sometimes I feel so fine to the extent I question if I’m preggy / whether baby is safe & sound (guess this is a first time mum’s endless worries 🥹)
Currently at 18 weeks and things are going pretty fine — still have the occasional bout of nausea towards certain smells and food aversion but no vomiting. Appetite has also slowly increased
Next appointment: 20th week Fetal Anamoly Scan @ KKH
We’re considering to switch from KKH to private for our subsequent visits with a fixed gynae and delivery. If you’ve gone down this route, appreciate any insights on how you made the switch!
As a first-time mother balancing a busy lifestyle, I've also explored practical baby care solutions that simplify daily routines. One helpful tip is investing in baby wipes designed for one-handed use, ideal when you're holding your little one and need quick, convenient cleanup. Opting for wipes specifically formulated for sensitive skin can prevent rashes and keep your baby's skin healthy, which is a priority for many moms like me. In Singapore, many expectant moms consider where to receive prenatal care, weighing options between public hospitals like KKH and private clinics. Switching from subsidized to private care can offer more personalized attention but also involves understanding costs and booking procedures—seek advice from those who've transitioned to make informed choices. For skincare during pregnancy, I learned about trusted products backed by clinical studies that support skin health without harsh ingredients—important information I gathered from healthcare professionals to ensure safety. Additionally, dealing with occasional discomforts like engorged breasts is common, and having reliable guidance or products on hand made a significant difference in managing symptoms comfortably. Embracing these practical elements alongside medical care enhanced my overall pregnancy experience as a first-time mom navigating new challenges with confidence.
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