The essential expectant-mother checklist

So you’re expecting a child soon, and it’s both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. The key is to take things one step at a time: don’t be overwhelmed by the huge list of things you’re told to do and prepare. Rather, focus on one task at a time, at your own pace; go slow and steady and you’ll soon have all the bases covered, with minimal stress. Here’s some of the checklist items to go through:

1. Discuss your birth plans with your doctor
A birth plan covers details such as:

• The manner of birth
• The place of delivery
• Pain relief medication you’ll accept
• How you intend to feed your baby
• The role of your partner
• Cultural factors, such as whether you’ll have a confinement nanny

This is not exhaustive, so you can feel free to add more details. What’s important is to go through the plan with your doctor, to spot any potential issues. With regard to topics like pain relief medication, you should always seek the doctor’s professional opinion (be wary of so-called “holistic” or “wellness” websites).

2. Adjust your schedule for safety, not just convenience
Work From Home isn’t just more comfortable, it’s also smart from a safety perspective. You’ll travel less often, and will be exposed to fewer accident risks. In the current environment of post-Covid-19 environment, it’s also still wise to maintain your health by avoiding crowded offices.

Adjusting your schedule for safety also means limiting workloads to minimise stress, and to provide room for exercise. Now is definitely not the time to take on projects that keep you up till two in the morning, whether or not you can do it from home.

If you have an employer, speak to them early about essential arrangements; and make sure you have details of your maternity leave in black and white (make sure it’s emailed to you, not just verbally communicated).

3. If you’re considering IVF treatment, do schedule time for counselling
Counselling for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is mandatory in Singapore. Do note that it may take some time to get an appointment, so it’s best to start early. You can get in touch with the Ministry of Health for information and details here.

Do familiarise yourself, your partner, and other relevant family members of the potential risks and symptoms; this will prevent unnecessary alarm.

Another important factor to discuss is the monetary cost, and how this will be managed. Be aware that the price ranges between $13,000 to $15,000, mostly payable in cash. A qualified financial representative can help, in developing a budget or savings plan to manage the cost.

4. Complement MediShield Life with appropriate maternity insurance
MediShield Life provides coverage for 24 common pregnancy complications, within limits. However, note that the coverage is only for these specified conditions - in the off-chance that you suffer an unusual condition that’s not on this list, you will not be covered. Maternity insurance can extend the list of conditions covered, for greater peace of mind.

In addition, MediShield Life has a maximum cap on payouts, for conditions such as pre-eclampsia. If the cost of treatment would exceed the cap, you have to pay the difference out of pocket. 

Perhaps the most important reason to get maternity insurance is to provide for congenital disorders (health problems present at birth). These can range from congenital heart disease, to Down syndrome.

Do talk to a financial representative, and find out where you can complement MediShield Life.

5. Set up dental appointments
One of the most overlooked issues of pregnancy is that hormonal changes will affect your teeth and gums. Expectant mothers are more likely to suffer from gum disease; this provides a channel for infections, which can increase risks such as heart disease. It’s also uncomfortable, and stressful, to require dental procedures like extractions while you’re carrying the child.

Do contact your dentist and let them know you’re expecting; and set up appointments to ensure you’re in good overall health.

Tip: if you work for a large corporation, check with Human Resources regarding your company’s group insurance. Larger firms sometimes have policies that include dental.

6. Scan your household items, and go for non-toxic replacements
Watch out for cleaning solutions that are unhealthy when inhaled, or items such as cheap plastic containers (these are often not designed for reuse, and may contain toxins when degraded).

If you have aromatherapy or incense items, be sure that it’s safe for you to inhale when you’re expecting.

Keep in mind what you, as well as your coming baby, will breathe in, eat from, and drink from. Remember that after the baby arrives, you’ll want to ensure your child doesn’t end up chewing or touching something dangerous.

7. Plan for transport needs
If you don’t have a car, you should be prepared to use Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) more often in the later stages of pregnancy. Some expectant mothers prefer not to be too reliant on buses or trains later on; but this can get expensive!

If your other family members have cars, someone may be willing to drive you about for a time. If accessibility is a problem (e.g., you live in a place far from the bus or MRT), it may be cost-effective to temporarily stay with in-laws who are more conveniently located.

It’s best to make these plans early, as it often involves coordinating with helpful friends or family.

Throughout the process, you may find the financial elements get a bit challenging - there are many unknowns and variable costs involved. A financial representative can help to ensure you and the child are properly covered; and that you have the right budget for contingencies.