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Currently Browsing: Pregnancy and Parenting

Benefits of Enrolling Kids in an English Speaking School

When looking for a school, one of the biggest decisions you’d need to face is whether to enrol your child in a public school where students are taught using the native tongue or go to a private school where kids are taught in English. If you want your child to learn to speak another language fluently, then going to an English speaking school may be the better choice for you.

If you are an expatriate coming from a country that uses the English language widely, then your child will not have to experience difficulties adjusting to their new learning environment. However, if your kid is not used to English as a language of instruction, then they will most likely have a hard time keeping up with the experience. You need to be there to assist your child especially after school hours. They need a hand outside of the classroom so they can, little by little, learn the English language.

Benefits of English Speaking School

There are several schools and you might want to consider enrolling your child in one. Here are few more benefits of an English speaking private school for your kids.

• Learning new language. It’s no secret that learning a new language isn’t easy. However, there are also several benefits to achieving fluency in a new language, especially if it’s widely used across the globe, such as the English language. Wherever your child goes in the future, whether it is to pursue further studies or to travel, they would be able to connect better to or socialise more confidently if they know how to speak and write in English well.

• Embracing diversity. Letting your kid attend a school that accepts students from across cultures will be a good learning experience for them. Your child will be able to learn how to deal with students of varying backgrounds. They will learn to respect differences and gain a wider perspective about foreign cultures.

• Creating environment where all kids feel valued. An English speaking school treats all students equally. Kids will feel that each one of them is important. Their needs are looked after, regardless of their background. They all have access to the same learning environment.

The happiness of your child will always be an important factor in deciding whether to have them stay in a school or move them to a new one. You need a private school that ensures positive culture for the students. You need school leaders who ensure that kids are able to challenge their critical thinking, harness their social skills, and discover their unique capabilities.

If you can take your child with you as you compare one school to another, do so. You’d also want to hear what they have to say. After all, you don’t want to spend every weekday morning forcing your kid out of bed and into their class. If they are happy with your choice of school, it will show. They’d feel thrilled to attend their classes and will make new friends eventually.

A Guide for a Pre-Pregnancy Visit

Are you planning to start a family? Do you know how to prepare your body for pregnancy? What tests do you need to get to ensure you’re fit to conceive?

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Having a baby is a major life decision, and there’s no greater joy than that. However, it’s important that you know how to take care of yourself as your unborn baby’s health does not only depend on your health and diet during pregnancy, but even before that.

A pre-pregnancy check-up is vital, considering that many pregnancies in Singapore are unplanned. Perhaps, you’re wondering what a pre-pregnancy check-up is, why it is necessary, and what happens in a session. To answer all those questions and to know more about this essential step to a healthy maternity, here’s what to expect when you have one.

Scheduling an Appointment

Ideally, you and your spouse should set an appointment with your family doctor or a gynaecologist three months before you start trying to get pregnant. You and your partner should both attend the check-ups as your partner’s family history is just as important as yours. Additionally, in case genetic counselling is necessary, it is important that the soon-to-be-father gets tested, too.

While setting an appointment, ask the hospital if they need any documents for your check-up. Bring relevant records like vaccines and immunizations. You may be asked to have a pap smear or pelvic examination, depending on when your last examination was. Also, ask if a full physical check-up at http://www.thomsonmedical.com/thomson-womens-clinics-2/ in Singapore for the man and woman is necessary, so you can be sure that you will bring your husband with you.

Information Needed During the Check-Up

The first thing your doctor is going to address when you arrive at the hospital is your and your partner’s complete medical histories. After this, questions and information about family health history, lifestyle choices, possible risks and pregnancy tips will follow.

Personal Medical History

Your gynaecology specialist will ask about your full medical history, particularly regarding previous pregnancies, abortions, miscarriages, STDs and birth control method(s) you have had. Also, it would be helpful to remember the dates of your first and last day of period on your last cycle as your menstruation cycle will be discussed during the check-up.

Make a list of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you and your partner are taking. Your doctor may have to adjust the dosage or switch some of our medications to other alternative so as not to interfere with your chances of conceiving. Allergies and psychological problems, such as depression, should also be disclosed in order for your doctor to come up with a plan that’s best suited for your current health condition.

Most importantly, you and your husband will be required to do urine and blood test to check for any STDs and other health problems that may hinder your ability to conceive.

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Family Health History

You will also be asked questions about your respective family’s health. Your physician may ask about cancer, blood pressure, cardiac problems, stroke, diabetes and other health issues that might be existing in your bloodlines. This usually includes the health conditions of your parents, siblings, grandparents and sometimes aunts and uncles.

Your genetic information will then be gathered. If there’s any chance that you or your partner—or both—may be a carrier of a genetic problem, genetic testing or counselling may be advised. Women who are over 35 years old will also likely undergo genetic counselling.

Lifestyle Choice

This is often the most difficult part for people to discuss with their healthcare provider. However, it is significantly important to be completely honest to your doctor so you’ll have the best chance of conceiving and ensuring your optimum health during pregnancy. This means, accurate information regarding drug and nicotine use and alcohol consumption is necessary.

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for both men and women who are trying to conceive. Eating healthily and exercising regularly will be emphasized by your healthcare professional. Your doctor may require you to take folic acid and prenatal vitamins to keep your vitamin levels at their peak before you get pregnant.

Industrial and occupational hazards will likely be discussed as well. Both of you will have to disclose information regarding the nature of your work and the environment of the office you’re working in. If you have any concerns in mind that weren’t brought up by your doctor, this is the right time to ask.

Pregnancy Tips

After everything is covered, the last thing your gynaecologist will discuss with you is how to maximize your chances of getting pregnant. Your doctor will extensively discuss how your menstrual cycle works and when ovulation takes place, so you and your husband fully understand how you will be able to conceive and when is the best time to try.

Based on your test results, the doctor may also advice some lifestyle changes, such as losing or gaining weight, eating more fresh produce and quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, before trying to conceive.

Prenatal Care and Birth Options

It seems like too early to discuss about this matter with your gynae, but once you’re pregnant you will need a professional that can take care of your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Most women start having prenatal check-ups within the first month of pregnancy, and as you get farther you’ll have check-ups more often. If she’s an ob-gynae, your doctor during the pre-conception check-up can be your pre-natal health care provider. If not, she can surely recommend a good one.

Pre-conception check-up is important for all women planning to conceive. Not only this check-up will improve your health before becoming pregnant, but also avoid health issues from complicating your pregnancy.

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4 Exercise Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy  

Staying active during your pregnancy is important to keep your body fit and to ensure a healthy pregnancy as well. However, being physically active when you’re pregnant has a lot of considerations. So, to ensure that you safely exercise during the stages of your pregnancy, jot down these four important tips.

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  1. Practice Safety

Since you’re pregnant, practice extra caution when it comes to performing exercise routines. Make it a habit to constantly monitor your physical condition to ensure your own safety, as well as your child. Also, consider getting into low-impact activities, such as walking, stationary cycling, and swimming, as these activities have little to no risk of injury, and can even be continued even after you give birth.

  1. Workout For 30 Minutes Each Day

Unless you’re diagnosed with a pregnancy complication, perform at least 30 minutes of moderate exercises each day. If you have a medical problem like diabetes, asthma or heart disease, then might as well avoid any form of exercise. The same goes for women who have experienced pregnancy-related conditions in the past, such as low placenta, premature births, or recurrent miscarriage.

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  1. Opt for Low-Impact Exercises

One of the ideal aerobic exercises to practice during your pregnancy is cycling. Although this activity is only advised to be done on a stationary bike to avoid injuring yourself and your baby. Swimming is another great activity for pregnant women as it helps in strengthening the shoulders and abdominal muscles, which are vital areas when carrying a baby.

Practicing some yoga poses might also come in handy, since it can help in preparing your mind and body for labour and childbirth. However, avoid performing poses that put much pressure in the abdomen area during the last stages of your pregnancy.

  1. Stay Hydrated

With an increased risk of dehydration during exercise for pregnant women, health experts recommends drinking more than eight glasses of water each day, especially when the weather gets too hot. Staying hydrated will help you avoid possibilities of experiencing problems during your pregnancy stage.

Although physical exercise is essential during your pregnancy, remember to always consult your health care provider before performing any exercise program. This way, you’ll stay fit and have a healthy pregnancy.

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