Experts share answers to your common questions on IVF

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IVF

It can be both worrying and frustrating for you and your partner when things don’t go according to plan.

Conceiving may be easy for some but can be a rugged mountain to climb for others. For folks considering in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), there must be some burning questions you can’t wait to get answers to.

Good news! In this article, we will hear from experts on IVF. Keep reading if you want more deets from Dr Roland Chieng, a specialist gynaecologist and director of Virtus Fertility Centre, and Dr Loh Seong Feei, the medical director at Thomson Fertility Centre.

#1: When is a good time to go for IVF?

According to Dr Loh, couples should go for a check-up if they aren’t successful after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. The health professional will then evaluate the sperm’s condition, your fallopian tubes, and ovulation frequency.

Once the problem that causes infertility is identified, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Other than IVF, they may suggest other methods, including inducing ovulation, surgical correction of endometriosis, and removing polyps.

#2: Is IVF an excruciating process?

Dr Chieng shares that IVF will involve daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormone under the skin. It’s pretty similar to the insulin jabs that some people with diabetes have to do daily.

While it largely depends on individual requirements, the whole procedure can take up to three weeks or even longer. It’s probably a little comforting to know that the injection needle is very fine, and there will be lesser pain after the initial apprehension.

#3: Are there any health risks with IVF?
bloatedness

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

Ladies, unfortunately, you might encounter risks like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies.

Dr Chieng noted that OHSS is a situation where an excessive response to IVF medication results in a high number of eggs and hormone levels. Some may even have to deal with excessive bloatedness and water accumulation in the lungs and abdomen in rare, severe cases.

#4: Is it true that babies conceived via IVF have a higher risk of birth defects?

Yes, in short. Dr Loh said that test-tube babies have a slightly higher risk of birth defects or congenital malformations. However, it cannot be entirely attributed to IVF.

Since many couples who opt for IVF are older, the risk of chromosomal and structural abnormalities in their newborns is higher. In addition, individuals may also face untypical sperms with underlying genetic problems that could pass on to the little lives conceived through IVF.

#5: Will we be expecting multiple babies at one go?

Based on Dr Loh’s advice, IVF treatment can lead to multiple pregnancies and births of twins or triplets. This is because more than one embryo is usually replaced in the womb during IVF to raise the chance of conception.

But it’s also good to know that under the Singapore Ministry of Health’s regulations, only up to three embryos are transferred back into the womb. Furthermore, the ministry’s co-funding regulation has advised couples to put only two embryos in the womb. This will lessen the possibility of higher-order multiple pregnancies and the birth of three or more babies.

Need some encouragement before embarking on your IVF? Read this Singapore mum’s story on her inspiring IVF journey with her partner. Take heart!

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How to score big in networking

by  in Business Solutions, Career and Enterprising
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networking

Building relationships from scratch is never an easy task. But folks who have to network with strangers for work frequently don’t really have a choice. If that is you, let us share some tips on how to score big in networking.

Be clear on your motives

Have you ever been on the receiving end of an approach and observed how “fake” a person can be? Don’t make the mistake of being labelled as “fake” by the person you intend to know.

Whether you’re keen on connecting with a potential employer, reach a target customer, or simply find out more about an existing project they’re working on, make it known clearly. The last thing you want to achieve is to appear dodgy to the other party.

Put in the effort before your requests

Dian Oved, CEO of a PR and digital marketing company, shares with us a common pitfall. “A new founder will ask me for a celebrity intro for a collaboration, but they haven’t yet built a website, prepared materials, or thought about what they’ll do if the intro is made.”

Before making requests, be sure that you’ve put in the necessary effort. Remember that your networking contact is trading on their reputation to arrange that introduction for you. Make it count.

Learn how to be likeable

While you can’t control someone’s first impression of you, you can learn how to be likeable through the words you say. Generally, people are looking to be inspired and intrigued by your latest venture or your point of view on a common topic.

However, be fully aware that braggers get nowhere. Though it’s applaudable that you take the initiative to speak up, humility is still essential when it comes to networking. There’s a time to share your achievements and a suitable time to listen.

Ask open-ended questions

Do you recall what we wrote at the start of this article? It’s great to start off being clear on your motives, but you want to ask open-ended questions to facilitate the conversation and direction. Just take a look at this example:

A: “Do you know anyone I can speak with as I’m learning more about job opportunities at Google?”

B: “Can you connect me to your ex-colleague, John, at Google? I want to ask him for a job.”

Do you think sentence A or B is a better approach? If you chose A, you’re on the right track. It’s an open-ended question that’s both direct and polite. It also allows your networking acquaintance to use their network to your advantage.

Final thoughts
two men shaking hands

Image Credits: randstadrisesmart.com

Some people may be born with the gift of the tongue, but the truth is that most of us have to go through trials to find the most appropriate way to network. Sometimes, all it takes is a little practice to get there. Don’t give up!

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Essential steps for new mums to take after realising a pregnancy

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pregnancy scan

Congratulations on your pregnancy! It can be an overwhelming episode if you’re a new mum as you go through the joys of conceiving your first child to the nerves of having to mind your body from day one.

However, fret not as we show you the essential steps to take after realising your pregnancy. Stay on this page!

Find a doctor you can trust

Apart from the pregnancy being a delightful family affair, you will need a doctor you can work hand in hand with during your pregnancy.

You should ask for recommendations from friends or family members and schedule a visit as soon as possible. Do expect some blood tests, prenatal vitamins prescription, and miscellaneous information to help you prepare for your next 40 weeks.

According to Healthline, here’s a general guide on how often you will be seeing your doctor:

  • once per month until week 28
  • twice per month from weeks 28 to 36
  • weekly from week 36 to birth
Talk about medications with your doctor
pills

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

Once you’ve decided on your preferred doctor, let the healthcare professional know about your existing medications and supplements.

Since some drugs can pass through the placenta, they may drastically affect your precious baby. However, do not simply stop taking them because some medications can cause severe side effects if stopped abruptly.

The safest way is to seek a medical opinion and follow through with whatever the doctor recommends. With a baby growing inside you, it’s best not to simply Google and heed online advice.

Make plans for your work schedule

Ladies who are working and plan to continue during your pregnancy and after giving birth must mind your work schedule.

Don’t forget that you will still need to keep up with your doctor appointments, and your employer should be kept in the loop of your need for time off from work. For working mums with higher-risk pregnancies, you may also wish to consider reducing your workload gradually.

Now’s also the time to start researching the child care centres near your house so your baby can be assured a place in infant care when they reach two months old.

Relook what goes into your mouth
a pregnant woman saying no to alcohol

Image Credits: walnuthillobgyn.com

Since you’re not walking alone anymore for the next few months, you’ve got to assume responsibility for the life inside you. One of the main ways to protect your growing baby is to pay close attention to what you eat.

In short, alcohol and tobacco are harmful for your little one. All forms of alcohol, including beer, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or even disabilities. As for tobacco, the nicotine inside it can damage your developing baby’s brain and lungs.

In addition, you should also decrease your caffeine intake to about just two cups a day. Anything more than that can increase your risk of miscarriage so stay away from that if you can. By caffeine, we’re not just referring to coffee, but tea, soda, and dark chocolates too.

While you must limit the harmful stuff, be sure to have balanced meals to get all the nutrition you need for a healthy baby. Here are some excellent foods to take:

  • Dairy
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Cooked lean meats
  • Fruits and vegetables

Have an incredible pregnancy journey and a smooth delivery!

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5 Surefire Ways To Avoid Spending Too Much Money On Junk Food

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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“Cravings are powerful. (It) can make a person value a food more since it not only may fulfill a hunger need, but also a psychological need for satisfaction.”
– Ms. Jackie Arnett Elnahar, a Registered dietitian and CEO of TelaDietitian

When fast food chains offer their tasty meals, they go beyond advertising on television and social media. They employ different marketing strategies to entice the consumers into spending their hard-earned cash on the spot. These attractive offerings can increase a person’s craving for junk food.

You need to realize that your cravings for junk food burns both your wallet and your health. A 2018 study from New York University showed that people were willing to pay more for foods they crave. It did not matter whether they were hungry or not. Moreover, the amount they were willing to pay multiplied when they were offered bigger portions.

The lead author of the study explained that the “results indicate that even if people strive to eat healthier, cravings could overshadow the importance of health”. Participants craved for larger portions of junk food but did not crave larger portions of healthy food.

It is up to you to fight these cravings and to choose a healthier path. Read the following tips to start your journey.

#1: BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

The first step to curb your junk food spending is to be honest with yourself. If you aim to gradually remove unhealthy snacks from your diet, include it to your grocery budget. Set a realistic amount and stick to it. Limiting your budget for snacks will prevent you from dropping by the store to spend more money on it.

#2: PLAN YOUR MENU

Whether you are cooking for yourself or your family, planning meals is a good place to begin improving your food choices. Taking the time to plan a healthy meal can help you avoid the costly takeaway or delivery food.

Start by grabbing a pen and a paper. List down your favorite meals. It may help to talk to your spouse or your family regarding their meal preferences. Some meals are healthier than others, but write them all for now. After gathering your options, it is up to you to strategically spread these meals out. Planning the weekly menu will help you save money and give you more time to prepare healthier food.

#3: GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

Let us face it! Sometimes, you may feel too tired or unmotivated to prepare a meal. Give yourself a break. Reduce your junk food spending by giving yourself a cheat day. With all the factors that hinder you from preparing a meal (e.g., time), you can purchase pre-packaged meals such as salad or frozen pizza. You can only eat these types of meals during your cheat day.

#4: REWARD YOURSELF

As you practice healthy habits and reduce your junk food consumption, you can increase your motivation by rewarding yourself. Whether you want to purchase a new top or an air fryer, include this purchase on the leisure expense category of your budget. This way, you will not feel guilty about spending too much money outside of your budget.

#5: CUT DOWN ON EATING OUT

It is no secret that Singaporeans love to eat! People in Singapore are blessed with a variety of cuisines that one cannot resist the temptation of dining out. As with everything that is good, too much can be bad too.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You may feel that eating out during lunch daily does not make a difference. But, all your costs add up. The cost of one restaurant meal may be equivalent up to three home-cooked meals. Try packing lunch from home as it is generally cheaper. Packing your meals will also enable you to follow your dietary restrictions.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Mid-Autumn Festival 2021: Special mooncake flavours, including one with mala chicken floss to try

by  in Lifestyle, Lifestyle & Hobbies
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traditional mooncakes

We have more than a month to this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival! To be exact, we will be celebrating it on Tuesday, 21 September.

If it has been a tradition for the family to gift mooncakes or gather together for a tea session, then you’ve landed at the right article. We will be sharing with you some of the most special mooncake flavours, including one with mala chicken floss to spice up the festival. 

Ready to get started? Let’s roll with the list!

#1: ​​Mala Chicken Floss & Salted Egg Yolk Low Sugar White Lotus Paste Mooncake
mooncakes

Image Credits: Birds Of A Feather

Contemporary Sichuan restaurant Birds of A Feather has come up with their mooncake box of 4 (S$68) with these 2 flavours:

  • Mala Chicken Floss & Salted Egg Yolk Low Sugar White Lotus Paste Mooncake
  • Single Yolk Macadamia Nuts Low Sugar White Lotus Paste Mooncake

The former promises a harmonious blend of Sichuan spices with a pleasant mild spicy note and a heavenly combination of salted egg yolk and chicken floss. Not a fan of mala? You can present this as a gift to a friend or relative. The majestic black box with intricate gold illustrations will make a premium presentable present for that special someone.

Click here to preorder your Birds Of A Feather Mooncake Box.

#2: Sakura Shrimps with Peanut Mooncake
Sakura Shrimps with Peanut Mooncake

Image Credits: Shangri-La Singapore

Yes, we kid you not with this concoction of savoury sakura shrimps and crunchy peanuts. It’s one of the limited-edition mooncake gift boxes designed by local designer Benny Ong. The box of four consists of:

  • Assam Tea with Almond Mooncakes
  • Sakura Shrimps with Peanut Mooncakes

At the time of writing, there’s an ongoing promotion which will cost you only S$100.30 (usual price: S$118). Check out more limited-edition mooncake types such as Aged Mandarin Peel, Rose & Red Bean Paste Mooncakes, Mini Custard Bird’s Nest Mooncakes, and more here.

#3: White Rabbit Truffle with Cranberry Paste Snowskin Mooncake
snowskin mooncakes

Image Credits: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Take a trip down memory lane with Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s White Rabbit Truffle with Cranberry Paste Snowskin Mooncake. Everyone’s favourite milk candy will be joining hands with a rich truffle filling and tangy cranberry paste to reward your tastebuds.

For those who love all things truffle, here are other flavours to try:

  • Cognac Truffle with Chestnut Paste
  • Salted Egg Truffle with White Lotus Seed Paste
  • Champagne Truffle with Milk Green Bean Paste

Place an order here.

While it can be tempting to eat your fill, remember that mooncakes are high-calorie foods and should be eaten in moderation this Mid-Autumn Festival. We will leave you with some numbers so you can plan your intake accordingly:

mooncake calories chart

Image Credits: CNA

Have a blessed Mid-Autumn Festival to come. 中秋节快乐!

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