Singaporeans are no strangers to family planning programmes. They’ve been implemented for decades and have been quite effective in controlling our population’s growth. 

But at the end of the day, nothing is perfect. Unplanned pregnancies can still happen, especially with our teenagers. Our country may offer abortion, but it’s unwise to always rely on such a procedure to stop a pregnancy. 

Prevention is better than a cure in this situation. Let’s discuss what measures you can take and how a good gynaecologist in Singapore can help.  

The Dangers of Unplanned Pregnancies 

Here are some of the implications they can have on your well-being and future if you don’t plan for pregnancies:

Psychological Strain

Women may feel stressed, anxious, and depressed over the prospect of having a child they don’t want. It can also aggravate existing mental health problems and put a strain on their relationship with loved ones. 

Socioeconomic Burdens

The pregnancy can also disrupt education or career plans and cause more healthcare expenses. If a woman decides to have a baby, she and her partner have to be prepared for the cost of raising the child. 

Health Risks

Unprepared mothers face more health risks during pregnancies. They might not seek prenatal care immediately, which could put them and their unborn children at risk. Both childbirth and abortion have their own set of possible complications too. 

How Can You Avoid Getting Pregnant? 

There are several ways to avoid a pregnancy, but let’s discuss the main options:

• Practise Safe Sex - This generally means using condoms so that your partner’s sperm doesn’t reach your ovaries. 

• Use Contraceptives - Depending on the type you take, birth control pills can prevent ovulation, keep the sperm from entering the uterus, or alter the uterine lining to prevent fertilised eggs from implanting. Do note that you’ll need a prescription from your gynae to buy these in Singapore. 

• Get Sterilised - A ligation can permanently prevent pregnancies.  You should only consider this if you're absolutely certain you don't want to have kids in the future.

• Abstinence -  This is definitely an effective way to avoid getting pregnant. It may be difficult to stick to staying abstinent, so you should consider finding a solid support system to keep you committed. 

What to Do If You Had Unprotected Sex 

If you had unprotected sex or had a mishap like a broken condom, don’t lose hope just yet. You can visit your women’s clinic within 72 hours to get a prescription for a morning-after pill, which can still significantly reduce your chances of conceiving. You should then monitor for the common symptoms of pregnancy during the weeks after you had intercourse. 

A pregnancy test kit can be a helpful indicator if you conceived. But you should still get checked by your gynae to confirm it. They can then discuss your available options and provide the appropriate care regardless if you decide to either be a parent or have an abortion. 

Discuss Your Family Planning Options With a Gynae

You'll want to have a good gynaecologist in Singapore if you're taking a more proactive approach against unwanted pregnancies. They can guide you and your partner on what else you can do to stay healthy and effectively avoid conceiving. 

A gynae can also monitor your health and see if you need to adjust your contraceptive methods, such as when your hormone levels are affected. 

And if you are ready to have a family, the gynae can help you grow healthy and fit enough to carry a child in you.

Be Proactive Against Unplanned Pregnancies

Being aware of the many possible consequences of a surprise pregnancy can be quite the deterrent against it. So always practise safe sex or use birth control if you’re not ready for the big responsibility of parenthood. And if you have the willpower for it, then feel free to try being abstinent. 

Whatever your choice may be, make sure to talk about it with a good gynaecologist in Singapore. Their help could be what you need to have a healthier mindset and have more control over your sexual health.