Dr Ong Xiaohui

Normal and High-Risk Pregnancy Management

Pregnancy care, routine or complex

Dr Ong provides professional advice and obstetric care from straightforward pregnancies to those deemed more complicated and need closer monitoring. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you have an existing medical condition, she will guide you through each stage of your pregnancy, thoughtfully, addressing your concerns.

She is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist whose clinic practice is based in Thomson Medical Centre, but delivers babies in Thomson Medical Centre, Mount Alvernia and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospitals. You will be in safe experienced hands - she previously trained and worked in KK Women's and Children's Hospital for nearly a decade, prior to starting her private practice 10 years ago in Thomson Medical Centre (as of 2026).

Preconception planning

Planning ahead makes a difference. Before you start trying to conceive, Dr Ong encourages couples to come forward, to discuss your:

  • Existing medical conditions and medications
  • Folic acid and supplement guidance
  • General health and lifestyle factors
  • Fertility considerations where relevant

Prenatal (antenatal) care

This involves regular check-ups throughout your pregnancy to monitor your health and your baby's development:

  • Routine blood tests and urine checks
  • Blood pressure, weight, and fetal heartbeat monitoring
  • Trimester-appropriate ultrasound scans
  • Fetal well-being and growth assessments
  • Antenatal packages for low risk, normal pregnancies

Prenatal screening and tests

Dr Ong offers a full range of prenatal screening to identify potential issues early:

First Trimester Screening (11–14 weeks)

  • Nuchal translucency (NT) scan
  • Blood tests (PAPP-A and free beta-hCG)
  • Combined risk assessment for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)

NIPT: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (from 10 weeks)

  • Over 99% accurate for detecting Down syndrome
  • Also screens for Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, and sex chromosome conditions
  • Safe, with no miscarriage risk

Second Trimester Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks)

  • Detailed assessment of brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and other organs
  • Measurement of growth parameters
  • Placenta location check and amniotic fluid assessment

Gestational Diabetes Screening (24–28 weeks)

  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
  • Affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnancies in Singapore under current diagnostic criteria

Third Trimester Assessments

  • Growth scans to monitor the baby's size and well-being
  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening (35–37 weeks)
  • Fetal position and delivery planning

Screening assesses risk and is not diagnostic. If a screening test shows increased risk, Dr Ong will discuss further diagnostic options such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

High-risk pregnancy management

A pregnancy may be considered higher risk because of the mother's health, the pregnancy itself, or the baby. Dr Ong has experience managing:

  • Advanced maternal age pregnancies
  • Multiple pregnancies (twins)
  • Pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Placenta-related complications (including low-lying placenta and placenta praevia)
  • Previous Caesarean section pregnancies and VBAC (trial of vaginal birth after C-section) assessment
  • Pregnancy with pre-existing conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or autoimmune disease
  • Recurrent miscarriage or previous pregnancy loss

High-risk pregnancies usually mean more frequent visits and additional scans or tests. Dr Ong will explain what each step is for and what the results mean, so that her patients will feel well-supported.

Delivery

Dr Ong is fully accredited in all Singapore hospitals with delivery suite facilities. She mainly delivers at Thomson Medical Centre, Mount Alvernia and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospitals. By 32-36 weeks of gestation, there will be a thorough individualised discussion with the patient regarding the safest mode of delivery and pain relief options, including:

  • Natural vaginal delivery
  • Assisted delivery (vacuum, forceps) when needed
  • Planned and emergency Caesarean section
  • Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) where appropriate
  • Options of epidural/ spinal analgesia, nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') and other pain relief measures

Postnatal care

After delivery, Dr Ong continues to look after you with:

  • Post-delivery check-ups for you and mental well-being
  • Wound care (for Caesarean deliveries)
  • Breastfeeding support guidance
  • Postnatal recovery - short term and long term, pelvic floor exercises
  • Contraception discussion

What to expect with Dr Ong

  • Same doctor, every visit. Dr Ong will personally see you at every appointment and be the one who delivers your baby. In the unforeseeable event she is unavailable, she will ensure reliable coverage by another specialist.
  • No pressure on birth choices. Whether you prefer natural delivery or have questions about Caesarean, Dr Ong will advise you on the safe options and support your decision.
  • Reachable between visits. Message the clinic on WhatsApp during clinic hours; after-hours messages are attended to by the next working day.
  • Clear on costs. The clinic provides transparent fee estimates upfront, with Medisave and insurance guidance.

Medisave for pregnancy

Medisave can be used for prenatal care and delivery. Both your own and your spouse's Medisave accounts may apply. Speak to our clinic for current withdrawal limits and coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Most women have their first obstetric visit between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. By this stage, an early ultrasound can usually confirm the pregnancy is in the right place, check the heartbeat, and date the pregnancy. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or a history of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, contact the clinic earlier.
Yes. Dr Ong sees her own patients at every prenatal visit and is the doctor who delivers. In the rare event she is unavailable on the day of delivery, she arranges reliable cover with a fellow specialist and informs you in advance where possible.
Dr Ong delivers at Thomson Medical Centre, Mount Alvernia Hospital, and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. The choice of hospital usually depends on your preference, your insurance arrangements, and any specific clinical needs. She will discuss the options with you.
A pregnancy may be considered higher risk because of maternal factors (such as age, pre-existing medical conditions, or previous pregnancy complications), the pregnancy itself (twins, placenta-related issues, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia), or factors related to the baby. Higher-risk pregnancies usually mean more frequent visits, additional scans, and closer monitoring. Dr Ong will explain what each step is for and what the results mean.
Standard options include first-trimester combined screening (NT scan with PAPP-A and free beta-hCG), NIPT from 10 weeks, the second-trimester anomaly scan at 18 to 22 weeks, and gestational diabetes screening at 24 to 28 weeks. Which combination is most appropriate depends on your age, history, and preferences. Dr Ong will go through the choices so you can decide what is right for you.
Yes. Medisave can be used for prenatal consultations, delivery, and certain pregnancy-related procedures, and both your own and your spouse's Medisave accounts may apply. Withdrawal limits and coverage rules are set by the CPF Board and the hospital. The clinic can provide current figures and help with the paperwork.
Where it is safe to do so, yes. Dr Ong discusses the safe options for your individual situation, including planned vaginal delivery, planned Caesarean, and vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) where appropriate. Pain relief options such as epidural and nitrous oxide are discussed in advance so you have a plan you are comfortable with.
It is usually possible to transfer care at any stage, including in the third trimester, although earlier is easier. Bring along your previous scans, blood results, and any clinical letters. Dr Ong will review what has been done so far and outline the remaining schedule of visits and tests.
You can WhatsApp the clinic on +65 8121 1871 during clinic hours. Non-urgent messages received outside clinic hours are attended to by the next working day. For symptoms that may need urgent assessment (such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movements, or signs of labour), please go directly to the hospital where you plan to deliver.

Ready to See a Specialist?

If you have a gynaecological concern or are looking for an obstetrician, we would welcome the chance to help. Book a consultation to get started.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed