Pregnancy Scans and Tests in Singapore: 2026 Guide and Costs

In Singapore, a typical pregnancy includes a dating scan in the first trimester, optional screening for chromosomal conditions (OSCAR or NIPT) at around weeks 10 to 13, a detailed anomaly scan at around 20 weeks, a glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks, and often a Group B Streptococcus swab at about 35 to 37 weeks.

Below is what each test involves, why it is done, and what it typically costs. Prices vary a lot between subsidised public care and private clinics, so treat the figures as rough ranges and ask your clinic for a current quote.

Your scan and test timeline at a glance

When	Test	Purpose	Typical cost (varies)
Weeks 6–10	Dating scan	Confirms heartbeat, number of babies, due date	Often bundled with consultation; private scans roughly S$100–S$250
Weeks 6–12	Booking blood and urine tests	Blood group, anaemia, infections, thalassaemia screen	Roughly S$100–S$400 depending on panel and setting
Weeks 11–13+6	OSCAR (NT scan + blood test)	Screening for Down syndrome and other trisomies	About S$240 subsidised to S$300–S$400 private
From week 10	NIPT	More accurate screening for common trisomies	About S$700 subsidised to S$1,200–S$2,500 private
Weeks 18–22	Detailed anomaly scan	Checks baby’s anatomy and growth	Roughly S$150–S$400
Weeks 24–28	OGTT	Screens for gestational diabetes	Often under S$100; may be in a package
Weeks 35–37	GBS swab	Checks for Group B Streptococcus	Roughly S$50–S$100

You can use MediSave for pre-delivery scans and tests under the MediSave Maternity Package (up to S$900 in total for pre-delivery expenses, at the time of writing). Our guide to the cost of giving birth in Singapore covers how this fits into your overall budget.

First trimester: dating scan and booking tests

Dating scan

Usually done at your first gynae visit between weeks 6 and 10, this scan checks that the pregnancy is in the womb, confirms the heartbeat, shows whether you are carrying one baby or more, and measures the baby to set your estimated due date. Very early on, the scan may be transvaginal because the baby is too small to see clearly through the tummy.

Booking blood and urine tests

These typically include your blood group and Rhesus status, a full blood count (to check for anaemia and screen for thalassaemia traits, which are relatively common in Singapore), and screening for infections such as hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis and rubella immunity. A urine test checks for infection, protein and sugar. Our first trimester guide explains what else happens at this stage.

OSCAR vs NIPT: screening for chromosomal conditions

Both tests are optional screening tests. They estimate the chance of conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). They do not give a definite diagnosis.

OSCAR

OSCAR stands for One-Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk. It combines a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound, which measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck, with a blood test and your age to give a risk figure. It is done between weeks 11 and 13+6. A bonus is the early look at the baby’s development.

NIPT

Non-invasive prenatal testing analyses fragments of the baby’s DNA circulating in your blood. It can be done from around week 10 and has a higher detection rate and fewer false positives for the common trisomies than OSCAR. It usually costs more. Some parents choose NIPT alone; others do OSCAR plus NIPT to get the scan information as well.

Second trimester: the detailed anomaly scan

Done at around weeks 18 to 22 (often called the 20-week scan), this is a thorough ultrasound of the baby’s brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys, limbs, and the position of the placenta. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. It can pick up many structural differences, but no scan can detect everything.

If the placenta is lying low, you will usually have a follow-up scan in the third trimester to check whether it has moved up. If you want to know the baby’s sex, this is often when it becomes clear, although many parents already know from NIPT.

Gestational diabetes screening (OGTT)

Singapore’s obstetric guidelines recommend universal screening for gestational diabetes (GDM) with a 75g oral glucose tolerance test between weeks 24 and 28, because GDM is common among Asian women. You fast overnight, have a blood test, drink a sweet glucose drink, then have more blood tests at one and two hours.

Bring a book and something to eat afterwards, and plan to stay seated in the clinic for the whole test. If you are diagnosed with GDM, you will be referred for dietitian advice, glucose monitoring and sometimes medication. HealthHub has a clear explainer on gestational diabetes. Our pregnancy nutrition guide also has tips for balanced hawker meals.

Third trimester: growth scans and the GBS swab

Growth scans

Many private gynaes scan at almost every visit, while subsidised care may scan only when needed. Extra growth scans are offered if the baby seems small or large, if you have GDM or high blood pressure, or if you are expecting twins.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab

GBS is a common bacterium that lives harmlessly in many women’s vagina or rectum, but it can rarely cause serious infection in a newborn. A simple swab at around weeks 35 to 37 checks for it. If you test positive, you will be offered antibiotics through a drip during labour, which greatly reduces the risk to your baby.

Other checks

Your blood pressure and urine are checked at routine visits to screen for pre-eclampsia. You may also have a repeat blood count to check for anaemia before delivery. Routine visits are also when your doctor can arrange the vaccines recommended in pregnancy, such as Tdap and flu.

Questions to ask at each appointment

Is this test routine or optional, and what will the result change?
How much will it cost, and can I use MediSave?
When and how will I get the results?
If the result is abnormal, what are the next steps?
Is it included in my antenatal package?

Key takeaways

Expect a dating scan, optional OSCAR or NIPT, a 20-week anomaly scan, an OGTT and a GBS swab.
Screening tests give a chance, not a diagnosis. Diagnostic tests follow only if you choose.
Subsidised care at public hospitals costs much less. MediSave can cover up to S$900 of pre-delivery costs.
Always confirm current prices with your clinic, as they change.

For more on each stage, browse our trimester guides, or read up on everyday changes such as stretch marks as your bump grows.

Should I do OSCAR or NIPT in Singapore?

NIPT has a higher detection rate and fewer false positives, but costs more. OSCAR includes a useful early scan. Some parents do both. Discuss your age, history and budget with your doctor.

Can I use MediSave for pregnancy scans?

Yes. Under the MediSave Maternity Package, you can currently use up to S$900 for pre-delivery expenses such as consultations, scans and tests at approved clinics and hospitals.

Is the OGTT compulsory?

It is recommended for all pregnant women in Singapore, but you can discuss it with your doctor. Untreated gestational diabetes can affect both you and your baby, so screening is strongly advised.

What happens if I am GBS positive?

You will be given antibiotics through a drip during labour. Tell the delivery ward about your result when you arrive, and let them know promptly if your waters break.