Heave‑Ho! Sheila Sim Is Expecting a Little One—And It’s Not Just a Twitter Tweet
It’s not about the endless stream of “sourdough” or “vegan” cooking videos that popped up during the lockdown. This time, the star in the kitchen is everyone’s favorite local actress, Sheila Sim, who’s got a fresh bite in the oven—literally.
When the Message Finally Came Out
On April 27, the 35‑year‑old married to banker Deon Woo dropped a low‑key announcement on Instagram that she’s pregnant. The post reads, “We’ve been hiding a secret… After two beautiful years of marriage with my confidante, best friend, soulmate, and partner in crime, our hearts are bursting with love and joy to share that our family is growing!”
The Road to the Baby Boom
Sheila opened up to CNA Lifestyle about the hurdles she and her husband faced while trying to conceive. A diagnosis revealed she had several fibroids in her womb, causing complications. She and her team had surgery in September to get rid of them, and the idea that there was a medical reason had been a source of uncertainty.
“Before we went to the doctor, we didn’t know that this was why we weren’t getting pregnant. I’m always positive and I believe everything happens in God’s time, but at some point I told my husband, ‘If we really can’t conceive naturally, then so be it,’” she explained.
Graceful Advice from a TV Friend
Within five months of surgery, Sheila found out she was pregnant—thanks in part to an older TV presenter named Diana Ser, who gave her some solid advice. Sheila said, “I was 34 and she said, ‘If you’re going to be trying, get the checks done and ask all the questions first.’ So, that’s what I did. I’m thankful for angels and their pro tips. The women’s community is so strong, powerful, and essential… It’s vital to know your choices and stay happy.”
The Surprise Delivery
Sheila kept the news a secret until their second wedding anniversary in 2018. For a sweet twist, she handed her husband a card (as they do for every special occasion) that included a pregnancy test kit. “He was in shock for about five minutes. He couldn’t really talk. He was very, very happy,” she laughed. “I think he’s always wanted a baby more than I did, because his twin brother was already a dad by the time we got married.”
Staying Safe Amid the Virus
A new “add‑on” to the pregnancy experience: Sheila’s got an extra dose of worry about COVID‑19. “Initially, I felt a bit anxious—what if I get the virus? I know how to handle it, but I don’t know what will happen to the baby inside me,” she admitted. She’s been scrubbing, sanitizing, and masking up like a pro.
One Strangely Remarkable Side‑Effect
Unlike many expecting mothers, Sheila hasn’t had the usual drive‑to‑cravings or morning sickness—she’s just gone through a handful of headaches and insomnia. “He was expecting that I’d have to go to a midnight drive for something I specifically wanted, but none of that happened,” she joked.
Friends in the Mix
She’s been fortunate to have friends who’ve been through pregnancy before, passing on their wisdom. “I really don’t know what I’d do without all this advice. Within my group, the one who got pregnant first had to get all the information from Facebook forums. I feel so lucky because I don’t have to do that—everything was given to me.”
When is the Little One Arriving?
Sheila’s due in late September or early October. She says she won’t take on new acting commitments right now except finishing the second season of her local dialect drama Ho Seh Bo (Hokkien for “How Are You?”).
So, keep an eye out for the little bundle of joy that’s on its way, and maybe a few more digital candles for the celebratory Instagram cakes—they’ll be coming soon!
