Obstetric Services
Overview
The aim of obstetric services is to offer comprehensive pregnancy care from the onset of the pregnancy up until a year after childbirth. We provide ongoing support, professional guidance and medical care throughout this momentous experience.
Types of Obstetric Services We Offer:
Prenatal Care and Screenings
By attending routine medical check-ups and screenings, you are taking control of your and your baby's health from the time of conception up until the delivery and thereafter. Prenatal care, which includes counselling and education, empowers you with knowledge about what to expect during pregnancy and how to ensure a healthy delivery.
During pregnancy, ultrasounds and genetic testing play a crucial role in preparing for the future. Ultrasounds, which use high-powered sound waves to capture detailed images of the baby, and genetic testing, a reliable test that provides information about potential genetic abnormalities, allow you to plan ahead and prevent future complications.
High-Risk Pregnancy Management
A high-risk pregnancy is a type of dilemma which places you and your baby’s health at risk. However, you are not alone in this journey. Your obstetrician, a dedicated professional, is there to closely monitor the pregnancy, ensuring no complications arise at the time of delivery. Their expertise and care will guide you through this challenging time.
Gestational diabetes, a significant risk factor that leads to a rise in blood sugar levels, occurs in women during pregnancy and can have profound implications for both the mother and her baby’s health. Regular blood sugar testing is crucial for managing this condition and preventing complications.
Labour and Delivery
Labour and delivery are specifically chosen at the time before the due date. It allows sufficient time to decide on the most appropriate delivery method, such as the natural process of standard vaginal delivery. This involves delivering the baby vaginally or assisted vaginal delivery with the use of forceps or a specialised vacuum. Another alternative delivery method is Caesarean (C-section), a procedure that involves the delivery of the baby through an incision over the abdomen. Usually, a Caesarean section is done in an emergency setting when a vaginal birth isn’t feasible.
Postpartum Care
Postpartum care, which consists of routine check-ups, screenings and consultations, encompasses professional guidance, advice and care after the birth of your baby. Your obstetrician is there to assist when you are left with the aftereffects from pregnancy and delivery, such as vaginal soreness, vaginal discharge which consists of a mixture of tissue, mucus and blood, painful contractions, uncontrollable urine leakage, haemorrhoids, unusual bowel movements, sore breasts, changes to the skin, hair loss and changes to your mood.
Antenatal Classes and Education
Antenatal classes are informative courses designed to prepare parents for the arrival and aftercare of the baby. With antenatal classes, we cover a broad range of topics and address concerns related to breastfeeding, pain management and postpartum care. The topics and issues raised during these classes are meant to empower mothers, providing them with the support and knowledge they need to feel capable and confident in raising their children and taking care of themselves.
As a result, mothers are equipped to make informed choices about their birthing preferences and newborn care, fostering a sense of confidence and control.
Foetal Monitoring and Ultrasounds
A foetal ultrasound, a powerful tool, creates precise images of the developing foetus. This enables the obstetrician to monitor the growth, overall health, and development of the foetus. It's used to confirm the pregnancy, evaluate foetal growth, determine gestational age, identify possible birth abnormalities, and regularly check amniotic fluid levels.
Ultrasounds, a generally safe procedure, provide vital information about the progress of the pregnancy and the health and development of the baby. This safety aspect should provide reassurance and confidence in the procedure.
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) Support
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) is a powerful option that allows you to deliver your baby vaginally after a Caesarean section. As a woman who has had a Caesarean section before, you may be considering your birth options for the next time. It's essential to recognise that you have the option to choose VBAC, a possibility that was previously unavailable.
Studies indicate that vaginal birth after caesarean section is not only possible, but also safe, with a promising success rate of sixty to eighty per cent. The decision to undergo VBAC depends on several factors, such as the type of incision made during the caesarean section, the number of caesarean sections undergone, your health history, underlying medical conditions and foetal position.
Genetic Counselling and Testing
Genetic counselling, a proactive form of prenatal screening, empowers you to detect genetic abnormalities at an early stage, such as spina bifida and Down syndrome, during pregnancy. This early detection allows for planning and management beforehand, putting you in control of your pregnancy journey.
An abnormal result from a genetic screening test is a signal that the foetus may be at an increased risk of a genetic disorder. This underscores the importance of the test and the potential need for further diagnostic screening, as it allows for early intervention and management of any potential health issues.