General
Obstetrics

We provide the necessary care you need while you're pregnant to make sure you and your baby are as well as possible. The goal is to provide regular check-ups that allow us to treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy and to promote healthy lifestyles that benefit both mother and child. We will also discuss your options and choices for your care during pregnancy, labour and birth as well as answer any questions you may have.

For more information, please call or visit the clinic.

Ultrasound scans use sound waves which are considered safe for mother and baby. These scans are commonly used to monitor the growth and well being of the growing baby. Dating scans are usually performed in the first trimester to determine the due date. Down’s syndrome screening scans are usually performed between 11 to 13 weeks and the anomaly screening scan at about 20 weeks.

No one can predict with certainty when labour will begin but it is normal for labour to start as early as three weeks before the due date or as late as one week after it. Some signs of impending labour include:

• Lightening. This occurs when your baby's head drops down into your pelvis in preparation for delivery. Your belly may look lower and you may feel a need to urinate more frequently as the baby’s head is pressing on your bladder. This can occur a few weeks to a few hours from the onset of labour.
• Bloody show. A blood-tinged or brownish discharge from your cervix is the released mucus plug that has sealed off the womb from infection. This can occur days before or at the onset of labour.
• Ruptured membranes. This will result in fluid gushing or leaking from the vagina. This can occur hours before labour starts or during labour.
• Contractions. You may experience frequent contractions at intervals less than 10minutes which could indicate that labour has begun.

Many families store their children’s cord blood either in private blood banks or donate to the Singapore cord blood bank. Cord blood is the blood in your baby's umbilical cord. It contains stem cells that can grow into blood vessels, organs, and tissues. Cord blood is a rich source of haematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells (HSCs). The value of HSCs lies in their unique ability to treat blood cancers, immune deficiencies and even certain genetic disorders. Umbilical cord blood collection has been carried out for over two decades and is only done after the baby has been safely delivered. Once the umbilical cord is clamped, it is wiped with antiseptic and a needle is inserted into the vein in the umbilical cord to withdraw the cord blood into a collection bag.

Following childbirth, both mother and baby will receive a postnatal examination within 24 hours of birth. The postpartum period lasts six to eight weeks, beginning right after the baby is born. During this period, the mother goes through many physical and emotional changes while learning to care for her newborn. Contraception needs will also be addressed during this period.