For mom​

Have you thought about your birth plan?

If you haven’t decided on your birth plan, you can start thinking about it now, at week 37.

Vaginal births are usually encouraged. Caesarean sections (C-sections) are only done for medical reasons as assessed by your obstetrician. An elective caesarean section is one that is planned. Sometimes, when natural deliveries are complicated, an emergency caesarean may be necessary.

Here is a short table comparing both delivery methods in the event you may need either one.

​ ​Elective C-section ​Natural vaginal birth
​Advantages
  1. ​At your own time, planned
  2. Elective C-section avoids the labour process, faster
  1. ​Subsequent natural vaginal delivery will be easier
  2. "Better bonding" with the child
​Disadvantages  
  1. ​Higher incidence of pelvic pain, adhesions, infertility and painful intercourse after the operation
  2. Higher risk of antenatal complications in future pregnancies
  3. More likely to have a repeat c-section in future
  4. Increased baby problems such as lacerations and respiratory problems
  5. Scar
  6. Risk of surgical complications present.
  1. ​Can occur anytime and anywhere without prior warning
  2. Risk of subsequent incontinence and trauma to skin and tissue in the genital area
  3. Long process of labour
  4. Tears or swelling of genitals

​Recovery / Home Plan

  1. ​Catheter and pressure dressings will be applied usually for the first 24 hours
  2. You will require IV antibiotics and subsequently oral antibiotics for a week
  3. No solid food in hospital till wind is passed from the back passage
  4. Longer recovery period and stay in hospital (~3 days in KKH)
  5. Postnatal review in about 4 weeks at KKH
  1. ​Eating and drinking is possible very shortly after delivery
  2. No antibiotics required unless there is a specific need
  3. Faster recovery, shorter hospital stay (1-2 days
  4. Postnatal check-up in 6 weeks at polyclinic or GP

For baby

Here, we talk about the "warning signs" that you will need to train yourself to recognise in your newborn, in the event he/she exhibits any of them. 

Symptoms to look out for in baby and seek medical help

Seek medical attention if your baby displays any of the following:

  1. Cries more than usual
  2. Screams as if in pain
  3. Is unusually quiet or drowsy
  4. Has diarrhoea or vomiting
  5. Has a sunken or bulging soft spot on the top of its head
  6. Breathes much faster than usual
  7. Has difficulty breathing
  8. Has a fever
  9. Has pale, cold and clammy skin

If you’re worried that your baby is behaving strangely, always ask your doctor. A mother's intuition can be spot on. 

Ref: L20

Click the link for the complete listing of articles for Pregnancy Week 1 - Week 40.