Highlights of “Pregnancy, Labour and Me” Seminar May 2019
May 2019
Pregnancy
On 25 May, Dr Watt from The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre was invited to speak at the “Pregnancy, Labour and Me” seminar organised by Cordlife.
Dr Watt shared with over 50 couples about the pros and cons of having a natural delivery vs a Caesarian-section. For ladies who missed the session, here are some key highlights of her talk:
Vaginal Delivery
This is the most common way to deliver a baby if there are no complications in the pregnancy.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Natural delivery so ladies might find the process more satisfying
- Less pain post-delivery
- Faster recovery therefore shorter stay in the hospital
- Safer for mothers as this avoids the risks of major surgery
- Breastfeeding can begin earlier
- Less risk of breathing problems for the baby
- Better immune system and lower risks of allergies for the baby
|
- Labour may occur at any time and the duration of labour varies
- Fetal distress
- Possibility of requiring an assisted delivery or even a C-section
- Labour pain but there are pain relief options available
- Trauma to the tissues around the birth canal such as tears to the vagina, rectum/anal canal, urinary tract
- Damage to the pelvic floor muscles
- Risk of heavy bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage)
- Retained placenta/placenta tissue and risk of prolapse
- Infection in the uterus if prolonged labour
- Urinary and bowel incontinence
|
Assisted Vaginal Delivery
This is only performed when there is a need to deliver the baby quickly or when the mother is exhausted from prolonged labour. To attempt an assisted delivery, the following criteria must be met- the cervix must be fully dilated, the baby’s head must be low enough and the mother must still be able to push. It is important to note that assisted delivery does not mean forcefully pulling out the baby!
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Baby can be delivered more rapidly than a C-section which is important in cases of fetal distress
- Avoids the risks of major surgery
|
- Forceps marks, chignon (“cone head”), bruising, abrasions
- Higher risks of trauma to the birth canal and pelvic floor
- Risk of fetal injury, but serious injuries are uncommon
|
Caesarian-section
Commonly referred to as “C-section”, it is a major surgery done to deliver the baby through incisions made in a mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is generally performed if the mother specifically requests for one or if the doctor feels there is a risk with the other methods of delivery.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Can plan delivery time/date so there will be less disruption
- Less damage to pelvic floor
- Lower risk of urinary/bowel incontinence
- Lower risk of prolapse
- Lower risk of fetal distress
- Lower risk of birth trauma
|
- Longer recovery and therefore longer hospital stay
- More expensive
- Higher risk for mother since C-section is a major surgery
- Risk of wound infection and blood clots – potentially life-threatening if blood clot moves
- Risk of placenta problems increases with each subsequent C-section
- Respiratory distress due to “lung immaturity”
- Higher risk of asthma/allergies for the baby
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In uncomplicated pregnancies, your doctor will always recommend a vaginal delivery. If you prefer a C-section, the doctor will respect your choice. It is important to note that there will be certain circumstances where vaginal delivery is not recommended as it may be associated with greater risks compared to a C-section.
About Author
Dr Watt Wing Fong has a strong passion for the care of pregnant patients, and is experienced in the management of medical disorders in pregnancy and peripartum care. Her love for obstetrics stretches into her previous involvement in the development of guidelines and protocols for labour wards, as well as the training of labour ward nurses. She also shares her knowledge about pregnancy care to the general public through talks, forums and media engagements.
Dr Watt’s Place of Practice
