Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBGYN)

Obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) are two medical subspecialties under one branch of medicine. Both an obstetrician and a gynaecologist play a vital role in the overall healthcare of women.

Obstetrics refers to the specialty that involves care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery. An obstetrician provides medical care for mother and foetus’ health during antenatal (pregnancy), intrapartum (childbirth or delivery), and postpartum (six weeks after birth) periods.

Gynaecology refers to the specialty that treats medical conditions that affect the female reproductive system - cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. A gynaecologist’s focus is on the non-pregnancy aspects of a woman’s reproductive health.

What to expect from Pantai Hospitals Maternity Services?

The journey of pregnancy and childbirth is an exciting and life-changing experience. At Pantai Hospitals, we understand just how special this time is for both mother and baby. We place emphasis on patient care as well as ensuring mothers-to-be get optimal care during their pregnancy and memorable birthing experiences.

Maternity Services at Pantai Hospitals offer a full range of care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal period with the highest standards of safety and quality; personalised, support services for all pregnancies, with an ideal combination of medical expertise and advanced technology.

Antenatal (Prenatal) classes

Attend our antenatal (parentcraft) classes to give you confidence and guidance as you embark on your parenthood journey, as well as vital information such as:

Identifying the signs of labour.
Understanding the labour and delivery process.
Learning about relaxation and breathing techniques.
Learning about the basics of infant care.
Making preparation for breastfeeding.
Understanding the importance of prenatal and postnatal fitness.

Labour & Birth

An expert team of highly skilled and experienced midwives and consultant obstetricians are supported by a wider team of healthcare professionals including anaesthetists and nurses to provide a safe and comfortable environment for labour and birth.

Our delivery suites are equipped with the latest technology for safe normal (vaginal) delivery, delivery through Caesarean section, and post-delivery care.

Mothers who are planning to have an epidural anaesthesia during labour can receive professional opinion and advice from the team of obstetricians.

All newborns are given neonatal screenings by a consultant neonatologists and paediatricians. Newborn care is inclusive of:

Routine blood screening for G6PD, TSH, blood grouping, and Rhesus factor
Immunisation for BCG, first dose of Hepatitis B, and Vitamin K

Postnatal (Postpartum)

We provide optimal care for mothers and their precious newborn by the team of healthcare professionals including caring nurses and breastfeeding experts.

Taking care of yourself after giving birth during the postpartum period is important for long-term women’s health and overall well-being. Read our guide to help you understand what to expect after delivery and how to look after yourself during this time.

When to visit an OBGYN specialist if you are pregnant?

Pregnancy is a unique, wonderful time. If you know you are pregnant via a home pregnancy test and wondering when you should head to the doctor; the answer is to make an appointment with an Ob/Gyn as soon as you can.

Find out more about the early signs of pregnancy that you may experience.

It is important to have your first prenatal check-up within 8 weeks of your last period. This is so even if you have had a smooth pregnancy before. Every pregnancy is different and thus, it is critical that you have the best prenatal care.

Follow the schedule given by your Ob/Gyn for the next appointment so that you can detect any abnormalities or emergencies. There can be a lot of appointments, planning, and milestones to keep track of. We will help you through every step of the process.

A normal, full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, and can range from 37-42 weeks. Each trimester comes with its own specific hormonal and physiological changes.

What are the types of prenatal screenings and tests for mothers?

Being aware of the ways that your growing baby is affecting your body will help you to better prepare yourself for those changes as they happen. It is also helpful to be aware of the specific risk factor and associated medical tests for each of the three trimesters.

First trimester (Week 1 - 12)

A full physical examination such as pelvic exams and pap smears
Blood tests to determine:
- Blood type and Rh factor
- Anaemia (low haemoglobin)
- Hepatitis B, Syphilis, HIV
- Immunity to German measles (Rubella) and chickenpox
Calculation of your expected delivery date (EDD)
Systemic examination

Find out what to expect in the first trimester of your pregnancy journey.

Second trimester (Week 13 - 27)

Glucose screening test: This test checks for gestational diabetes, a temporary condition which can develop during pregnancy.

Find out what to expect in the second trimester of your pregnancy journey.

Third trimester (Week 28 - 40)

group-B Streptococcus screening: group-B Streptococcus is an infection that a mother can pass to her baby during birth. This test checks fluid from the cervix.
Non-stress test: This is a weekly test done on women who are in the category of high-risk pregnancy such as those carrying multiples or those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Ultrasound: Ultrasounds are used to check growth and presentation of the baby among other things. It can be combined with a non-stress test to allow your gynae to check the baby’s movements, breathing, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid amount. If you are having multiples, you will have ultrasounds more often.
Biophysical profile: This test is done for women with chronic health conditions or overdue babies. Women with pregnancy complications such as decreased amniotic fluid, decreased foetal movement or placental irregularities may be advised to undergo this test.

Find out what to expect in the third trimester of your pregnancy journey.

What are the types of screenings for foetus?

First trimester (Week 1 - 12)

Ultrasound for foetal nuchal translucency (NT)

This test measures the area at the back of the foetus’ neck for thickening or extra fluid. Area that is thicker than normal may indicate Down syndrome, heart problems or trisomy 18. However, this is not a routine test, and it is usually conducted by a maternal-foetal medicine specialist.

Second trimester (Week 13 - 27)

Second trimester detailed scan

This routine scan is performed within week 20 – 24 of the second trimester. Also known as foetal anomaly scan, it is primarily conducted to assess the foetus’ anatomy and detect structural abnormalities of the foetus.

Third trimester (Week 28 - 40)

The third trimester is an exciting time - your baby is almost here! Your doctor might check your baby’s presentation to ensure that it is head-first before labour.

If your baby is breech (feet-first or rump-first), your doctor may physically manipulate your baby to the correct position by applying pressure on your abdomen. This is usually performed with ultrasound guidance. A caesarean section delivery is another option for breech babies.

What are the potential complications during pregnancy?

Complicated pregnancy-related conditions include:

Ectopic pregnancy, which refers to a foetus growing outside of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies develop in the fallopian tubes, which is referred to as a tubal pregnancy.

Preeclampsia, a medical condition that occurs because of hypertension or worsening of pre-existing hypertension during pregnancy that may lead to life-threatening multiple organ system damage.

Foetal distress, or non-reassuring foetal status, is a medical term used to describe situations in pregnancy or labour where concerns arise about the baby's oxygen supply and overall well-being.

Placental issues, refers to a range of conditions and complications related to the placenta, which is a vital organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing foetus (e.g. placenta previa).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who and when should visit an obstetrician?

Women with or without underlying medical conditions who wish to be pregnant.
Women in their early pregnancy should have their pregnancy confirmed and exclude complications such as ectopic or molar pregnancy.
Women presenting with symptoms of miscarriage.
Pregnant women who are vomiting or bleeding excessively.
Pregnant women who require antenatal care or in labour.
Mothers having postpartum issues related to pregnancy or childbirth.

What to do if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

If your pregnancy is considered high risk , your doctor may refer you to a maternal-foetal medicine specialist, who is an obstetrician with special training in high-risk pregnancy care.

When should I stop taking birth control if I want to get pregnant?

You can stop taking birth control when you are ready to get pregnant. However, the time it takes to conceive may vary from person to person. Speak to your doctor for guidance.

Fertility

Our Obstetricians & Gynaecologists