The first step towards a healthy pregnancy involves pre-pregnancy screening & risk assessment.

During screening, a detailed history of the woman’s health and family history will be obtained. Pelvic examination, blood tests, Pap smear and ultrasound of the pelvis will be performed. Finally a risk assessment will be made.

Expectant ladies should consult an obstetrician at around 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. During the first consultation at our Centre, estimation of the date of delivery & risk assessment of the pregnancy are done. Subsequent visits will be scheduled at monthly intervals till around 32 weeks of pregnancy, followed by 1-3 weekly visits till delivery for low risk pregnancies.

Overview and mode of delivery will be discussed at about 32 weeks of pregnancy. Comprehensive antenatal maternal & fetal health assessments are available at our Centre via blood tests, ultrasonography (including Down Syndrome screening) and cardiotocography. These tests are tailored to suit the needs of the patient.

Antenatal package is available at our Centre for expectant mothers from 20 weeks of pregnancy. Please approach our counter staff to find out more about our antenatal package.

Pregnant ladies will be advised to come to the hospital for delivery if they experience

• uterine contractions (labour pains) regularly every 5-6 minutes      or
• water/fluid leaking (this may be due to the water bag bursting)     or
• bleeding per vaginum

Pain relief for labour is available in the form of ‘laughing gas’ (Entonox) inhalation, intramuscular pethidine injection at the thigh or epidural injection into the spine.

Whilst we endeavour to achieve vaginal deliveries, 20-30% of deliveries will eventually be Caesarean Sections for the safety of both the mother & the baby.

For vaginal deliveries, a postnatal visit will be scheduled at 1-2 weeks and 4-8 weeks after discharge from the hospital. During these consultations, recovery of the vagina will be assessed, Pap smear may be done & family planning will be discussed.

Vaginal laxity is common after vaginal delivery. Hence, Kegel’s pelvic floor exercise is instructed for toning of the vaginal tissues. Postpartum vaginal tightening by laser therapy is available ONLY at our affiliate clinic at LC Lee Urogynae Centre at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialists Centre. (click here to book appointment for NeoVaginal laser therapy at LC Lee Urogynae Centre)

For Caesarean sections, the first postnatal visit is scheduled at 1-2 weeks after discharge from the hospital for wound inspection and removal of stitches in some patients. A second postnatal visit is scheduled 4-8 weeks later. Assessment will be done for the healing of the wound and uterus. Pap smear may be done and family planning will be discussed.

Patients are advised to call the Centre and schedule an early appointment if they experience sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding per vaginum or pain/difficulty with urination. These symptoms are signs of infection and need to be treated urgently.