HAVING YOUR BABY AT CSM

Welcome to Century Specialist Maternity.

We are honoured that you have chosen to deliver your baby here. We are glad to look after you and we will do our best to ensure that you have a safe and happy pregnancy. Century Specialist Maternity is a hospital of 22 beds, with Obstetricians in attendance, together with a Paediatrician and Anaesthetists.

Antenatal Clinic

The aim of the Antenatal Clinic is to monitor the progress of your pregnancy to ensure a healthy mother and baby. Regular attendance is necessary to allow early detection of any complication.

At the first Antenatal visit, a full medical history will be taken. Your weight, blood pressure will be measured and urine checked. The last 3 measurements will be repeated at each subsequent visit.

The Doctor will perform a complete physical examination. It is necessary to examine th breasts for any lump and to check that the nipples are suitable for breast-feeding.

A vaginal examination may be performed to access the size of the uterus. Occasionally, a second vginal examination may be necessary towards the end of your pregnancy.

Ultrasound scanning is commonly used nowadays to monitor the growth of the baby. A little blood is also taken to check for blood group, anaemia, Down Syndrome Screening ect. Subsequent Antenatal visits will not require such detailed examinations.

Antenatal Classes

These are regularly organised to tell you about pregnancy, labour and care of the newborn baby. The aim of the class is to help participants to have a meaningful, satisfying and healthy pregnancy and to prepare for parenthood. Husbands are encouraged to attend the classes as well. Further information can be obtained at the nurse's counter in the clinic.

Stem Cell Collection

You may wish to have your baby's umbilical cord blood collected for stem cells. Further information can be obtained at the nurse's counter in the clinic.

In Labour- When To Come Into Hospital

Labour is the time when the womb expels the baby by regular contractions. It may start in 3 ways:

(a) A 'show' of mucus and a little blood from the vagina.

(b) Regular painful contractions every 5-15 minutes.

(c) Clear fluid draining from the vagina, meaning that the bag of water around the baby

has burst.

You should come into hospital as soon as any of the last 2 things occur.

What to Bring With You

Personal toiletries eg. toothbrush, tooth-paste, face towel, soap, shampoo will be prepared by the hospital therefore you need not bring these in. Bring some clothes for changing eg sarong, nightgown . Baby's clothes bath towels and disposable nappies.

Husband in the Labour Room

We welcome your husband to stay with you during labour and delivery.

After The Birth Of Your Baby

The baby will be looked after at the Nursery or by your bedside depending on your choice. The Paediatrician will check your baby daily. Vitamin K injection, BCG & Hepatis B vaccine will be given before discharge. Blood tests such as G6PD, Blood Group and Thyroid Function Assay will be routinely done. Breast feeding is strongly recommended and the ward staff will gladly teach you.

Food

Special 'confinement food' will be provided by the hospital for you. And special meal such as vegetarian food will be provided upon request.

Visitors

Visiting time is flexible but to provide sufficient time for patients to rest and to allow nursing staff to do their work, suitable visiting hours are from 10am - 2 pm and 5 pm - 9pm

Postnatal Visit

The aim of the Postnatal Clinic is to ensure that you are in good health after your pregnancy. A vaginal examination is done and a Pap (Cervix) smear taken for cancer screening. Hepatitis B vaccination will be encouraged if necessary. Family planning will also be discussed. Your baby will be checked by the Paediatrician at the same visit.

For the Future

We will be happy to look after you again should you want another pregnancy. We welcome your comments and suggestions to further improove our service.