DR TAN ENG KIEN

27/02/2025

12/01/2022

What is a birth plan & will I need one?

A birth plan is a written record of what you would like to happen during pregnancy labour and after the birth of your baby. It is a way to tell your healthcare team what you would like to happen and what you want to avoid.

Writing a birth plan gives you the time to think ahead before labour happens. Not all mothers write a birth plan but if you do decide to write one, you might want to discuss with your midwife, doula and doctor so that they can answer your questions about what happens in labour as well as to help you work out what your preferences and priorities are.

Even if you have written a birth plan, it is important for you to stay flexible as sometimes, things may not go according to plan during labour. Keeping flexible and being prepared to do things differently is important to prevent disappointment and to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

To help you create your birth plan, visit our website at www.drtanengloy.com for our very own online birth plan maker.

15/12/2021

Many mothers give birth in a lying-down position. This may have been adopted to make it more convenient for hospital staff to assist in labour and delivery, but may make labour more uncomfortable and difficult.

In some societies, childbirth is conducted in an upright postion (e.g., squatting, through use of a "birthing stool"). It is suggested that an upright position may help with childbirth because the pelvis can expand as the baby moves down. The weight of the womb is also less likely to press on mummy's major blood vessels that supply oxygen to the baby. The effect of gravity also helps the baby to move down the birth passage.

In a Cochrane review published in 2017 by Gupta et al., the authors suggested several benefits for an upright birthing position including a shorter duration of labour, reduction in the rates of episiotomy (a cut made in the va**na to allow the baby to pass through), and reduction in forceps-/vacuum-assisted deliveries.

Adoption of an upright birthing position may not be suitable for every mother. If you are not sure what is best for your childbirth, speak to your doctor to find out more.

10/06/2021

Research shows that going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy halve your risk of stillbirth compared with sleeping on your back. Why should I go to sleep on my side? Lying on your back in the last three months of pregnancy (from 28 weeks) presses on major blood vessels which can reduce....

20/04/2021

09/11/2020

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