Talk about what you read together

- even if Chinese isn’t your first language

By Dudu

C-Section in Singapore
Your 7 Usual Questions Answered
By Dr Pamela Tan

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved
 Talk about what you read together
- even if Chinese isn’t your first language
By Dudu
1. Why is a C-section performed?

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved
For mothers, a C-section is performed
for the following reasons:
A low-lying placenta that covers the cervix
Baby is breech or in a transverse position
The mother has a small pelvis for the baby to pass
through
When there is a very large or a very small baby
The mother is carrying multiples; and if the first baby is
not in a head-down position
The mother cannot physically go through the labor
process (e.g. high risk for a heart attack)
The mother is HIV positive with a high viral load
Genital herpes outbreak
Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved
For newborns, a C-section is needed
for the following reasons:

Fetal distress
Multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Placenta previa (placenta covers the cervix)
Vaginal delivery puts the baby at risk (i.e. mom suffers
from an infectious disease in the reproductive area)

Copyright © 2018
Copyright Commontown
© 2019 Pte.All
Dr Pamela Tan. Ltd. All Rights
Rights Reserved
Reserved
Take note
Even if a C-section is not in your birth plan, an unplanned one may be
needed.  It depends on two things:

How your labor progresses

If conditions arise within labour (i.e. Fetal distress, cord prolapse, abruptio
placentae, scar rupture, failure of labour to progress)

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

Talk about what you read together
- even if Chinese isn’t your first language
By Dudu
2. What can one expect prior to
a C-section?

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved
The protocol for each hospital may
vary, the following are standard
procedures:

Sign a consent form

Anesthesiologist will discuss the type of
anesthetic used
Vital signs taking (BP, heart rate, respiratory
rate, and temp.)
The surgical area will be shaved
A catheter will be inserted to empty the bladder
Pre-operative medications are given

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

3. How long does a C-section take?
Considered a major abdominal surgery, the length will depend
on the current situation or development.

Typically, it will take about 45-55 minutes.

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

Talk about what you read together
- even if Chinese isn’t your first language
By Dudu
4. What should a first-time
mom know about C-sections?

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved
A heads-up for first-time moms:

You should receive a detailed explanation of the

procedure.
A consent form must ALWAYS be signed prior to surgery.
Avoid potential complications by minding your weight
before surgery.
Start fasting 6 hours prior to delivery.
Come to the hospital 3-4 hours before scheduled
operation.
Pre-surgical medications will be given.
Be familiar with the hospital’s protocol on C-sections.

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

5. How is a C-section done?

Once placed under anaesthesia, your vital signs will be

constantly monitored.
An IV line will be started.
If you have not received an epidural, you will get a spinal
block to numb you from chest down to your toes.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the first incision is
created.
Another incision is made on your uterus, through which
the baby is delivered.
Once the baby is out, the midwife will immediately check
the newborn.
Your OB will proceed to remove the placenta.
The incisions are closed.
Copyright © 2018
Copyright Commontown
© 2019 Pte.All
Dr Pamela Tan. Ltd. All Rights
Rights Reserved
Reserved
 Talk about what you read together
- even if Chinese isn’t your first language
By Dudu
6. What is the recovery like?
Length of Recovery Period

Vaginal delivery – an average of 2 weeks

C-Section – as long as 6 weeks

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved
Recovery Period Reminders

Minimize household chores to allow your body to rest.

Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby.
The area around your incision will be tender for the first
few weeks.
You must clean your wound properly.
Observe your wound for any signs of infection.
Immediately report to your doctor any sign of infection.

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

Talk about what you read together
- even if Chinese isn’t your first language
7. Can a woman who has
By Dudu

undergone a C-section delivery

be able to give birth naturally
in her next pregnancy?

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved
Once a caesarean, always a caesarean?
It is not always true that your succeeding deliveries should be done under
C-section if the first was done that way.

VBAC, or Vaginal Birth After C-Section, is now proven to be a safe option for
moms who wish to take the natural route in their next delivery.

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

Should you choose VBAC, please take
note of the following:

Work closely with your OB to ensure that you are an

eligible candidate.
It is important that your OB is on the same page as your
goals.
Research about it.

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved

Remember that your doctor should not
only be experienced, she must also be
your best advocate!

If you want to learn about C-sections or

VBAC deliveries in Singapore, do give us
a call and we would like to discuss these
more in detail with you.

Copyright © 2018 Commontown Pte. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2019 Dr Pamela Tan. All Rights Reserved
 Talk about
Dr. Pamela what youClinic
Tan Medical read together
- even
MBBS (Singapore),
MRCOG (UK),
if Chinese isn’t your first language
By Dudu
FAMS (Singapore)
www.drpamelatan.com

Thomson Suntec City Mall

339 Thomson Road # 03-02 Singapore 307677
Appointment Line: 6254 2878
Fax: 6254 6233
Clinic Email: tlc.tmc@hotmail.sg
Sengkang Island Family Clinic
TLC Gynaecology Practice   enquiries@crawfurdmedical.com
279, Sengkang East Ave, #01-05, Singapore
540279
Appointment Line: 6384 2759
Crawfurd Medical Centre
3, Temasek Boulevard, #02-482, (North Wing
between Tower 1 & 2) Singapore 038983
Appointment Line: 6804 9580
Fax: 6341 9757
Clinic Email:

CopyrightCopyright © 2019 Dr Pamela

© 2018 Commontown Tan.All
Pte. Ltd. AllRights
RightsReserved
Reserved