The best time to go to the hospital for childbirth is when contractions occur every 10 minutes, lasting about 15 to 20 seconds, especially for first-time mothers. For subsequent births, it is advisable to go to the hospital as soon as contractions begin.
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Regular prenatal check-ups are essential. (Photo: Yu4you) |
Obstetrician Jean Claude Tissot from Viet Phap Hospital in Hanoi answers some frequently asked questions by expectant mothers:
– What should I do during prenatal check-ups?
– During the first check-up (3 weeks after a missed period), the expectant mother will undergo an initial ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and mandatory blood tests. The second check-up, approximately one month later, will also include an ultrasound to accurately determine the conception date, confirm fetal development, and measure the nuchal thickness for Down syndrome screening. Subsequent mid-pregnancy check-ups typically involve regular monitoring and tetanus vaccinations.
At the 36-week check-up, in addition to regular monitoring, a vaginal swab should be performed to test for Group B Streptococcus, which helps forecast the delivery method. From the 38th week, additional tests such as ultrasound to monitor amniotic fluid, fetal position, and placental attachment may be necessary.
– What complications may occur?
– Complications can include vaginal bleeding, placental abruption, placenta previa, cervical infections, urinary tract infections, uterine contractions with the risk of preterm labor, hypertension accompanied by edema and protein in urine (risk of hematoma post-delivery and postpartum preeclampsia, stillbirth). Excessive weight gain and gestational diabetes are also concerning signs. If any of these complications arise, the mother may need further tests and sometimes hospitalization for monitoring, or consultation with specialists such as cardiology or endocrinology.
– What are the signs of labor?
– There are two possibilities: the onset of painful contractions and the rupture of membranes (which may not be accompanied by abdominal pain). At this point, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately. Medical staff will monitor cervical dilation and the position of the fetal head. This process can last from 1 to 12 hours, followed by the pushing stage, which occurs when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby’s head descends below the vagina, typically lasting about 5 to 20 minutes.
– When is an emergency cesarean necessary?
– A cesarean is required when there are significant fetal heart rate decelerations, the cervix is not dilating, or if it is fully dilated but the baby’s head is not descending. Cases of thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid, maternal fever, or significant bleeding due to low-lying placenta also warrant surgical intervention.
– What situations require a planned cesarean?
– A cesarean will be scheduled if the due date has passed without natural labor, if the mother cannot induce labor, or if the fetus is in a breech or transverse position. Other cases that require pre-scheduled cesarean include large fetus/pelvic insufficiency; prior cervical surgeries or cone biopsies; placenta previa; severe diabetes; cardiovascular or metabolic conditions needing consultation; and a history of cesarean or fibroid surgery.
