C-sections are becoming a common birth delivery method
emergency C-section within 30 minutes . You can ’ t do this at home ,” Dr Vigneswaran warned .
Science on water birth is murky Water birth is another option considered by expectant mothers admitted to private hospitals . This delivery method requires pregnant women in the labour phase to enter a warm water pool where they give birth . Doctors who have overseen the process suggest that the technique alleviates labour pain , reducing pharmacological interventions such as an epidural and the risks of severe vaginal tears . However , the Ministry of Health banned water births in 2016 due to lack of scientific evidence indicating they produce clinical benefits compared to vaginal and C-section deliveries .
Dr Vigneswaran concurs with the ministry ’ s decision , highlighting two types of problems that can occur during water births : the baby ’ s health and potential contamination . “ Any form of newborn distress or nonresponse , from blood in the pool water to a tangled umbilical cord , can cause medical attention to be thrown into disarray ,” he said while emphasising the importance of sterile birthing pool water , which poses a risk of infection to both mother and child . Moreover , bacterial exposure is significantly higher if the baby has difficulty coming out of the vagina . “ Complications such as cord prolapse and a large foetus unable to pass through the birth canal , which can result in a C-section , raising the risk of infection transmission even further ,” Dr Vigneswaran explained .
Balanced nutrition and exercise to ease childbirth Regardless of the birthing option , pregnant women need to stay healthy to ensure a smooth delivery . Dr Vigneswaran suggested sufficient nutrition and diet intake , specifically folic acid . “ It is recommended to take a proper diet and a few supplements such as multi-vitamin which has all the minerals , vitamins , and irons essential for pregnancy ,” he said , adding that adequate folic acid and vitamin D were required to promote healthy foetal development . At the same time , calcium supplementation , such as calcium carbonate and calcium lactate , is also necessary to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia , a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure .
Besides a balanced diet , Dr Vigneswaran recommended pre-delivery physical exercise . “ If a mother prefers vaginal delivery , she can perform Kegels exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles , followed by a pelvic and perineal massage to stretch the muscles and tissue surrounding the vagina at around 36 / 37 weeks onwards for allowing the baby to come out safely and reduce complications during the delivery process .” �n
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 1 | 2023
61