Childbirth & Delivery

Part of antenatal care and pregnancy planning includes developing a birth plan to determine how and where you want to deliver your baby. Although the goal of childbirth is always to ensure the health of the mom and baby, creating your unique experience allows you to have what is essential to you.

As a dedicated Obstetrician, Dr Hassim will take you through the various options and help develop your ideal birth plan and protocols for any complications.

Vaginal birth

In many cases, vaginal childbirth is the safest and most straightforward type of delivery. This is considered a natural birth, as your body contracts and moves the baby along the birth canal.

Once you go into labour, you will be admitted to the hospital, and your birth plan will be followed unless there are any issues. Should you wish to receive anaesthesia, you can request an epidural to be delivered when you are 4-5 centimetres dilated.

There are three main stages in vaginal birth:

• Stage 1: Labour
• Stage 2: Childbirth
• Stage 3: Delivering the placenta

The length of the birthing process is unique to each individual and will depend on how long you're in labour. Dr Hassim will be with you to help you through your delivery.

Caesarian section birth

A caesarian (C-section) is a surgical procedure to remove your baby from the womb and can be planned in advance to avoid medical concerns. Alternatively, you may receive a C-section if you have complications during natural birth.

Dr Hassim will discuss the procedure with you beforehand and may recommend a caesarian for the following reasons:

• You are expecting twins or several babies
• You have a big baby
• Your baby is in the wrong position for a natural birth (breech)
• You have previously had a C-section
• The placenta is blocking your baby during natural birth (placenta previa)
• You have a medical issue
• The labour is not progressing

During a C-section, you will be numb from the waist down in order for you to not feel any pain or discomfort. The surgeon will then open the abdominal wall and remove your newborn baby. In addition, Dr Hassim will guide you throughout the process and ensure you know what to expect for recovery.