Things to Remember When Enrolling for Pregnancy or Delivery

Pre-Conception Consultation Is Important

It is highly advised that women meet an experienced gynaecologist at least three months before conceiving. This helps review and, if needed, change existing medications, manage any pre-existing health conditions, and identify potential risks early on.

Key Facilities to Look for in a Maternity Hospital

Selecting the right hospital or maternity centre is one of the most crucial decisions for expecting parents. Dr. Seema Wadhwa highlights a few essential facilities that every good maternity setup should have:

1. In-House Blood Bank

Pregnancy is closely associated with bleeding-related complications, which can occur suddenly during any trimester or at the time of delivery. Conditions such as placenta previa, fibroids in pregnancy, high blood pressure, or antepartum haemorrhage may lead to heavy bleeding that requires an immediate blood transfusion.
An in-house blood bank ensures that life-saving blood is available on time.

2. Senior Expert Gynaecologists

The hospital should have experienced gynaecologists and a well-trained team, supported by a fully equipped labour room with foetal monitoring systems for continuous observation during labour.

3. Multispecialty Facility

Pregnancy can sometimes be affected by conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart diseases, or epilepsy. Therefore, it is important that the hospital offers multispecialty care, with doctors such as physicians, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and neurologists available under one roof.
The hospital should also maintain strict asepsis protocols to prevent wound infections, and must have ICU and ventilator support for patients who may experience fits due to hypertension or epilepsy.

4. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

For preterm or high-risk deliveries, a NICU is vital. With modern neonatal care, even babies as small as 600 grams can be saved when delivered in a facility with advanced NICU support.

5. 24/7 Anaesthetist Team

There should always be a dedicated team of anaesthetists available round the clock to handle any emergency surgeries and to provide safe, painless delivery options.

6. Round-the-Clock Ambulance Services

Emergency situations can arise at any time during pregnancy. A hospital with 24/7 ambulance availability ensures timely transfer and immediate medical support when required.

7. Prenatal Counselling and Lifestyle Support

A good maternity facility should also offer prenatal dietary counselling, exercise guidance, and breastfeeding education. These are especially beneficial for obese mothers and those diagnosed with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) to help manage weight and promote overall health during pregnancy.

Consultation with:
Dr. Seema Wadhwa, MD
Director – Gynaecology
Specialist in Advanced Laparoscopy, Infertility & High-Risk Pregnancy
Max Hospital, Mohali
Also available at Gynae Care and Cure Clinic, #2367, Sector 23C, Chandigarh
Phone: 98558 24455