Bringing a baby into this world is one of the most special and memorable moments a mother will experience. This can happen in one of two ways – a Vaginal (natural) delivery, or a Caesarean (surgical) delivery, also known as a c-section.
C-sections were previously widely considered a “last resort”, but more women are preferring the option of a c-section or have certain conditions that make a c-section a more viable option.
What should you know about a natural delivery and c-section before you decide?
In a vaginal delivery, the mother goes through the process of labour. The duration of labour varies among individuals, but comprises of 3 stages:
Some women opt for painkillers like an epidural, while others go medication-free.
With natural delivery, mothers can initiate breastfeeding earlier to improve bonding. In addition, during the delivery process fluid is “squeezed out” of the baby’s lungs, which may reduce risk of breathing problems for the baby. In addition, some argue the acquisition of good bacteria as it passes through the mother’s birth canal may result in better immune system and lower risk of allergies for the baby.
The labour duration in natural delivery can be up to 12-14 hours for first pregnancies and depending on the delivery, there may also be a need for conversion to c-section during emergency.
During natural childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles get lax, stretched, and sometimes bruised. This can cause prolapsed organs and persistent back problems in the later part of her life.
A Caesarean section is a surgery done to deliver the baby surgically by removing it through an incision in the pregnant mother’s abdomen. It could be elective (planned) or emergency (unplanned).
During a C-section, the pregnant mother will receive anaesthesia, usually either an epidural or a spinal block to numb the lower half of the body.
The total surgery process will take about 45 minutes barring any complications.
Emergency c-sections are may be prompted or recommended in emergency situations where the baby or mother is in danger. These emergency c-sections are necessary in cases for example, when the baby is not getting enough oxygen, or when the labour is not progressing. Elective CS is advised when the baby is in breech position (head-down position).
Most recover well after a c-section, although a small minority may need a longer recovery time as compared to vaginal birth. Though the delivery process itself is less painful (no contractions, no pushing), there maybe more post-delivery pain in terms of wound and surgery recovery and other post-surgery side effects. However, modern pain relief medication helps to provide good pain control.
Women who have a c-section may try to have vaginal delivery in their subsequent pregnancies, with the option of surgery usually on standby. The success of a Vaginal Birth After C-section, also known as VBAC depends on factors including the reason for previous caesarean section, current pregnancy, and other medical or surgical problems.
Some may have the view that one birth method is easier than the other. However, this is not necessarily the case. While a c-section may not require pushing and the same degree of labour, it is not without its own difficulties.
Vaginal birth may be more difficult during the process, but a c-section may requires longer recovery period. A c-section also has inherent risks as a surgical procedure.
Both c-section and vaginal delivery have their pros and cons, barring medical indications, the ultimate choice is up to you. The most important thing is that mother and child are safe and healthy, and your choice should always be made in the best interest of your family. Consult with your doctor about the best decision for you.
Keep safe and have a wonderful delivery of your baby.
Tele-consultation (within Singapore)
10 minute Consultation |
General Paediatrics Case |
Sub Specialty Case |
1st Consult |
$90 |
$120 |
Follow up |
$50 |
$80 |
Additional charges may apply for extended consultation with the doctor.
Delivery of Medication (within Singapore):
Orchard Road – $2, Tuas – $4, Sentosa and Airport – $10
*Tele-consultation (outside of Singapore) is only applicable for Sub Specialty Follow up.
Thank you for choosing SBCC's Tele-Consultation service. At SBCC, we strive to provide you with a seamless and effective healthcare experience. Our Tele-consultation service is different than other providers as we can schedule a tele-consult with your preferred paediatrician through our Platform.
Please go through the below terms and conditions for our Tele-Consultation process including your rights and responsibilities of this platform. These Terms and conditions, together with our privacy policy constitute an agreement between you and Healthway Medical group.
In the current COVID-19 situation, parents may be hesitant to bring their little one to clinics. With this tele-consultation service, you may consult a paediatrician on non-urgent clinical matters without leaving your home.
FOLLOW-UP for stable chronic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, eczema, constipation, juvenile arthritis, chronic urticaria
If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, please call an ambulance at 995 or make your way to the nearest Accident & Emergency department immediately. If it is not an emergency, but you/your child do not meet the requirement for telemedicine please call our clinics for an appointment. If you need mental health support, please call SOS Hotline (1800-221 4444).
1. Fill in the online registration form and make an appointment with your preferred paediatrician.
2. Complete the payment details before submitting the online registration form.
3. You will receive an SMS and Email to confirm your registration.
4. As the tele-consult request needs to be approved by the paediatrician, you will receive an SMS and Email confirming your request.
5. You will receive a video consultation link by SMS and Email when your appointment is near.
6. Click the link to start your consultation.
7. Once complete, you will receive a link by SMS and Email on the amount payable to the clinic.
8. If you have selected delivery of medication, a delivery fee will apply to your final bill amount.
A standard delivery fee of $15.00 will be charged for medication delivery within Singapore. You will receive your medication within 3 hours.
Please note the following surcharges apply to the following area:
Your medication will be delivered to your address via a courier.
At the time of registration, we charge an amount of $1 to authenticate your credit card. However, please note that this amount is immediately reversed once your request is submitted successfully.
Payment is made via your submitted credit card details at the time of registration.
Doctor Name | Doctor Specialty (Special Interest) |
Dr Alison Joanne Lee | Paediatric Medicine (Allergy & Immunology) |
Dr Chan Kit Yee | Paediatric Medicine (Cardiology) |
Dr Charmaine Teo | Paediatric Medicine |
Dr Jenny Tang | Paediatric Medicine (Asthma, Lung, Sleep & Allergy) |
Dr Martha Liu | Paediatric Medicine |
Dr Nancy Tan | Paediatric Medicine (Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition) |
Dr Natalie Epton | Paediatric Medicine (Neonatology) |
Dr Ratna Sridjaja | Paediatric Medicine |
Dr Wong Chin Khoon | Paediatric Medicine |
Dr Ng Ying Woo | Obstetrics & Gynaecology* |