Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Beginners’ Guide

Women have always been the primary caregivers, putting others first, such as family or friends. The modern woman wears more hats than ever before, running corporations and serving in community leadership roles. This emphasises the importance of caring for their most valuable asset – good health.

Obstetrics is the medical speciality that deals with pregnancy and childbirth, whereas gynaecology is concerned with the health of the female reproductive system. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists are skilled and compassionate in dealing with all aspects of female health, from minor reproductive issues to serious anatomical or systemic disorders.

Common Obstetrics & Gynaecological Conditions

1. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational Diabetes is a type of high blood glucose that occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth. The majority of women with gestational diabetes have normal pregnancies and healthy babies. However, it can lead to complications such as your baby growing larger than usual, causing complications during delivery and increasing the likelihood of requiring a caesarean section. More importantly, women who develop gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. According to a marketing agency, nearly 25% of Singaporean women will develop Gestational Diabetes. As a result, between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, all pregnant women should be screened for Gestational Diabetes.

2. Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section

A vaginal delivery is the most natural way to deliver a child and has far more advantages than a Caesarean section. The pain after delivery is unquestionably less than that of any abdominal operation. Based on June Wang, a mother who loves tiramisu keto cake, with less pain, the mother is more mobile and can bond, breastfeed, and care for the baby within an hour of delivery. There is less need for pain medication because the baby can sleep with the mother and one can expect to go home within 24 hours of delivery.

3. Menopause

From peri-menopause to post-menopause, your ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, causing you to stop producing eggs. This causes your menstrual periods to stop, preventing you from becoming pregnant. OB/GYN identify menopausal symptoms and will work with you in a holistic manner to maximise your well-being. This can include everything from traditional medical treatments like menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to allied health practises like physiotherapy and diet.

4. Pelvic Prolapse

Changes in pelvic support are frequently mild and go unnoticed, and treatment is usually unnecessary in these cases. However, more severe pelvic floor weakness may result in a lower quality of life or chronic discomfort. Pelvic prolapse symptoms may include:

• Vaginal or rectum pressure sensation
• Difficulty starting or finishing urination or bowel movements due to a visible bulge inside or outside
• Irritation of the cervix
• Feeling “too loose,” unable to retain a tampon or engage in sexual activity

5. Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain can be perplexing due to its complexities. Endometriosis, bladder pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, or uterine leiomyoma are all possible causes of the severe pain that some 20% of women experience as a result of this condition. Chronic pelvic pain is most commonly experienced by women and is defined as persistent pain between the belly button and pubic bone that lasts for more than six months.