Multiple pregnancies often come with unique challenges, including a higher risk of complications during delivery. Choosing the most suitable hospital and delivery option is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mum and babies.
In this article, we will explore the various hospital and delivery options available for mums pregnant with multiples in Singapore, as well as factors to consider when making this important decision.
Here are some factors to consider:
Specialist options
It is essential to choose a hospital with a team of experienced obstetricians, neonatologists, and other specialists who are trained to manage multiple pregnancies and potential complications. Additionally, some hospitals may have dedicated multiple-birth clinics or programs that offer specialised care and support tailored to the needs of mums carrying twins, triplets, or more.
In Singapore, many twin and triplet mummies have raved about the STORK Centre of KK Women's and Children's Hospital, High Risk Pregnancy Clinic under the National University Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and CHiRP of Singapore General Hospital.
Cost of care
Hospital bills can add up quickly, so it is important to consider the costs of care when choosing a hospital. Some common bills include antenatal check-ups, ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, delivery and hospitalisation fees for both mum and babies after birth. A noteworthy point is that charges of Neonatal Intensive Care Units of public hospitals in Singapore are linked to the category charge of the mother. For example, if you are warded as a Class A private patient with a private room, your babies will also be considered Class A private patients. Speak to your clinic manager and request for financial counselling for your consideration. Hospital financial counsellors are able to share information on estimated costs and financial assistance options.
Quality of services
Research the quality of services offered by the hospital, such as protocols, patient outcomes and safety records, to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Ask fellow twin and triplet mums in support groups about their experiences to get a better idea.
Location and accessibility
Choose a hospital that is most accessible to you and your support system to minimise stress during the Pregnancy, Delivery & Postpartum. As you’ll be having frequent consultations and scans, it only makes sense to select a hospital that’s convenient for you.
Neonatal capabilities
For parents welcoming twins, triplets or more, the possibility of the babies arriving earlier is real. In Singapore, public hospitals such as KKH, NUH and SGH are relatively more well-equipped to manage birth and delivery complications compared to private hospitals. This is due to the fact that the hospitals mentioned above have Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) rated at Level 3, whereas only certain private hospitals offer the same Level 3 rating. A Level 3 NICU is able to handle more complex cases than a Level 1 NICU though it also costs more.
Related articles on NICU: Navigating the NICU As Parents of Premature Babies, NICU 101: A Beginner's Guide to Neonatal Intensive Care in Singapore
Here’s a non-exhaustive summary of the care and delivery options in Singapore:
We hope this article helped you understand your care and delivery options better, and that it empowers you and your partner to make a well-informed decision. If you’d like to learn more from the experience of twin and triplet parents, head over here.
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