Birth & Delivery
Every childbirth is a unique and unpredictable process. Knowing the timeline and what to expect on the day of delivery can help you better prepare for the labour and birthing process.
Understanding labour and childbirth
Many expectant mothers will experience a water break prior to labour. The gush of fluid is due to the rupturing of the fluid-filled membrane (amniotic sac) surrounding your baby. This will be followed by contractions of the uterus, and dilation of the cervix to facilitate baby's delivery.
During the birth process, contractions in the body enable the baby to descend into the birth canal, before entry into the vaginal area. When required, your doctor may perform an episiotomy to allow baby’s head to emerge. The birthing process ends with the delivery of the placenta.
Various pain relief methods are available for both labour and delivery, such as the administration of an epidural. Speak to your obstetrician to understand more about the available pain relief options and what to expect during labour and delivery.
In this page
- Pre-registration for admission
- What to pack in your hospital bag
- What to do on your day of delivery
- Delivery wards
Pre-registration for delivery admission
At Gleneagles Hospital, we are committed to preparing you for a smooth and safe delivery. Once you have booked your maternity package, you are encouraged to pre-register for admission. This is to speed up your admission on the due date, so you can be admitted directly to the delivery suites when you arrive.
How to pre-register
You can pre-register at our admissions counter, located at the lobby of Gleneagles Hospital on level 2. This service is available at all times, including weekends and after-office hours.
For a hassle-free experience, you may also opt to request for e-registration online.
What to bring for your hospital stay
After you have pre-registered, all you need to do is prepare your hospital bag. Place it in a convenient location, so you can easily take it with you when the time comes.
We recommend packing about 2 – 3 weeks before your estimated date of delivery, using this checklist as a reference:
- Documents including your NRIC or passport, doctor's referral letter, maternity bed reservation form, and insurance card / Letter of Guarantee (if any)
- Personal sleepwear (front-open types for easier breastfeeding)
- Cardigan
- Bedroom slippers
- Undergarments
- Nursing bra
- Nipple cream
- Sanitary napkins
- A set of clothing each for mother and baby for discharge
- Camera and camera charger
On the day of delivery
On the day of your admission, please proceed to the admissions counter at Gleneagles Hospital lobby, level 2.
As bed occupancy fluctuates daily depending on the number of discharges and emergency admissions, we seek your kind understanding that we can confirm the availability of your preferred room type only at the time of your admission.
Should your choice of room be unavailable at the time of admission, we will endeavour to transfer you as soon as it becomes available.
Tip: Fathers can complete registration while mothers are admitted to the delivery suite or ward. During labour, fathers are welcome to accompany mothers, except during emergency caesarean sections.
Delivery wards
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 1 adult lodger is allowed to stay overnight. The lodger must be swabbed beforehand. Find out more in our visitor and patient advisory.
Designed to make you feel at home, our delivery suites are well-equipped with call bells, adjustable beds, pain relief options, and a professional team to support you throughout the delivery.
Our delivery suites also enjoy easy access to the Nursery, Operating Theatre (OT) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for a seamless operational flow should any medical intervention be needed.
The first few days after birth are a vital time for bonding with your baby. In addition to ensuring your newborn receives dedicated medical care, our maternity staff will also support you in breastfeeding and provide indispensable advice on early parenthood skills. By the time you are discharged, you’ll be fully-equipped and confident to bring your baby home.
