Selecting an obstetrician is one of the most crucial decisions expectant mothers in Singapore will make. Your choice of obstetrician will play a significant role in your pregnancy journey, making it essential to consider various factors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key aspects to keep in mind when choosing an obstetrician and provide detailed information about prominent obstetricians in Singapore.
Hospital Location Matters
The location of the hospital where your obstetrician practices is a critical consideration. Accessibility and convenience are key, especially when every minute counts during labor. Ensure that your obstetrician has admitting privileges at a hospital that’s easily reachable from your home. Quick access to quality care can make all the difference.
Cost and Insurance
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Pregnancy and childbirth expenses can add up, so understanding the cost structure is essential. Some obstetricians offer comprehensive antenatal packages that cover various aspects of care, making budgeting more manageable. However, you should also explore the a la carte billing option, which allows you to pay for services individually. This approach can be more cost-effective, particularly if your insurance covers specific aspects of your care.
Personal Preferences Matter
Your comfort and trust in your obstetrician are paramount. Some women have preferences regarding the gender of their obstetrician, with the interesting note that many pro-natural birth specialists in Singapore are male. The key is to feel at ease with your obstetrician and to have confidence in their expertise.
Dealing with Wait Times
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Understanding the wait times for appointments is crucial to manage your expectations. Public hospitals in Singapore, such as NUH and KKH, can have longer waiting periods, often extending for hours. Booking the first appointment of the day can help reduce wait times, but it’s important to remember that obstetricians can get called away for deliveries, potentially affecting their appointment schedules.
Support Staff and Backup Partners
Your obstetrician’s support staff can significantly impact your experience. Several obstetricians in Singapore work alongside midwives, providing an additional layer of care and attention during pregnancy and labor. Having a competent backup partner is essential in case your chosen obstetrician is unavailable during your delivery.
Meet the Notable Obstetricians in Singapore
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1. Dr. Adrian Woodworth: Caring and Efficient
Location: Thomson Medical Centre
Experience: Over two decades in obstetrics and gynaecology
Dr. Adrian Woodworth is a highly regarded gynaecologist in Singapore known for his holistic approach and friendly demeanor. He takes the time to remember every patient’s name and patiently answers your questions while keeping appointments succinct. You can also find him at select Thomson Women’s Clinic outlets.
2. Dr. Anne Hagarty: The Experienced Specialist
Location: Mount Elizabeth Orchard
Experience: Over four decades in obstetrics & gynaecology
Dr. Anne Hagarty, one of the few Western female gynaecologists in Singapore, specializes in infertility treatment and gynaecological surgery. Her clinic at Paragon, conveniently located on Orchard Road, is a trusted choice for pregnancy care.
3. Professor Arijit Biswas: High-Risk Pregnancy Expert
Location: NUH
Professor Arijit Biswas is renowned for his expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, especially involving twins. As the head of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine division at NUH, he prioritizes patients’ peace of mind during pregnancy and is known for his non-pushy approach.
4. Dr. TC Chang: Warm and Supportive
Clinic: Singapore Women’s & Children’s Medical Group
Locations: Thomson Medical Centre & Mount Elizabeth Novena
Dr. TC Chang is highly praised for his warm demeanor and commitment to supporting women’s birth choices. He specializes in high-risk pregnancies and ultrasound assessments and has the added advantage of clinics near two different hospitals, Thomson Medical Centre and Mt. E Novena.
5. Dr. Chee Jing Jye: Trusted and Experienced
Location: Mount Elizabeth (Orchard)
Dr. Chee Jing Jye boasts over 15 years of experience and a background as the former Head of the Peripartum Unit at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Patients appreciate her calm and sweet personality, making her a top choice for pregnancy care.
6. Dr. Chong Yap Seng: Pro-Natural Birth Advocate
Location: NUH
Dr. Chong, also known as Professor Chong, is a strong advocate for natural birth and introduced water births at NUH. He’s renowned for his support for pro-natural birth and his stylish collection of bowties.
7. Dr. Choo Wan Ling: Women’s Health Specialist
Closest hospital: Mount Elizabeth Novena
Dr. Choo is well-versed in various gynaecological issues, including infections, endometriosis, and fertility challenges. She’s known for her warm and friendly approach and is supportive of natural birth.
8. Dr. Freda Khoo: Dedicated Women’s Healthcare
Closest hospital: Thomson Medical Centre
Dr. Freda Khoo is committed to providing quality women’s healthcare throughout a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause and beyond. Her personal touch and caring approach make her a favorite among patients.
9. Dr. Goh Shen Li: Award-Winning Care
Closest hospital: Mount Alvernia
Dr. Goh is an award-winning doctor with a gentle and thorough approach. Her expertise in fertility treatment, IVF, and surgery sets her apart as a trusted obstetrician.
10. Dr. Jasmine Mohd: Advanced Gynaecological Care
Clinic: WC Cheng & Associates
Locations: Thomson Medical Centre, Mount Alvernia, Gleneagles, and Mount Elizabeth Hospitals
Dr. Jasmine Mohd’s sub-speciality in advanced laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and robotic surgery makes her a sought-after specialist. She’s supportive of natural birth and breastfeeding.
11. Dr. Kelly Loi: Fertility Specialist
Closest hospital: Mount Elizabeth (Orchard)
Dr. Kelly Loi focuses on fertility treatment, IVF, and surgery, in addition to antenatal and obstetrics care. Her patient and kind demeanor make her a top choice for pregnancy care.
12. Dr. Lai Fon-Min: Low-Interventionist Approach
Clinic: A Company for Women
Locations: Camden Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth, Parkway East, and KKH
Dr. Lai is known for his non-interventionist approach and low C-section rate. He specializes in high-risk pregnancies and is a preferred choice for VBACs.
13. Dr. Mahesh Choolani: High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist
Locations: NUH & Mount Elizabeth Novena
Dr. Choolani is the Head of the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department at NUH Women’s Centre, specializing in high-risk pregnancies. His calm demeanor and support for natural birth make him a popular choice.
14. Dr. Paul Tseng: Gentle and Supportive
Closest hospital: Thomson Medical Centre
Dr. Paul Tseng is known for his kind and gentle approach, making him a preferred choice for natural birthing mamas. He respects your birth plan and strives to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
15. Dr. Tan Thiam Chye: Educator and Clinician
Locations: Mount Elizabeth Novena & Thomson Medical Centre
Dr. Tan Thiam Chye, with over 15 years of experience, is an Associate Professor of OBGYN at Duke-NUS Medical School. He is known for delivering quality women’s healthcare and offers telemedicine services for convenience.
16. Dr. Tony Tan: Expert in High-Risk Pregnancies
Closest hospital: Mount Alvernia
Dr. Tony Tan is frequently recommended for high-risk pregnancies, including twins and genetic disorders. He also specializes in treating various gynaecological conditions.
17. Dr. Vanaja Kalaichelvan: Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Closest Hospital: NUH
Dr. Vanaja has specialized training in maternal-fetal medicine and is known for her expertise in ultrasounds. Patients appreciate her comfort, explanations, and respect for their birth plans.
These distinguished obstetricians offer a range of expertise and approaches, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your pregnancy journey. Remember to book appointments early, as their popularity often leads to some wait times.
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