Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a medical specialty focused on women's reproductive health, encompassing care during pregnancy, childbirth, and management of gynaecological conditions.

Gynaecological services focus on the health and well-being of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina.

Gynaecological examinations

• Premarital Checkup
• Preconception Checkup
• Female fertility test
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing
• Pelvic examination: The doctor performs a manual exam by applying pressure to the pelvic region to check for any abnormal conditions within the pelvic cavity.
• Pelvic ultrasound: A non-invasive examination that can detect diseases such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
• Paps smear
• HPV DNA test: High-risk types of HPV can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells. HPV DNA tests help diagnose whether cervical cells are infected and are typically conducted alongside a Paps smear.

Treatment and management of gynaecological conditions

• Uterine fibroids
• Cervical polyp
• Endometrial polyps
• Endometriosis
• Vaginitis
• Vaginal Candidiasis
• Bartholins Cysts
• Menstrual disorders
• Ovarian cysts
• Urinary incontinence
• Endometrial Cancer
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cervical dysplasia
• Cervical cancer
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Reproductive health and counselling

• Contraception
• Assisted reproduction
• Recurrent miscarriage counselling

Obstetrics services encompass a range of medical care provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Prenatal check-ups and postnatal services

The first prenatal check-up is recommended around 6 to 7 weeks of pregnancy. During this appointment, your doctor will carefully review your medical and obstetric history and perform an ultrasound examination to confirm the estimated due date. In the absence of any complications, subsequent follow-up appointments are typically scheduled on a monthly basis. The obstetrician will closely monitor the baby’s heartbeat, development, and overall health throughout the pregnancy. As you progress to 28 weeks and beyond, the frequency of prenatal check-ups will increase in preparation for the delivery. Our comprehensive obstetrics services encompass prenatal risk assessment, routine prenatal examinations, nutritional guidance, weight management support during pregnancy and postpartum, maternal vaccination, breastfeeding consultation, and more.

Prenatal risk assessment

Early assessment during pregnancy is critical as it can reveal any pre-existing conditions that a pregnant woman may have, enabling early intervention and treatment to minimize childbirth risks. Your doctor will evaluate your obstetric history, medical records, and family information to determine appropriate care. This assessment may include screenings and monitoring for conditions such as preeclampsia, as well as testing for concealed genetic disorders.

Routine prenatal examinations

1. Routine check-ups

   Measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, and urine testing.

2. Blood tests

   Complete blood count, blood type and Rh factor, Hepatitis B antigen, German measles antibodies, syphilis and HIV antibodies.

3. Non-invasive prenatal chromosome screening

   Includes T21 and Nifty tests, which involve extracting the pregnant woman's plasma cell-free DNA for analysis. Suppose the results indicate high risk or are inconclusive. In that case, further tests such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis may be recommended to diagnose conditions like Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities.

4. Fetal structural ultrasound examination

   Performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, this can detect major organ structural abnormalities in 70-80% of fetuses.

5. Oral glucose tolerance test

   Conducted at 28 weeks of pregnancy to diagnose gestational diabetes.

6. Group B streptococcus screening

   Carried out between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy by collecting samples from the pregnant woman's vagina or rectum using a swab, which is then sent for analysis.

Vaccination for pregnant women

1. Influenza vaccine

   The Scientific Committee on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases recommends that pregnant women receive the seasonal influenza vaccine to prevent seasonal flu and reduce complications. The vaccine is effective and safe for both pregnant women and the fetus. The World Health Organization also considers the inactivated flu vaccine (injectable) during any trimester of pregnancy would have adverse effects on the fetus. However, pregnant women should avoid receiving the live attenuated flu vaccine (nasal spray).(即使在妊娠第一期)接種滅活流感疫苗（注射式）會對胎兒造成不良影響，但孕婦應避免接種減活流感疫苗（噴鼻式）。

2. COVID-19 vaccine

   Contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy can have adverse outcomes for the fetus, including miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, and preterm birth. The Centre for Health Protection and several medical associations in Hong Kong recommend that women planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding should receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible to prevent severe illness and protect the next generation.

3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine

   According to the Scientific Committee on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, pregnant women can receive the pertussis vaccine at any time during the second or third trimester, with optimal timing before 35 weeks of pregnancy. It's important to note that pregnant women should receive the vaccine at least 15 days before the completion of pregnancy to allow sufficient time for antibody production in the mother and transfer of enough antibodies to the fetus before birth for optimal protection. Infants who contract whooping cough have a higher risk of severe complications and death.

Pregnant women are advised to consult their healthcare providers to discuss and receive appropriate vaccinations based on their circumstances and the latest recommendations.

Breastfeeding consultation

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants until 6 months and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until at least 2 years of age or beyond. The nutritional benefits of breastfeeding begin during the latter stages of pregnancy, so expectant mothers should seek guidance from healthcare professionals early on to help prepare for breastfeeding and ensure optimal nutrition for their babies.

Prenatal and postnatal nutritional advice and weight management

Virtus Respiratory Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialists