Doctor Shares When A Lying-In Can Be Your Option

Giving birth in the new normal has become more expensive as additional safety protocols mean additional charges, too. Of course, this is all for the benefit of the mother and baby, as well as the healthcare workers who are caring for them in the middle of the pandemic.

A lying-in clinic can be more affordable than a hospital, but even if you're aiming for a normal spontaneous delivery (NSD), not all preggo moms can give birth here. On the second episode of SmartParenting.com.ph's How Po? titled "The New Normal In Pregnancy And Childbirth," Dr. Maynila Domingo, an obstetrician-gynecologist who specializes in maternal fetal medicine at Manila Medical Center, shares when a woman can be a candidate to give birth in a lying-in.

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When a lying-in clinic can be your option

Birthing facilities are categorized according to levels (Level 1, 2, and 3) depending on their capability to address complications. Lying-in clinics fall  on the first level, which are meant for normal deliveries and uncomplicated pregnancies. 

"Pregnancy is a physiological and natural process. But even if it's natural and physiologic, complications can arise any time, that's why we really have to monitor mothers very, very closely," Dr. Domingo shares.

She shares that mothers who have risk factors are discouraged from giving birth in lying-in clinics. "For example, nagtataas ang BP (blood pressure), mataas ang sugar o kaya may mga binabantayan sa bata — hindi normal 'yung paglaki ni baby, considered na baka may problema 'yung baby sa loob," Dr. Domingo explains. "Definitely, it's not safe for you to deliver in a lying-in facility."

If you have medical conditions, you are also advised to give birth in a hospital. "Kahit simpleng hika or history ng hika. Pwede kasi siyang biglang lumala habang nag-le-labor ka at nag-de-deliver. I advise sa hospital po 'yun," Dr. Domingo says.

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I am a first-time mom. Can I give birth in a lying-in?

Say you are a first-time mom with an uncomplicated pregnancy and all your prenatal checkups turned out ok. Would it be all right to give birth in a lying-in clinic?

"Because this is your first time, we don't know if number 1, kapag nag-labor ka magtutuloy-tuloy. Hindi ka ba ma-e-emergency CS, hindi ba maliit ang sipit-sipitan (cervix). Ako, in general, 'yung mga first-time mom I advise them to go to the hospital," Dr. Domingo says. "Untested pa 'yung sipit-sipitan mo. Mas mahirap kapag ittransfer kayo bigla sa kalagitnaan [while giving birth]."

Teenagers and those who are advanced in maternal age — 35 years old and above — are also encouraged to go to the hospital for careful monitoring. "We expect them to have more complications," Dr. Domingo explains.

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If you're pregnant and have questions on pregnancy and childbirth during the pandemic, you can watch the second episode of our How Po? live webinars below:

Get exclusive access to Smart Parenting’s online webinars, expert talks, and lives! Register here and be the first to know about Smart Parenting Events.

Looking to give birth in a lying-in? Click here for a tour and what to expect.

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