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Header image courtesy of Matilda International Hospital
Being an expectant mother can be exciting and daunting at the same time, especially if this is your first time interacting with maternity care in Hong Kong. Fret not, mums-to-be! We spoke with professionals at Matilda International Hospital, one of the leading private medical service providers in Hong Kong, about Hong Kong’s maternity facilities, what to expect when you’re expecting, and where to get the support you need. Here’s everything you need to know.
There are a few ways to pick the perfect obstetrician to accompany you on your journey to becoming a mother. If you are unsure of where to start, word of mouth is always a good first step, as your family, friends, or colleagues will be able to offer recommendations based on your needs. Otherwise, speaking to a trusted healthcare provider is your next best option. If you already know the hospital you want to deliver at, your hospital can share information on its obstetricians.
When choosing an obstetrician, it is important to find someone who is supportive of the decisions you are making about your pregnancy and is patient in giving advice. There is nothing wrong about paying a visit to a few doctors before deciding which one works best for you.
Hong Kong’s hospital system is divided into two categories: public and private. Public hospitals are government-run and usually offer cheaper prices compared to private hospitals to those holding a valid Hong Kong ID card. Private hospitals usually provide more flexibility and optional tests. If you are worried about a possible language barrier, you will be pleased to know that most medical professionals in Hong Kong speak English.
Once you and your obstetrician have chosen a hospital for delivery, remember to check if a booking deposit is required, how much it costs, and whether it is refundable. Don’t be afraid to ask for a comprehensive price list and check for additional charges, which may incur for services not directly related to your baby’s delivery or any emergency that arises.
You can also find out how the delivery will take place, for example, how much privacy you will get during labour and if skin-to-skin contact is allowed after birth. As every hospital operates differently, it is best to ask if your hospital offers a maternity tour so you can get a better idea of the environment in which you will deliver your baby.
Depending on where you receive your prenatal checks, your health condition, and your obstetrician’s advice, a variety of tests can be done. Some of these are necessary, others are optional. You should expect to take blood tests at the beginning of your pregnancy, which are performed to understand your general health status. Screening for diseases is often performed at this stage too.
Throughout your pregnancy, doctors will monitor the growth of your baby with a variety of ultrasound scans—this is where you can get images of your growing foetus! Towards the third trimester, a glucose tolerance test is performed to make sure your blood sugar is at the right level and to monitor the risk of gestational diabetes. Right before delivery, doctors will perform a “group B” test, which is used to screen for infection.
By the time you become pregnant, it might be too late to change your insurance coverage. That’s why it is best to figure out if your current insurance plan covers maternity.
If you do have coverage and you wish to receive healthcare at a private hospital, remember to check the coverage amount included in your plan for you and for your baby. To avoid having to pay out of your pocket for maternity services, check with your insurer to see if it has a direct billing agreement with your chosen healthcare provider.
Working mums-to-be should be aware that all employees working under a continuous contract are legally entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave from their employers, given you have notified the company of your intention of going on leave after your pregnancy has been confirmed. Remember to ask for medical confirmation of the pregnancy and a certificate detailing the expected dates from your doctor.
Once your baby is born, support is there if you need it, for you and your little one. Your obstetrician will see you for a postnatal check-up, which may include a psychological assessment, wound examination, and well-being assessment to make sure you are getting enough help from the correct people.
When you are discharged from the hospital, consulting a community midwife can make all the difference in your recovering and parenting journey. Community midwives can offer the same professional level of care and support you received during your stay in the hospital, ensuring you and your new family are well taken care of at home.
Now that you are familiar with the basics of maternity healthcare in Hong Kong, it’s easy to see why Matilda International Hospital is widely respected for its expertise in obstetrics. Matilda offers a wide range of maternity healthcare services, offering support for you, your partner, and your baby from the antenatal to postnatal period.
Your maternity journey begins with choosing your own obstetrician. If you don’t have a doctor in mind, you can join Matilda’s antenatal care programme, where you will be assigned an expert obstetrician who will care for you throughout your journey. Opting for Matilda’s programme ensures a smooth and no-fuss booking and admission process into the hospital’s maternity ward.
Matilda International Hospital also offers postnatal care for you and your family. Its community midwives can visit you at home to care for you and your baby, and offer support on childcare techniques. Matilda International Hospital also offers a flexible childhood vaccination package to keep your little one safe.
Experts at Matilda International Hospital understand that everyone’s needs are unique, and therefore aim to guide you through your maternity journey with personalised care. Interested in learning more about Matilda’s maternity care packages? If you have questions, you can easily contact the dedicated patient service team via phone, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
Established in 1907, Matilda Hospital is a healthcare service provider situated on Victoria Peak. Located just 15 minutes away from Central, the hospital offers private outpatient and inpatient services, with a reputation for personalised patient care. In 2007, it extended its services via the Matilda Medical Centre, a medical facility for outpatient treatments and examinations in the heart of Central.
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