On the morning of April 12, 2025, over 60 expectant mothers gathered in the Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of Building F at FV Hospital for a meaningful and informative community seminar titled “Healthy Pregnancy – Safe Delivery – Enjoying the Journey of Motherhood”, organised by FV Hospital.

During the event, mothers-to-be and their loved ones gained up-to-date knowledge on evidence-based prenatal care, while also receiving guidance and encouragement to help them feel more confident and emotionally prepared for childbirth.

The seminar was thoughtfully structured to reflect a condensed version of a full maternity journey, offering a streamlined yet comprehensive overview. The agenda covered key topics, such as delivery options, mental and physical preparation, nutrition, and postnatal care. Each expert-led session provided an essential piece of the puzzle, contributing to a well-rounded and practical understanding of motherhood.

Evidence-Based Knowledge Presented as a Streamlined Maternity Journey

The seminar opened with a presentation by Vo Trieu Dat, MD, MSc – Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department – Breast Care Clinic at FV Hospital – titled “Choosing Your Birth Method: What You Need to Know for a Safe and Optimal Delivery.” His talk provided a clear medical foundation to help expectant mothers confidently choose the delivery method best suited to their physical condition and personal preferences.

During the session, Dr Vo Trieu Dat also introduced a new birthing option recently pioneered in Vietnam by FV Hospital: water immersion during labour. This method helps mothers relax, manage pain more effectively, and may even shorten the duration of labour. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking a natural birth experience without the use of painkillers or epidural anaesthesia – common concerns among many women.

Warm-water immersion, a form of hydrotherapy, has been scientifically shown to promote relaxation and reduce pain naturally during natural birth. It offers a drug-free alternative for pain management throughout the labour process.

As part of the session “Advice for Expectant Mothers Before Giving Birth at the Hospital”, Ms Tran Thi Thanh Trang – Head Midwife of the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department – Breast Care Clinic at FV Hospital shared practical guidance to help ease anxiety before labour. Her presentation was warmly received by attendees, as it addressed common concerns surrounding hospital admission, including administrative procedures, personal items and mental preparation.

Following that, Ms Catherine Cousin, PhD-DPMR-DPT-PT – Head of the Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Department – focused on physical preparation for an easier birth and faster postpartum recovery. Her session introduced simple yet effective exercises that can significantly benefit long-term maternal health. She also addressed common misconceptions about physical activity during and after pregnancy, encouraging mothers to remain active with confidence.

During pregnancy and the postpartum period, nutrition remains one of the top concerns for expectant mothers. In her talk, Specialist Level II, Dr Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MD, MSc – Head of  Dietetics & Nutrition Department at FV Hospital emphasised the vital role of nutrition throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Good nutrition is key to ensuring optimal recovery for the mother and comprehensive development for the baby. Dr Quynh Thu also provided practical tips on food selection and preparation, with a strong focus on food hygiene and safety.

In a separate session on “Monitoring Gestational Diabetes”, Dr Nguyen Huu Man, Specialist Level I – Internal Medicine Department at FV Hospital highlighted the importance of blood glucose monitoring during pregnancy, particularly for mothers at risk of, or already diagnosed with, gestational diabetes. His presentation helped participants understand that effective blood sugar control is closely linked with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices.

A Heartfelt Experience from a Mother’s Perspective

Adding a personal and emotional touch to the event, Ms Bui Thi Tuyet – Front Desk Supervisor at FV Hospital and proud mother of two children born at FV – took the stage mid-programme to share her deeply moving and genuine childbirth experiences. Her heartfelt story offered expectant mothers a reassuring glimpse into FV’s five-star maternity services, helping many feel more confident in choosing FV as the place to welcome their little one.

Ms Tuyet also introduced several newly launched services at the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, including water birthing, a romantic dinner experience for couples, professional video services to capture the baby’s first moments, and a special welcome tea party for newborns. She personally guided attendees on a tour of the inpatient maternity ward and delivery suite, helping mothers-to-be to visualise their journey ahead.

Beyond the informative sessions, participants enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea, received special gifts from the programme, and explored a display area in FV’s garden showcasing a variety of trusted mother-and-baby brands. For many, this weekend morning at FV Hospital marked a truly meaningful milestone in their motherhood journey.

Although the event ran beyond its scheduled time, the atmosphere remained lively and warm during the closing Q&A session. Nearly 60 expectant mothers actively engaged with the panel of specialists, raising real-life questions on topics such as choosing between natural birth and C-section, managing healthy weight gain, recognising signs of gestational diabetes, ensuring safe nutrition, and strategies for a smooth postpartum recovery.

The doctors provided clear, easy-to-understand answers and offered personalised advice tailored to each individual’s situation. This genuine interaction helped expectant mothers feel understood, supported, and reassured as they prepared for their motherhood journey.

The event concluded at 1 PM the same day. With the valuable insights shared by the experts, we hope that the community seminar “Healthy Pregnancy – Safe Delivery – Enjoying the Journey of Motherhood” served not only as an informative session, but also as a meaningful space for connection, sharing, and genuine support for mothers-to-be.

We look forward to welcoming you to future events at FV Hospital, where your journey into motherhood will always be supported with care, attentiveness, and compassion, helping you feel confident and ready for the road ahead!