For more than two decades, the FV Thomson Maternity Department has been a trusted place for mothers-to-be, including many families who have returned for multiple births. Thousands of babies have been safely delivered at FV, reflecting the trust placed in the medical team and a care approach that prioritises safety and patient comfort.

The First Mother to Give Birth at FV: “A Completely Different Experience!”

In 2003, when FV Hospital had just begun operations, Dao Thi Ngoc Bich, one of its first employees, discovered she was pregnant right as she was about to start her new role. Worried that the news might affect her employment, she informed the HR department. However, the manager’s response surprised her: “Congratulations, you will be the first Vietnamese employee to give birth at FV.” Her pregnancy progressed smoothly. Prenatal check-ups were arranged during work hours, and the doctors took the time to answer all her questions. When she went into labour, she delivered a healthy baby boy, marking the beginning of her motherhood journey. Immediately after birth, the newborn was examined by a paediatrician. Bich was gently looked after by the midwives, who cleaned and dressed her wound with great care. During the night, the midwives took her baby to a separate room so she could rest — an approach that was uncommon more than 20 years ago.

Bich’s family: her three “FV babies” have all grown up; her eldest is now married and has recently welcomed a new family member. Photo: Provided by the family

“I still vividly remember how comfortable and happy I felt being cared for at FV. I’m proud to have been the first Vietnamese female employee to give birth at the hospital, and my son was one of the very first ‘FV babies,” Bich shared.

She later gave birth to two more children at FV in 2007 and 2012, making three peaceful, reassuring journeys in total.

Three Challenging Pregnancies and Unwavering Trust in FV

For Ms Nguyen Thi Kim Cuong, 39, Ho Chi Minh City, all three of her pregnancies were high risk, but she chose FV because she trusted the doctors’ expertise and the careful monitoring provided at every stage. Throughout her journeys, she was supported by Dr Ngo Trung Nam, who has extensive experience in managing complex pregnancies.

Dr Ngo Trung Nam – trusted by many expectant mothers. Photo: FV

During her first pregnancy in 2014, she gained 30 kg, yet ultrasounds showed the foetus was small for gestational age. Dr Nam identified the cause as increased uterine artery resistance, a condition in which blood flow from mother to placenta is restricted. This reduces oxygen and nutrients to the foetus and can lead to growth restriction, preeclampsia, chronic foetal distress, preterm birth, or even stillbirth.

Her family took her to another medical facility for a second opinion, where the external doctor recommended an early delivery and NICU care, leaving her feeling distressed.

Having studied this condition deeply, Dr Nam advised: “Based on the growth chart, the foetal growth rate is stable, so the baby will be normal even if born small.” He developed an optimal treatment plan to improve blood flow to the foetus, enabling her to deliver a healthy full-term baby boy weighing over 2 kg.

Her second pregnancy in 2016 brought a different challenge: recurrent threats of preterm labour. Dr Nam prescribed medication to control the risk while still allowing her to maintain normal daily activities. Contrary to the common belief that mothers must stay in bed, he explained that new research shows bed rest does not help prolong pregnancy and may even increase the risk of thrombosis in overweight mothers.

“I am deeply grateful to Dr Nam. Thanks to him, I delivered a full-term 3 kg baby,” she recalls emotionally.

In her third pregnancy, she experienced unexpected bleeding at 30 weeks, an extremely high-risk sign of preterm labour. After conducting an ultrasound and confirming the diagnosis, Dr Nam placed a cervical pessary to support and stabilise the cervix to prevent early labour. Her baby continued to develop well and was delivered at full-term.

Kim Cuong and her daughter Tam An during a family trip.

“When it comes to giving birth at FV, I can summarise it in four words: trust and thoughtful care. I’ve recommended the FV Maternity Department to many friends and relatives. Here, expectant mothers feel secure throughout their pregnancy, and the level of care feels almost like being on a retreat,” she shared.

It can be said that every baby born at FV carries a memorable story and meaningful experience. Over the past 22 years, FV has become the trusted choice of more than 10,000 families.

FV offers a safe, gentle, and emotionally supportive childbirth experience. Photo: FV

In 2024, FV became a member of Thomson Medical Group in Singapore, Asia’s leading healthcare group specialising in women’s and children’s health. This milestone provides strong support for the FV Thomson Maternity Department to advance to a new level.

To express gratitude to the more than 10,000 families who have journeyed with FV over the past two decades, FV is organising the “FV Babies Day” – an occasion for children to return to the place where they first cried at birth, reconnect with the doctors and midwives who cared for them, and for families expecting future babies to learn more about FV’s comprehensive maternity services.

The event includes:

– “10,000 FV Babies” photo exhibition

– Family bonding activities

– Appreciation gifts

Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday, 13 December 2025

Venue: Ground Floor, FV Hospital

Families can register for the event via the following link: https://forms.gle/wbt27r4FUD1wqoe66