More than 100 expectant mothers and their families attended the June edition of “Afternoon Tea with the Doctor”, hosted by FV Hospital. In a warm and welcoming setting, FV’s specialists answered common questions about pregnancy, labour and childbirth, while sharing practical knowledge to help families feel more confident as they prepare to welcome their baby.

By the end of the session, participants had gained more than just answers—they left with a fresh perspective: every pregnancy is unique and deserves personalised care and support.

Pain relief during labour does not mean losing all sensation

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Dr Ngo Trung Nam, Specialist Level II, FV Thomson Maternity, on safe childbirth options.

Dr Nam explained that many women believe the stronger an epidural is, the better. However, the goal of modern obstetric pain management is not simply to eliminate all pain.

At FV Thomson Maternity, pain relief is tailored to each individual mother. The medical team carefully adjusts the level of pain relief so that mothers remain aware of their contractions and can actively participate in the pushing stage when needed, while significantly reducing discomfort.

“Our aim is not to remove all sensation completely. What matters is helping mothers feel comfortable while remaining actively involved in their own childbirth experience,” Dr Nam explained.

This personalised approach supports a smoother vaginal birth and helps reduce unnecessary medical interventions. For many attendees, it was also the first time they understood that a “pain-free birth” does not mean feeling absolutely nothing during labour.

There is no one-size-fits-all pregnancy diet

While the discussion on childbirth helped ease concerns about labour, the nutrition session led by Dr Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics, encouraged many participants to rethink their daily approach to pregnancy nutrition.

Rather than following popular diet trends or traditional advice, Dr Thu emphasised the importance of a balanced diet tailored to the mother’s individual needs and each stage of the baby’s development.

Every pregnancy is different. The key is not to eat as much as possible, but to eat the right foods in the right amounts to support the health of both mother and baby.

A tour of FV Thomson’s international-standard maternity unit

The afternoon concluded with a special guided tour of FV Thomson Maternity, giving expectant parents the opportunity to experience the facilities first-hand.

Participants explored the international-standard maternity unit, including modern delivery suites, advanced medical equipment designed to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, and comfortable, well-appointed inpatient rooms. Seeing the integrated care process in person and becoming familiar with the environment and midwifery team helped many mothers-to-be overcome the uncertainty and anxiety often associated with hospital admission. Instead, they left feeling relaxed, reassured and ready for a positive birth experience, more like preparing for a comfortable stay than a stressful hospital visit.

At FV Hospital, “Afternoon Tea with the Doctor” is more than an educational seminar. It is an opportunity for families to connect directly with healthcare experts and prepare with greater confidence for the exciting journey ahead.

We look forward to welcoming you to the July edition of “Afternoon Tea with the Doctor”, featuring the theme: A Gentle Birth Journey: From Preparing for Labour to Postnatal Recovery

Guest speakers:

• Dr Nguyen Duc Truong – FV Thomson Maternity, FV Hospital
  Topic: Antenatal and Postnatal Care
• Dr Le Thi Bich Tram, MSc – Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care
  Topic: Pain Relief During Labour

Time: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm, 25 July 2026

Venue: Café De Paris, Indochine Lobby, FV Hospital

Reserve your place today: https://forms.gle/CPS8aQHqE9NX8n88A