An Overseas Vietnamese Mother’s Journey Through a High-Risk Pregnancy to a Safe Delivery at FV Hospital

After two unsuccessful pregnancies, Ms T.M., a 30-year-old overseas Vietnamese living in the United States, returned to Vietnam in search of hope on her journey to motherhood. However, this pregnancy remained high-risk, affected by multiple complications, including gestational diabetes, prolonged low blood pressure, and three episodes of fainting. Thanks to close prenatal monitoring at FV Hospital, Ms M. successfully delivered a healthy baby girl.

Ms M.’s baby girl was born healthy following the careful management of her high-risk pregnancy by Dr Vo Thi Thanh Van and the obstetrics team at FV Thomson Maternity.

A Turbulent Pregnancy After Two Previous Losses

In early 2025, when she saw two clear lines on the pregnancy test, Ms M. felt both joy and anxiety. Her two previous pregnancies had ended unexpectedly, leaving her in a constant state of worry. Following her family’s advice, she returned to Vietnam for prenatal care, supported by a relative who is an obstetrician at a major hospital.

The first three months of the pregnancy were particularly challenging. With a history of low blood pressure and pregnancy-related hormonal changes, her hypotension became more severe. She became easily fatigued, physically weakened, and experienced multiple episodes of fainting.

At the recommendation of her relative, who was also her attending physician, Ms M. sought care at FV Hospital, known for its reputable obstetrics centre, international-standard infrastructure, and ability to provide bilingual medical documentation for both mother and baby. As an obstetrician, her relative placed strong trust in FV’s team of highly skilled doctors and midwives, all of whom are extensively trained in Vietnam and overseas. He specifically entrusted her care to his colleague, Dr Vo Thi Thanh Van, MSc, from FV Thomson Maternity.

FV Thomson Maternity is equipped with modern facilities and advanced medical equipment.

After her first consultation, Ms M. was deeply impressed by Dr Van’s attentiveness and professionalism and decided to choose FV Hospital for prenatal care.

Successfully Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy

From the fourth month of pregnancy, Dr Van officially began working closely with her colleagues to monitor Ms M.’s condition. Considering her age, two previous miscarriages, low blood pressure, and gestational diabetes, Dr Van assessed the pregnancy as falling within the moderate to high-risk category. “Ms M.’s gestational diabetes was not severe. With proper dietary adjustments and regular exercise, it could be well controlled without the need for medication,” Dr Van explained.

Low blood pressure, however, had a significant impact on the expectant mother’s health. Ms M. experienced frequent hypotensive episodes and fainted three times in total. Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the placenta, affecting foetal development and increasing the risk of preterm birth and low amniotic fluid. Following a preventive plan provided by her doctor, Ms M. and her family were able to respond promptly whenever she fainted by bringing her to the hospital for fluid infusion, examinations and timely stabilisation.

The expectant mother’s mental well-being was also given special attention. Her history of pregnancy loss and repeated fainting episodes led to prolonged stress, and at times she experienced panic attacks. Dr Van provided thorough counselling, carefully explaining each concern and recommending appropriate solutions, helping Ms M. reduce anxiety and regain psychological stability. The collaborative care between the two doctors progressed smoothly and effectively. They agreed that Ms M. could safely have a vaginal delivery if her pregnancy remained well controlled and therefore developed a comprehensive birth plan focused on maximising safety.

When Ms M. went into labour, both doctors worked together to support the delivery. The labour progressed smoothly, and her blood pressure remained well controlled throughout. A healthy baby girl was born, weighing 2,500 grams. She was cared for by the Paediatrics Department for neonatal jaundice, while Ms M. received comprehensive postpartum care, including nutritional support, hygiene guidance, and breastfeeding assistance. “Giving birth at FV was truly worth it. I felt comfortable. The nurses and midwives were dedicated and attentive, always available around the clock, which helped me recover quickly,” Ms M. shared happily.

Managing High-Risk Pregnancies: Why Early Monitoring Matters

High-risk pregnancies can lead to unexpected obstetric complications. Dr Van advises women to seek prenatal care as soon as pregnancy is confirmed so potential risks can be identified early and an appropriate pregnancy management plan can be established.

Women with high-risk pregnancies should choose medical facilities with experienced multidisciplinary teams, strong clinical expertise and comprehensive equipment, including foetal heart rate and contraction monitoring systems, modern delivery rooms and safe operating theatres, to ensure prompt and effective management of any emergency situations.

Neonatal care is provided by FV midwives immediately after birth.

FV Thomson Maternity is a well-established obstetrics centre with more than 20 years of experience in managing high-risk pregnancies. Its team of highly qualified obstetricians works closely with multiple specialties, including Endocrinology, Cardiology, Nutrition, Paediatrics, Clinical Psychology, and Physiotherapy, to develop personalised care plans and provide continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Expectant mothers can also communicate directly with their doctors whenever health concerns arise.

FV Thomson Maternity is further supported by specialists from Thomson Medical Group, Singapore, who are always available to provide professional consultation and clinical guidance in complex pregnancies and challenging delivery cases.

For more information about high-risk pregnancy management services at FV Hospital, please visit 06 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City, or contact the hotline at (028) 3511 3333.