Birth & Delivery Services

Our Birth and Delivery Services ensure you receive expert care when the time comes to welcome your baby. Dr Salam Jibrel provides obstetric services at several leading hospitals across Bahrain, giving you the flexibility to choose a facility that best suits your needs and preferences.

Our Partner Hospitals

We provide birth and delivery services at the following hospitals in Bahrain:

  • Bahrain Specialist Hospital
  • Al Salam Hospital
  • Awali Hospital
  • And other facilities upon request

Each hospital offers modern labour and delivery suites, operating theatres for caesarean sections, and neonatal care facilities to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

Types of Delivery

Vaginal Delivery

Vaginal birth is the most natural way to deliver your baby. We support and encourage vaginal delivery when it is safe for both mother and baby.

What to expect:

  • Continuous monitoring of you and your baby during labour
  • Support from experienced midwives and nursing staff
  • Various positions for labour and delivery based on your comfort
  • Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth

Caesarean Section (C-Section)

A caesarean section may be planned in advance or performed as an emergency if needed. Our team is experienced in both elective and emergency caesarean deliveries.

Reasons for planned caesarean:

  • Placenta previa (low-lying placenta)
  • Breech or transverse baby position
  • Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
  • Previous caesarean sections
  • Maternal health conditions
  • Large baby or small pelvis

What to expect:

  • Spinal or epidural anaesthesia (you remain awake)
  • Your partner can usually be present
  • Baby delivered within minutes of starting
  • Immediate skin-to-skin when possible
  • Recovery in hospital for 2-3 days

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

If you’ve had a previous caesarean section, you may be a candidate for vaginal birth in your next pregnancy. We will discuss your individual circumstances and help you make an informed decision about the safest delivery option for you.

Pain Relief Options

We offer various pain relief options to help you manage labour:

Non-Medical Options

  • Movement and position changes
  • Breathing techniques
  • Water therapy (where available)
  • Massage and support from birth partners

Medical Options

  • Entonox (gas and air) — Inhaled pain relief you control yourself
  • Pethidine injection — Pain-relieving injection given into the muscle
  • Epidural anaesthesia — Regional anaesthesia providing significant pain relief while you remain alert

We will discuss your pain relief preferences during your antenatal appointments so you can make an informed choice.

Preparing for Delivery

Before Your Due Date

  • Hospital bag — Pack essentials for you and baby (we can provide a checklist)
  • Birth preferences — Discuss your wishes with Dr Salam during antenatal visits
  • Hospital registration — Complete pre-admission paperwork at your chosen hospital
  • Emergency contacts — Ensure we have your contact details and those of your support person

Signs of Labour

Contact us or go to the hospital if you experience:

  • Regular contractions becoming stronger and closer together
  • Waters breaking (clear or slightly pink fluid)
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Reduced baby movements
  • Severe headache or visual disturbances
  • Severe abdominal pain

When to Go to the Hospital

  • First baby: When contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour
  • Subsequent babies: When contractions become regular and strong
  • Immediately: If your waters break, you have heavy bleeding, or reduced baby movements

What Happens During Labour

Stage 1: Early and Active Labour

  • Cervix dilates from 0 to 10 cm
  • Contractions become stronger and more frequent
  • Regular monitoring of baby’s heartbeat
  • Support and pain relief as needed

Stage 2: Pushing and Birth

  • You will feel the urge to push
  • Guided pushing with each contraction
  • Baby is born
  • Cord is clamped and cut (delayed cord clamping available)

Stage 3: Delivery of Placenta

  • Placenta is delivered shortly after the baby
  • You and baby begin bonding and breastfeeding

After Delivery

Immediate Postnatal Care

  • Skin-to-skin contact with your baby
  • Support with first breastfeed
  • Baby checks and measurements
  • Monitoring of your recovery

Hospital Stay

  • Vaginal delivery: Usually 24-48 hours
  • Caesarean section: Usually 2-3 days

Before Discharge

  • Newborn examination by a paediatrician
  • Hearing screening for baby
  • Guidance on newborn care and feeding
  • Postnatal follow-up appointment scheduled
  • Birth certificate documentation assistance

Postnatal Follow-Up

We provide postnatal care to ensure your recovery is progressing well:

  • 1-2 weeks after delivery — Check on your physical recovery and emotional wellbeing
  • 6 weeks postnatal — Comprehensive postnatal check-up
  • Breastfeeding support and advice
  • Discussion of contraception options
  • Referral to specialists if needed

Emergency Care

Our team is prepared to handle any complications that may arise during labour and delivery:

  • 24/7 access to operating theatres for emergency caesarean sections
  • Experienced anaesthesia team
  • Blood transfusion services available
  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) access at partner hospitals
  • Direct communication with Dr Salam throughout your labour

Choosing Your Hospital

When selecting which hospital to deliver at, consider:

  • Location and distance from your home
  • Facilities available (private rooms, NICU level)
  • Your insurance coverage
  • Previous experiences or preferences

We can help you choose the best option based on your individual circumstances and any risk factors in your pregnancy.

Book a Consultation

If you’re pregnant and would like to discuss your birth and delivery options, or if you’d like to transfer your care to us, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@salamivf.com or call +973 1725 5095 to schedule an appointment.