Glossary: Terms Starting with "V"

Certain vaccines are safe and recommended during pregnancy because they protect both you and your newborn. When you are vaccinated, antibodies pass through the placenta to your baby, giving them protection in the weeks after birth before they are old enough for their own immunisations. In Singapore, the influenza vaccine and the Tdap vaccine are the two most commonly recommended vaccines during pregnancy. Live vaccines such as MMR and chickenpox are not safe during pregnancy and should be given before conception or after birth. Always tell your doctor or midwife which vaccines you have received so they can update your antenatal records and advise on any additional doses needed.

Related: Tdap, flu vaccine, RSV vaccine

VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. It means giving birth vaginally in a pregnancy that follows a previous C-section. Many women are good candidates for VBAC, and a successful VBAC avoids the longer recovery time that comes with repeat surgery. The main risk is uterine rupture at the previous scar, which is uncommon but serious. Your doctor will review your surgical history, the type of uterine incision, your baby's position, and how your labor progresses before recommending VBAC. Most hospitals in Singapore support VBAC with continuous fetal monitoring throughout labor.

Related: TOLAC, cesarean

Vacuum extraction is an assisted delivery method where a doctor or midwife attaches a soft silicone suction cup to your baby's head during the pushing stage of labour. Gentle traction is applied with each contraction to help guide the baby out. It is used when labour is not progressing, when the baby shows signs of distress, or when the mother is too exhausted to push effectively. The procedure is generally safe, but your baby may have a temporary swelling or bruise on the scalp called a chignon, which fades within a few days.

Related: Assisted birth, forceps

Vernix caseosa is a white, waxy coating that forms on a baby's skin inside the womb, usually from around 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is made of shed skin cells, water, and oils, and acts as a natural moisturiser and protective barrier. At birth, some babies are covered in it, while others have very little, especially if they are born past their due date. Many hospitals now recommend leaving vernix on the skin for a short time after birth, as it helps retain moisture and may support the newborn's immune defences.

Related: Newborn skin, delayed bath

A very preterm baby is born before 32 completed weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, nearly every organ system is immature, so these babies almost always need care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Common challenges include respiratory distress syndrome, difficulty regulating body temperature, feeding intolerance, and a higher risk of infection. Brain development is also vulnerable, so doctors will monitor for complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage. Parents play a vital role through skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care, which supports bonding and stability even in the NICU setting.

Related: Extremely preterm, NICU