The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at KUMC is divided into obstetrics, gynecologic cancer, endocrinology, and general gynecology for the operation of a more professional treatment via high-risk pregnancy clinics, ovarian cancer clinics, adolescent-single women clinics, menopause clinics, and sex clinics, as well as delivery room, ultrasound lab, and prenatal unit. Minimally invasive surgery is performed for gynecologic endoscopic surgery and uterine artery embolization for fibroid treatment. 

The delivery room follows the principle of a family-centered delivery, in which the labor room accommodates one person, and the mother's family is allowed to enter the labor room in order to help in alleviating her labor pain. We introduced the "central monitoring system", which allows the doctors and nurses to assess the conditions of the mothers and their babies in each room. Inside the Family Delivery Room (LDR), a delivery bed, which became famous after the Japanese crowned princess used it, is readily available and the expectant mothers can go into labor, give birth, and receive postpartum care all in one place. A room is also made available where mothers and newborns can stay together after the mother gives birth. In 2000, our active encouragement for breastfeeding has given us the opportunity to be selected as a "Baby-Friendly Hospital" by UNICEF. 

Delivery Room

We are actively supporting natural childbirth.

In principle, the family members of the patient are allowed to enter the labor room and participate in the delivery by providing support to the mother while she is in labor to reduce her pain and overcome her fear. Furthermore, the husbands can actively participate in childbirth, as he stays alongside the mother to hear their baby's heartbeat immediately after delivery and cut the umbilical cord. 

Mothers are not expected to lie on the bed during labor, and they can take any position they want with a ball or a swing chair, as we encourage them to perform a mild exercise. They can also enjoy a comfortable delivery while listening to their favorite music. Here at KUMC, we offer Leboyer method, sophrology, birthing ball, swing chair, and painless delivery. 

① Leboyer Method: This refers to a birthing method that focuses on the mother's pain and considers the baby during the childbirth process. When the baby is suddenly pushed out of the mother's warm belly, the following process will significantly reduce the stress on the baby. In consideration of the newborn's hearing, a quiet environment is made ready. In addition, the delivery is performed in a very dim light where only the shape can be seen to allow ample adjustment to the newborn's vision. In order to adjust the newborn's sense of touch, the baby is placed on the mother's belly to feel her temperature immediately after the birth. In consideration for the newborn's breathing, the umbilical cord is cut slowly.

② Sophrology: This method is used to reduce the pain by creating a positive image that the childbirth is a joy through imagery training. This relaxation technique enables the mother to tense and loosen her muscle, while abdominal breathing delivers sufficient oxygen to the baby and stimulates the activity of the uterus. 

③ Birthing Ball Delivery: During this process, the mother takes various positions on the ball by using its elasticity and softness. 

④ Swing Chair Delivery: The swing chair refers to a special chair that the mother can use to sit in a prone position without pressing or stimulating her belly. When she swings back and forth, the head of the fetus will lean directly toward the pelvis for easy entry and reduced pain. The mother's family can massage her back, which will also help in alleviating her pain. 

⑤ Painless Delivery: This is a method of injecting a local anesthetic to the mother's spine when her cervix has dilated to about 3-4cm. The mother's muscles become relaxed while the motor nerve remains intact, so that a natural delivery is possible without causing pain. The labor can progress quickly; however, the blood pressure of the mother may be lowered, causing the fetus to suffer.

Gynecology

The Department of Gynecology provides diagnosis, as well as surgical and pharmacological treatment, of benign gynecologic conditions (e.g., uterine fibroid, adenomyosis, benign ovarian tumor, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, endometriosis, and uterine prolapse) and malignant diseases (e.g., ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine sarcoma). We also identify and treat gynecologic endocrine disorders in adolescents, single women, and women of childbearing age, as well as any symptoms that lead to menopause.

① Laparoscopic Surgery: This is performed for uterine fibroid, uterine adenomyosis, benign ovarian tumor, and endometriosis. Meanwhile, single-port laparoscopy is the advanced technique used in laparoscopic surgery.