You feel prepared, but hold on. Do you know when you should actually leave for the hospital? Are you aware of the difference between pre-labour and labour?
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Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr. Koh Gim Hwee at Raffles Womens Centre says that childbirth can take just a few minutes or many hours. It's not as cookie-cutter as you might imagine.
Pre-labour symptoms can be unique to different individuals, says Dr. Koh.
Well, if that's the case, how can you be sure you're in labour? Dr. Koh gives us four pre-labour symptoms you should notice before heading to the hospital:
- Persistent lower back or abdominal pain, often accompanied by a crampy premenstrual feeling
- Vaginal bleeding called show (a brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge). If you pass out the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, labour could be imminent or days away
- Painful contractions that occur at regular intervals, each lasting only 30 seconds
- Clear water flowing from the vagina (broken water bag), but you're in labour only if it is accompanied by painful contractions
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You should contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your water bag breaks, or if you suspect youre leaking amniotic fluid your baby is moving less than usual.
- You have vaginal bleeding (unless its just a small amount of blood-tinged mucous).
- You have fever, severe headaches, changes in your vision and/or abdominal pain.
These may signal an emergency and would require immediate medical attention.
Dr. Koh Gim Hwee is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Raffles Womens Centre in Raffles Hospital, a tertiary care hospital and the flagship of the Raffles Medical Group, a leading private healthcare provider in Singapore and South East Asia.
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