Time may have heal the wounds of my miscarriage but I could never get over my ignorance of premature labour signs. If only I have known more about the signs and symptoms of premature labour, I wouldn’t have suffered a miscarriage 20 weeks into my pregnancy.

I remember sensations of mild cramps on a Friday morning so I went to see my OB that very day. He told me that I might’ve been too stressful, suggests I go back and get some rests. Thinking there’s nothing to be too concerned over, I did what I was told. I went home and catch as much bed rest as I can. However, my cramps felt a bit more painful at night. It didn’t felt any better when I woke up the next morning. Following my OB’s advice diligently, I went about the day trying my best to release stress, put everything aside, relax and get as much bed rest as possible. My cramps felt worst and much more frequent by night time. It was midnight when I started to experience some bleeding so I immediately rushed to the hospital.

The emergency department made a phone call for a stand-by OB to diagnose me. The OB decided my condition does not require him to personally come to the hospital to treat me. Instead he prescribed Panadols to relieve my pain. He said my condition might be due to an Amnio test I did more than 2 weeks ago. I was sent home again.

The next morning, I experienced even more bleeding and the cramps remain. I felt really nervous about it. It just didn’t feel right. So I rushed to the hospital again. My OB did an ultrasound scan and saw that I was suffering placenta separation. I was given an injection to stabilize my condition and was admitted to the hospital for further observation. As the day progresses, the cramping got much more painful and frequent. I ended up suffering a miscarriage at around 2am early the next morning.

It was a painful lesson for me. I learnt one can never be too careful when you’re pregnant. What I thought to have been cramps are actually contraction pains. Below are some common symptoms of premature labour you should be able to spot:

• Menstrual-like cramps with or without diarrhoea, nausea or indigestion that persists
• Premature labour contractions usually occur every ten minutes or so
• Pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvic floor or the groin
• Increased lower back pressure or pain
• Vaginal discharge with tinged pinkish or brownish with blood
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting

If you’re pregnant and experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t wait! Contact your OB immediately. If you are not satisfied with your OB’s diagnosis, seek a second or third opinion. Insist for further check-ups if you are not satisfy with your OB’s explaination.

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