Last week, I had sudden pain in my stomach. The kind of pain feels as though you need to shit all the time with abdominal pain. I called my gynae from Thomson (Dr Wong Heng Fok) and he advised me to go Thomson to check just in case. So I checked myself into the Thomson Delivery suite and was strapped with CTG. The nurse also checked my cervix for the dilation. It was later found that I was currently experiencing early labour as my cervix had already dilated by 2 cm and I had frequent contractions.
Dr Wong was immediately called in and I was put on IV Ventolin drip to stop my contractions. I was also given injection at my bum to help my baby's lungs mature if she was to come out now. I was frequently checked for my blood pressure, temperature and contractions throughout the day until they moved me upstairs where the beds are. They gave me Nifedipine, also known as Adalat to stabilise my womb and antibiotics (preterm may be due to infection)
I had to stay in ward for two days then finally I was discharged from the hospital. I was also given 14 days strict bed rest (hospitalisation leave).
My total bill at the Thomson for 2 days (1 day at 1 bedded room and 1 day at 4 bedded room) cost $2250, less the $900 Medisave.
It is quite agonizing as now it has become a waiting game. I am dependent on the medicine to stop her from coming out. Doctor aims to keep her till she is 35 weeks old. In addition, she is of the lower percentile for her weight (1.975 kg at end of 33 week). 2.5 kg is the preferable weight.
Doctor advises us to consider delivering at KKH as a stay at NICU costs an average of $1200 per day.
So, if you are considering delivering at private versus public hospital, this is my advice.
Private is better in terms of the services. You get to see your gynae faster than public hospital. However, if you are at higher risk of preterm, do re-consider.
The factors that will put you on higher risk of preterm:
1. Past history : You have preterm baby once. Not including giving birth to twins. Having twins and above will definitely be delivered preterm.
2. Have vaginal bleeding during first or second trimester. I had bleeding during second trimester.
3. At age 35 years and above.
My masters thesis at Imperial College was about the causes of preterm delivery and therefore, I know about preterm labour relatively well and am less afraid of having a preterm baby. 33 to 35 weeks is considered late preterm and the chances of survival is very high. Many babies who are delivered at preterm turns up to be as good as normal individuals. I know that because my bro-in-law was delivered preterm at 30 weeks and he is now a successful teacher. My brothers, though they are twins were delivered at around 30 weeks too, weighing only about 1.5 kg turns up to be university graduates and entrepreneurs. There are many many successful stories around too.
So for those to-be mothers who are currently in this situation, don't worry so much. I know the waiting game is agonizing but be patient and calm. All will go well.
