On the morning of 12/7, a 34-year-old woman, in her second pregnancy at over 37 weeks, went into labor while in a taxi on Truong Chinh street. Her family sought assistance from two officers of the Tan Son Nhat Traffic Police Team, part of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Security's Traffic Police Department, to escort them quickly to Tu Du Hospital.

However, the baby was unexpectedly born in the taxi as the vehicle reached the Truong Chinh - Cach Mang Thang 8 intersection, approximately 5 km from Tu Du Hospital. Recognizing the immediate need for medical attention for both mother and child, the two traffic police officers quickly redirected the taxi to Thong Nhat Hospital, the nearest medical facility at that time. Approximately 10 minutes later, the mother and newborn were admitted to the emergency department. Upon arrival, the baby still had its umbilical cord intact.

On 16/7, Dr. Le Dinh Trieu Giang from the Emergency Department at Thong Nhat Hospital, stated that the medical team promptly assessed and provided care for both the mother and child. The mother was conscious, her vital signs were stable, and there was no abnormal postpartum bleeding. The baby boy was pink and crying loudly.

Doctors kept the infant warm, facilitated skin-to-skin contact with the mother, clamped the umbilical cord, and monitored the baby’s respiration and circulation. Once their condition stabilized, the mother and baby were transferred to Tu Du Hospital for continued specialized care, as Thong Nhat Hospital does not have an obstetrics department.

Mother and baby upon admission to the emergency department at Thong Nhat Hospital. Photo: Hospital provided

According to Tu Du Hospital, the baby boy weighed 2,8 kg and was 48 cm long, with a normal Apgar score, indicating good postnatal adaptation. The baby’s health is currently stable, he is with his mother, and no congenital abnormalities have been noted. The mother continues to receive monitoring and postpartum care.

Doctors stated that the traffic police’s timely intervention in bringing the mother to the nearest medical facility ensured safe management for both mother and baby following the unexpected birth.

Doctors advise pregnant women in the final weeks of pregnancy to go to the hospital immediately if they experience regular and intensifying contractions, bleeding or vaginal fluid discharge, intermittent abdominal pain, or unusual fetal movement. Proactive early hospital admission helps reduce the risk of giving birth en route and limits potential complications that could occur outside a medical facility.

Le Phuong