On June 10, Doctor Pham Van Soan, Deputy Head of Department A2, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, reported that the patient experienced abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with signs of premature labor, fetal distress, and a risk of uterine rupture. "This is a severe obstetric complication that could threaten the lives of both mother and fetus," the doctor stated.

The patient recounted that she had "only learned about her pregnancy one week prior." She had no unusual symptoms before that and self-administered abortion pills at home. When she saw no desired effect, she continued to take about 10 more pills.

According to the doctor, this was a very rare case, fortunately detected and managed promptly. Currently, the mother and baby are stable, with the infant being monitored in the neonatology department.

Illustration: Quynh Tran.

According to the doctor, many people discover their pregnancy late, typically under 20 weeks. "Cases of late pregnancy detection beyond 30 weeks, like this one, are uncommon and abortion at such a stage is very dangerous."

Women with unexpected missed periods should seek early medical examination to determine if they are pregnant, the location and condition of the fetus, and to check their own health. This allows for planning appropriate prenatal care. Late pregnancy detection causes mothers to miss important screening milestones, increasing the risk of fetal abnormalities, intrauterine growth restriction, or complications such as preterm birth and placental abruption.

Women with a history of multiple cesarean sections, central placenta previa, or placenta accreta should adhere to their prenatal check-up schedule. They should proactively seek hospital admission immediately if any unusual signs appear.

Sexually active individuals should proactively equip themselves with knowledge about reproductive health, safe contraception, and responsibility. Under no circumstances should individuals self-medicate or use any methods to terminate a pregnancy without a doctor's prescription.

Thuy An