38 weeks still working

Im so sorry you had to experience this. But perhaps this should be brought up again and it doesnt matter if you are private/subsidy the treatment you get should be up to standard. While I understand private would have the one on one or more personalized experience than subsidy. But I hope all the healthcare systems will deliver a better standard. The experience you get was very bad. The scar, the pain and the aftermath should be brought up. What they did was incorrect. Even if they need to go on break, etc there should be other attending nurse/doctor. I do get people feedback that subsidy patients get a very bad treatment. But I would say it depends not all but some. My own friend's wife had a bad experience in KKH, had to come back and hospitalize, reopen stitch and restitch back the torn area. Husband feedback to social worker, doctor in charge and nurse in charge that was on duty during labour.

It is normal. I do have work colleagues that only start their ML once they go in labour. For first time mum it would 99% be late to deliver. Either 39 weeks or latest 41 weeks (subject to individual) It won't trigger your body unless you had your last cervix check (few cm opened), amniotic fluid leaking (unknowingly), signs of mild contractions,etc.