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When to contact your midwife

When to ring, and when to come straight in

There are some things in pregnancy that can wait until your next appointment, and there are some that should not wait at all. This page sets out the symptoms that should prompt you to ring the maternity unit straight away, day or night.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, ring us. We would always rather see you for reassurance than have you wait.

Contact the hospital immediately if…

  • Your baby’s movements are reduced or feel different from your baby’s usual pattern. Do not wait. Do not rely on home doppler kits.
  • Your waters break — ring the hospital and attend for assessment. We need to confirm that your waters have gone, check the colour of the fluid, record your baby’s heartbeat and make a plan.
  • You have any bright red, period-like bleeding — bleeding in pregnancy is not normal and should be assessed.
  • You have a fall or any trauma to the abdomen — you may need examination and, if you are rhesus negative, an anti-D injection.
  • You think you are in labour — if you have strong, painful, regular contractions, come into hospital. If you have a history of rapid labours, come in without delay.
  • You feel generally unwell — fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache that doesn’t lift, or sudden swelling of the hands, face or feet.

Red flag symptoms, what each one means

Reduced or changed foetal movements

Always seek help immediately. Your baby’s pattern of movement is the most important thing to monitor in the third trimester. See Foetal Movement Awareness for more.

Bleeding can have many causes — some are serious, some are not. Always have it assessed. If you are Rhesus Negative you may require an anti-D injection.

Sometimes this is a “gush,” sometimes a steady trickle. Even if you’re unsure, ring us so we can confirm and plan.

Severe or persistent headache + visual disturbance, swelling, or pain under your ribs These can be signs of pre-eclampsia. Don’t take painkillers and ignore it – ring.

Possible urinary tract infection. UTIs need prompt treatment in pregnancy. See the UTI page.

Can be a sign of obstetric cholestasis (a liver condition). See the Obstetric Cholestasis page.

Possible infection or sepsis — see the Sepsis & Serious Infection page. Ring straight away.

Possible preterm labour. Ring immediately.

Even if you feel fine afterwards, you should be assessed.

This counts. Ring us.

Before you go home from a hospital visit

Prior to discharge home, make sure you’ve had answers to anything you’re unsure about. Common questions to clarify:

  • Next appointment
  • Outstanding laboratory results
  • Signs of labour
  • Foetal movements
  • Waters breaking
  • Bleeding
  • Severe headaches / swollen hands / feet
  • Infection
  • Any other concerns

If you have a query, ask your doctor or midwife before going home.