🚨 7 red-flag reasons to head straight to labor & delivery

7 signs to keep on your radar

• Regular painful contractions: follow your maternity team’s individual advice, especially before 37 weeks.
• Waters breaking: contact the maternity unit promptly; do not wait for a fixed interval.
• Vaginal bleeding: contact the maternity team promptly; heavy bleeding needs emergency help.
• Reduced or changed baby movements: contact the maternity unit immediately, even at night.
• A fall or blow to the abdomen: contact the maternity team for assessment.
• Fever or feeling unwell: seek prompt maternity advice.
• Induction or overdue pregnancy: follow your individual appointment and assessment plan.

What should you do?

1. 1. Call first

   Follow your own maternity team’s plan for contractions or fluid leakage. Report the time, colour and smell of fluid, gestational age, bleeding, fever and baby’s movements. Do not delay assessment to shower or pack.

2. 2. Urgent warning signs

   Reduced or stopped baby movements, bleeding, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, fever or concerning fluid need immediate maternity advice. Do not wait for the next day or use a home Doppler for reassurance.

3. 3. Emergency

   Call 000 for heavy bleeding, collapse, seizure, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or imminent birth when travel is unsafe. Do not drive yourself in an emergency.

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• ❓ What happens after a trip to maternity triage?
• ⏳ Understanding labour stages and cervical dilation
• 💉 The epidural: how it works and why it helps