In Case of Emergency

Occasionally, problems arise in even the smoothest of pregnancies. Some may have “at home” remedies, while others are worth mentioning to the midwife immediately.

Contractions, or the hardening of your uterus, like the baby is balling up or like your body is “shrink-wrapping” over your baby. Some are normal, but more than four an hour may be worrisome if combined with a low unrelenting back pain, pelvic pressure, a heavy mucous vaginal discharge, and/or intermittent low abdominal cramping. If this occurs before 37 weeks, your body may be trying to go into labor prematurely. Please drink three tall glasses of fluid, make sure your bladder is empty, then lie down on your left side. If these do not subside in one hour, call the midwife.

A change in your baby’s movements, especially if he/she is unusually quiet. Please drink a large glass of something sugary, like juice, then lie down on your left side and have someone talk to your tummy, or place a radio next to your belly. If you do not feel movement within30 minutes, call the midwife.

If you experience any of the following, please call the office or the midwife on call:
 
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
  • Fever of more than 100.5 that does not go away within a few hours of taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Painful urination, bad headaches, vision problems (seeing “flashes” or spots, double vision)
  • Any motor vehicle accident
  • A painful fall, especially if you hit your abdomen
  • Unusual environmental exposures (chemical, fumes, smoke from fires)
  • Human or animal bites
  • Bleeding onto your underwear or pad

Please call if you experience any of these things prior to 37 weeks:
 
  • Fluid or gushes from your vagina that don’t appear to be normal discharge or that don’t smell of urine
  • Constant pelvic pressure, especially if accompanied by the desire to push or bear down

If you call the office after regular office hours (Monday-Thursday 9:00-5:00, Friday 9:00-3:00) please be sure to speak to a real person, do not leave a message.

If you have not heard from the midwife within 15 minutes, please call the answering service again.