Pregnancy - when to seek medical help

During the last trimester of pregnancy, call an ambulance immediately if:

• heavy vaginal bleeding;
• severe pain in the abdominal cavity;
• leakage of amniotic fluid or if you suspect that the umbilical cord has prolapsed. If this happens, sit on your knees and raise your pelvis above your head to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord until the ambulance arrives. Umbilical cord prolapse is dangerous for the fetus because it can block blood circulation (these methods are applicable from the 24th week of pregnancy).

At any stage of pregnancy, you should seek help from a doctor in the event of:

• signs of preeclampsia (a life-threatening condition);
• sudden swelling of the face, arms and legs;
• visual impairment;
• severe headache;
• pain or fever with vaginal bleeding;
• tissue discharge from the uterus;
• increase in temperature;
• vomiting more than 3 times a day or severe nausea while eating and drinking, especially with simultaneous pain and fever;
• a sudden flow of fluid from the vagina (often mistaken for amniotic fluid).

Go to the hospital immediately if:

• severe swelling of the face, arms and legs;
• any vaginal bleeding or increased vaginal discharge;
• abdominal pain that does not go away for a long time;
• observation of itching of the body (first in the evening, then throughout the day), accompanied by a change in the color of urine, pale stool, or yellowing of the skin or eyes;
• painful and frequent urination, changes in the color, consistency and smell of urine;
• an unusual feeling of weakness.

If you are 20-37 weeks pregnant, go to the maternity hospital immediately at the first signs of premature labor:

• moderate contractions (with or without diarrhea);
• regular contractions over the course of an hour (4 times in 20 minutes or 8 over the course of an hour), even if you can drink water and rest;
• new types of lower back or abdominal pain.

If you are between 20 and 37 weeks pregnant, go to the maternity hospital immediately if:

• you no longer feel the baby moving or notice a decrease in fetal activity;
• there is pain in the uterus and the temperature rises (the cause is unknown).

After 37 weeks of pregnancy, go to the maternity hospital if:

• vaginal bleeding;
• regular contractions throughout the hour (4 times in 20 minutes or 8 within an hour);
• sudden vaginal discharge of fluid;
• decreased fetal activity or cessation of fetal movement.

At any stage of pregnancy, contact your doctor at the first sign of heavy vaginal discharge, accompanied by itching, burning, or a strange odor.

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