Pregnancy - when to seek help from a doctor
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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During the last trimester of pregnancy, immediately call for an ambulance when:
- severe vaginal bleeding;
- severe pain in the abdominal cavity;
- leakage of the fluid of the fetal bladder or suspected of prolapsed umbilical cord. If this happens, sit on your knees and lift the pelvis above your head to reduce pressure on the umbilical cord before the ambulance arrives. Umbilical prolapse is dangerous for the fetus, as it can block blood circulation (these methods are applicable from 24 weeks gestation).
At any time of pregnancy, you should seek help from a doctor if:
- signs of pre-eclampsia (a life-threatening condition);
- sudden swelling of the face, hands and feet;
- visual impairment;
- severe headache;
- pain or fever with vaginal bleeding;
- excretion of tissue from the uterus;
- increase in temperature;
- vomit more than 3 times a day or with severe nausea during meals and fluids, especially when there is pain and temperature at the same time;
- a sudden flow of fluid from the vagina (often take an involuntary discharge of urine for the amniotic fluid).
Immediately go to the hospital when:
- sharp swelling of the face, hands and feet;
- any vaginal bleeding or increased vaginal discharge;
- pain in the abdominal cavity, which do not pass a long time;
- observation of the body's itching (first in the evening, then throughout the day), accompanied by a change in the color of urine, pale stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- painful and frequent urination, changes in color, consistency and smell of urine;
- an unusual sense of weakness.
If you are on the 20-37 week of pregnancy, immediately go to the hospital at the first sign of premature birth:
- moderate bouts (with or without diarrhea);
- regular battles for an hour (4 times in 20 minutes or 8 for an hour), even if you can drink water and rest;
- pain in the lower back or abdominal cavity of a new nature.
If you are on the 20th-37th week of pregnancy, immediately go to the hospital if:
- You no longer feel the movement of the child or notice a decrease in fetal activity;
- the soreness of the uterus is observed and the temperature rises (the cause is not known).
After 37 weeks of pregnancy, go to the hospital when:
- vaginal bleeding;
- Regular battles for an hour (4 times in 20 minutes or 8 for an hour);
- sudden vaginal discharge of fluid;
- decrease in fetal activity or stopping the movement.
At any time of pregnancy, contact your doctor at the first sign of severe vaginal discharge, which is accompanied by itching of the body, burning or strange odor.
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