You may be unsure as to when you’re experiencing a pregnancy emergency.
You may be unsure as to when you’re experiencing a pregnancy emergency.
Click on your symptoms below to find out what it could be and what you should do.
Most women will experience nausea/vomiting to some degree especially in the first trimester. This usually settles by 12-16 weeks. Persistent symptoms so bad that you cannot keep anything down can lead to dehydration. This is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Bleeding while pregnant is never normal. It could be something simple such as mild cervical infection or a small tear from intercourse BUT is can also be something severe (miscarriage, placenta praevia or abruption) and potentially life-threatening. It ALWAYS needs to be checked out.
Call the office. You will always be asked to come in for assessment – either to the rooms or to labour ward.
After hours:
<20w go to the Emergency Unit
>20w go to Labour Ward
It could just be discharge because of a vaginal infection but leaking amniotic fluid (broken waters) needs to be ruled out. A gush of fluid could be a little bit of incontinence but can also be the waters breaking which is not OK before 37 weeks.
Call the office.
Call the labour ward (CBMH).
Call the labour ward (MCCT).
Depending on your gestation and symptoms you may be asked to come in for an examination.
Round ligament pains (constant aching on the sides of the lower abdomen) and Braxton Hicks contractions (uncomfortable but not painful, IRREGULAR contractions) are common and not of concern. If the pain becomes regular and more frequent and often is associated with lower back pain, those are likely contractions!
For round ligament pain take some paracetamol and try lying on your side for relief.
If you are experiencing contractions:
36 weeks come to labour ward urgently
>36 weeks come to labour ward if they are less than 5 minutes apart.
As baby gets closer to full term you may find the kicks and punches you are used to become less pronounced. They may feel more like stretching and rolling movements. That is ok. BUT baby still needs to have at least 10 movements in a day. If baby’s movements are decreased and/or make you worry we need to check on your baby.
Please come to the Labour Ward urgently for a CTG test to check that baby is doing fine.
Urinary tract infections are very common in pregnancy and easily treated.
Call the office with signs of an early infection.
After hours or if you also have fevers and/or loin pain:
<20w come to the emergency unit
>20w come to labour ward
Lower leg swelling is a very common ailment of pregnancy, mostly worse in the evenings. You may also find your hands more swollen when you wake up in the mornings. Unfortunately, these are things you will need to endure. What is not normal is severe swelling of the fingers and face, especially if it comes on suddenly. This could be a sign of pre-eclampsia and needs to be checked urgently.
Office hours: Call the office urgently
After hours: Come to labour ward urgently
Are very common in pregnancy. The headache that worries a doctor is the one that does not go away with Panado® and a good hour or 2 of rest in a cool quiet space. This could be a sign of elevated blood pressure.
Please call the rooms or come to labour ward.
Your eye sight may deteriorate in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, sudden blurred vision or seeing stars is not normal and may be a sign of high blood pressure.
Please call the rooms or come to labour ward.
Cramping of the legs (especially at night) is a very common pregnancy symptom and is helped by taking supplemental calcium and magnesium. Swelling of one leg with pain and the leg feeling warmer than the other could be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis.
Please call the rooms urgently to be checked out.
Click on the number to dial directly.
CBMH:
Emergency Unit: 021 441 0116
Maternity: 021 4410217
Click on the number to dial directly.
Tel: 021 300 5371
Address:
Suite 1200
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital
25 DF Malan Street
Foreshore
Cape Town
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