Articles

Key takeaways

• Trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong.
• Know when to call your GP or midwife versus emergency services.
• Seek immediate help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, or vision changes.
• Your mental health and safety are just as important as your physical health.

Knowing when to seek help during pregnancy

Most pregnancies are healthy and straightforward. However, you may still experience some discomfort or health issues. You might be able to manage many of these issues yourself. Most issues should get better on their own or with help from your midwife, GP, or pharmacist. Your pregnancy experience is unique to you. It is important to know when to seek medical help.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you are pregnant and have concerns, contact your midwife or GP.

• Before 12 weeks – contact your GP or your local early pregnancy service. If your GP is closed, phone 111.
• 12 weeks or after – contact your local maternity service. If you are not registered with the maternity service, contact your GP or NHS 24 on 111.

Urgent symptoms that require immediate medical care

Some symptoms mean you need immediate medical attention. Call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you experience any of these.

Heavy vaginal bleeding

If you are pregnant and bleeding heavily, call 999. Heavy bleeding means soaking a sanitary pad soon after putting it on. The bleeding is likely red or dark red and may contain clots. If you have heavy bleeding with or without severe pain, phone for an ambulance immediately. If you have been told your placenta is sitting low in your womb (a low-lying placenta), you may need emergency treatment. This is especially important if you experience heavy bleeding.

Severe pain

Call 999 if you have severe pain in your tummy. This is pain so intense you cannot focus on daily tasks. Other signs include:

• Pain in your shoulder
• Feeling sick
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Losing consciousness

If the pain or bleeding is severe, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Chest pain, breathlessness, or fainting

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a fluttering or pounding feeling in your chest (heart palpitations) and chest pain. Also seek immediate help if you have breathlessness, fainting, or feel faint or dizzy. Feeling faint or dizzy is common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, call 999 or go to A&E if you also have:

• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Vaginal bleeding
• Tummy pain
• Blurred vision
• A headache

Seizures

Call 999 if you or someone else who is pregnant has a seizure. Do not drive yourself to A&E. The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice or will send an ambulance for you.

Signs of a stroke

Problems with vision can be a symptom of a pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia. These include blurring, flashing lights, or difficulty focusing. This condition needs careful monitoring. In some pregnancies, it can lead to serious health problems for you and your baby. In rare cases, the high blood pressure from pre-eclampsia can affect the blood supply to the brain. This can lead to a stroke. This can sometimes be caused by a bleed on the brain (a cerebral haemorrhage), which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms that mean you should call your GP or midwife

Some serious symptoms need prompt medical advice. Contact your midwife, GP, or maternity unit straight away for these.

Signs of pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition that needs to be checked immediately. It can be dangerous for you and your baby if not treated and monitored. Call your midwife, maternity unit, or NHS 111 straight away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Severe headache – A very bad headache that will not go away. It may also affect your vision.
• Vision problems – such as blurring or seeing flashing lights.
• Pain just below your ribs – persistent pain in this area.
• Vomiting – being sick.
• Sudden increase in swelling – of your face, hands, feet, or ankles.
• Heartburn – that does not go away with antacid medicine.
• A general feeling of being unwell – feeling unusually unwell or 'not right'.

Changes in your baby's movements

Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well.

If you notice your baby is moving less or has stopped moving, it may be a sign they are not well.

Contact your maternity unit immediately if you notice any of the following changes in your baby's movements:

• They are moving less.
• Their movements feel weaker.
• They have stopped moving.

There are staff on the maternity unit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not wait until the next day to get checked.

Never go to sleep ignoring a reduction or change in your baby's movements. Do not rely on home devices or apps to assess your baby's movements.

Leaking amniotic fluid

If you notice fluid coming from your vagina, contact your midwife or maternity unit. This could be your waters breaking. If you notice a big gush of liquid, a small leak, or feel worried, you should call your maternity unit as soon as possible.

The midwife will ask about the colour and amount of fluid and advise you. Leaking urine is common in pregnancy. However, if you think your waters may have broken, contact your midwife or maternity unit. Depending on your circumstances and how far along you are in your pregnancy, you will usually be advised to go to the hospital for a check-up straight away.

Signs of infection with leaking fluid

If your vaginal discharge shows any of the following signs, it is not normal and may indicate an infection or other issue:

• It is coloured (yellow, green).
• It has blood in it (red, pink, brown).
• It smells strange.

Contact your maternity unit or labour ward as soon as possible for advice.

The membranes form a protective barrier around the baby. After they break, there is a risk of infection getting into your womb (chorioamnionitis). This infection can cause early labour or lead to a serious infection (sepsis) for you or your baby.

Symptoms of infection include:

• Raised temperature – over 37.5°C.
• Flu-like symptoms – feeling hot and shivery.
• Vaginal bleeding – any bleeding.
• Greenish or smelly fluid – if the leaking fluid becomes greenish or smelly.
• Contractions or cramping pain – pain in your tummy or back.
• Reduced baby movement – if your baby is moving less or movements are weaker.

Persistent vomiting

If you are vomiting frequently and cannot keep food down, tell your midwife or GP. There is a risk you may become dehydrated. Getting help early can help you avoid dehydration and weight loss.

Call your midwife, GP, or 111 if you are vomiting and:

• Having very dark-coloured urine or not having a wee in more than 8 hours – These are signs of dehydration.
• Unable to keep food or fluids down – for 24 hours.
• Weakness or dizziness – feel very weak, dizzy, or faint when standing up.
• Pain in your tummy (abdominal pain) – especially if it is severe or persistent.
• A temperature of 38°C or above – which could indicate an infection.
• Losing weight

Protecting your mental health and personal safety

Mental health problems during and after pregnancy are common. It is important to seek help if you are concerned about symptoms. Help is available from health professionals. This includes GPs, midwives, health visitors, and mental health services.

Mental health concerns

Some level of anxiety is normal in parenthood. Seek help if you feel anxious most of the day for several days a week.

This is especially important if it lasts for more than two weeks. Also seek help if it impacts your ability to continue your normal life.

Consider these questions to spot signs that you or a loved one may need help:

• Do you have new feelings and thoughts that disturb or make you anxious?
• Are you experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming yourself?
• Are you thinking you are a bad mum, cannot cope, or feel disconnected from your baby?
• Do you feel you are getting worse?

If you answer yes to any of these, contact a support service for professional help. For mild anxiety or low mood, your GP may suggest seeing how you feel over the next two weeks before suggesting treatment. They may also offer self-help guides or a referral to talking therapy services.

Urgent mental health help

If you have thoughts of self-harming or suicide, get help right away.

• Contact your local A&E department or emergency GP service.
• Call The Samaritans on 116 123.
• Text the word SHOUT to 85258.

Domestic abuse and personal safety

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and pregnancy can sometimes be a trigger. It is not your fault, and help is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are unable to talk, press 55 after dialling. You can also call 101 in a non-emergency situation to report previous incidents or get advice.

Your midwife or GP will ask you about domestic abuse in a safe and private way, usually when you are on your own.

Specialist support is available:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Call 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential advice. This includes help with money, housing and safety, as well as your legal rights.
• Refuge – Their website has information and advice on how to support someone experiencing domestic abuse.
• Women's Aid – Find your local service for help in your area. They also have The Survivors Handbook with information on housing, money, and legal rights.

If you are worried someone might see you have visited these pages, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online. It is also a good idea to turn off any location settings on your phone.

If you decide to leave your home with your children, it can be helpful to let the police know. This is a precaution that can help to keep you and your children safe.