When should you call the midwife during pregnancy?
Most of your questions can usually be answered during your regular appointment with the midwife. Of course, you may experience symptoms or concerns in between appointments that you would like to discuss with us.
If you have symptoms that you cannot explain, feel worried, or have serious concerns, please contact us via the emergency line.
Your midwife is always available during the telephone consultation hours and by email to answer questions that are not urgent but cannot wait until your next appointment.
Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is more common during the first trimester. This is because the area around the vagina and uterus becomes more highly vascularised. If you experience brown or light pink bleeding, you can usually wait and see, as this often does not indicate anything serious. If you experience bright red bleeding, you can always call us, especially after the first trimester. If possible, take a photo with your phone to show the amount of bleeding. In some cases, this can help us make a better assessment.
Reduced fetal movements
From 25 weeks onwards, it is important that you feel your baby moving in the way you are used to. If you notice that your baby is moving less or differently than usual, please contact us via the emergency line.
For more information and tips, see this information leaflet.
One or more of these symptoms after 20 weeks of pregnancy
If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant and experience one or more of the symptoms below, please contact us via the emergency line. These symptoms can sometimes indicate high blood pressure, among other things.
Contractions or loss of amniotic fluid before 37 weeks of pregnancy
If you experience abdominal and/or back pain that is becoming increasingly painful and occurs at regular intervals, please contact us via the emergency line. To help us assess the situation, it is useful to keep track of how often the abdominal pain occurs (how many minutes apart) and how long it lasts (number of seconds/minutes). When your waters break, you may suddenly notice fluid leaking from your vagina. This can be a gush of fluid, but you may also lose small amounts at a time. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and colourless, but it can sometimes be yellow, green or brown. Try to collect some of the fluid so that we can assess it.
If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant and experience one or more of the symptoms below, please contact us via the emergency line. These symptoms can sometimes indicate high blood pressure, among other things.
- Headache (that does not improve with rest, drinking more water or 1,000 mg of paracetamol)
- Seeing spots or flashes of light
- Vomiting
- A feeling of tightness around your head or upper abdomen
- Pain in your upper abdomen or between your shoulder blades
- Sudden swelling, particularly in your face
- Tingling fingers
Contractions or loss of amniotic fluid before 37 weeks of pregnancy
If you experience abdominal and/or back pain that is becoming increasingly painful and occurs at regular intervals, please contact us via the emergency line. To help us assess the situation, it is useful to keep track of how often the abdominal pain occurs (how many minutes apart) and how long it lasts (number of seconds/minutes). When your waters break, you may suddenly notice fluid leaking from your vagina. This can be a gush of fluid, but you may also lose small amounts at a time. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and colourless, but it can sometimes be yellow, green or brown. Try to collect some of the fluid so that we can assess it.
During pregnancy, please contact us if you experience any of the following:
