When To Call The Office

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be normal occurrences during pregnancy.  They can also be signs of problems that require medical attention.  It is possible to become dehydrated during this time.  If you experience persistent nausea and vomiting for over 24 hours, please call the office for advice.

Pain with urination

 Urinating more frequently typically occurs during pregnancy.  Notify us if you are experiencing burning or pain with urination or if urinating in very small amounts.

Abdominal pain and cramping

Mild cramping or discomforts can be normal in early pregnancy as your uterus grows and stretches.  Severe cramping or abdominal pain can be signs of threatening miscarriage.  If you are between 24 and 36 weeks, report more than 4-6 contractions in an hour.

Bleeding

Any bleeding should be reported to us.  If you are near your due date, light bleeding/spotting may follow an exam done in the office.  If you experience heavy bleeding like a period at any time, call immediately.

Leaking of fluid

Sudden gush of fluid or persistent leaking from the vagina should be reported immediately or if you think your water breaks.

Decreased fetal movement

Fetal movements are normally felt by 20-22 weeks of pregnancy.  You should feel some fetal movements daily.  After 28 weeks gestation we would like you to count fetal movements.  Call if there are fewer than 10 movements in 3 hours, if overall the fetus’s movements are slowing and it takes longer to note 10 movements, if fewer than 3 movements in 8 hours, or no movement is felt.  To perform “kick counts”, begin by counting at same time daily preferable one hour after a meal.  Lie quietly on your side.  Record the first 10 kicks.  Movement varies considerably, but most women feel fetal movement at least 10 times in 3 hours.

Other times to call

Fever or chills that cannot be easily explained by cold or flu symptoms needs to be reported.  Temperature of 101.0 degrees not relieved by Tylenol.  After the 24th week you need to report persistent headaches or any visual changes, upper abdominal pain, or swelling of hand and feet that does not resolve after rest.