When to call your doctor or midwife during pregnancy

Call 911 or go to the hospital now

If you have any of these, don't wait for your next appointment.

• Heavy vaginal bleeding. Soaking through a pad every hour for 2 hours or more, or bleeding with fainting or severe pain.
• Fluid gushing or leaking from the vagina. If you think your water may have broken — or you're not sure — call your birthing unit or go to the hospital, especially before 37 weeks.
• Baby is moving less, or not at all. After about 26 weeks, if you feel fewer than 6 movements in 2 hours, or movements have clearly slowed, contact your birthing unit or provider right away or go to the hospital. Don't wait until the next day.
• Severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling. A bad headache that won't go away, blurry vision or seeing spots, pain in the upper belly, or sudden swelling of the face or hands can be signs of preeclampsia.
• Severe or constant belly pain. Sudden, strong or constant pain in your belly.
• Contractions before 37 weeks. Regular tightening or cramps, pelvic pressure, or low back pain that comes and goes before 37 weeks can be early labour.
• Chest pain or trouble breathing. Chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath — call 911.
• Seizure or fainting. A seizure, or passing out — call 911.
• Pain and swelling in one leg. Pain, warmth, redness or swelling in one leg only can be a sign of a blood clot.
• A hard hit to the belly. A fall onto your belly, a car accident or any blow to the abdomen should be checked, even if you feel fine.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department right away. You are not alone, and help is available.