When should I call my doctor or midwife?
Pregnancy is a very daunting period and it is important to know when to consult your healthcare practitioner,
You should call your doctor or midwife if you:
- Have bleeding from your vagina any time during your pregnancy. Bleeding in pregnancy is never normal and should always be given attention.
- Have fluid leaking from your vagina as this could indicate preterm labour. If you are near term this could be the early stages of labour, but if the fluid is green in colour this is cause for concern.
- Don’t feel your baby move around as much as it used to
- Have back or belly pain that doesn’t get better with things you can try yourself, such as resting or changing your position.
- Feel faint or dizzy
- Have heartburn that doesn’t get better when you take an antacid medicine
- Have a headache that doesn’t get better after you rest for an hour in a dark, quiet room
- Have pain when you urinate or blood in your urine
- Have a fever
- Have contractions that get stronger and more frequent
- Have pain when you breathe
- See dark spots or flashes of light, or have blurry vision
- Have concerns about a change in your health (for example, vomiting or a new rash)
- Are feeling depressed or overly anxious.
Yours in health
Dr Leneque Lindeque (MBChB, FCOG(SA), Mmed(O&G))
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Netcare Alberlito Hospital
Ballito
Tel: (032) 586 0723
