I am worried about my pregnancy
If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, no matter how small or big an issue you feel it is, please contact your midwife – they are there for you and want to hear from you!
Call your midwife if you experience any of the following:
- Spotting or light bleeding.
- Constant vomiting.
- Leaking fluid.
- Painful urination.
- Persistent severe headache.
- Swelling in your face, hands or legs.
- Contractions or cramps.
- Itching, especially on your hands and feet.
- Sharp or continuing abdominal pain.
- Pelvic pain.
- Blurred vision or seeing spots.
- Your baby’s movement slowing down or pattern changes.
- High temperature.
Get help
Contact your midwife – you will find the number for your local midwife and local labour ward on the front of your pregnancy notes.
You can also contact your GP practice about any of the above symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, of if you have noticed any change or reduction in your baby’s movements, contact your labour ward immediately. The contact details will be in your notes / app.
The Tommy’s Midwives’ Helpline is a free-phone line open 9-5, Monday to Friday for anyone who needs advice, reassurance or support on any pregnancy or planning for pregnancy issue, including mental health. The number is 0800 0147 800.
Important
Please do not rely on unregulated pregnancy apps for advice or use home fetal heart dopplers for reassurance, contact your midwife or triage unit instead
Trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, even if it is not on this list, contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If you are unable to contact your midwife or maternity unit, contact NHS 111.
When to call 999 in an emergency
There may be instances where you need to call 999 for emergency treatment, such as:
- Your midwife has advised you to call 999.
- The birth is happening faster than expected, and there is a strong urge to push.
- Fresh and heavy bleeding (more than an egg-cup full) and continuing.
- Sudden onset of severe and continuous abdominal pain.
- Waters have broken, and your baby’s cord is noticeable outside the vagina.
Other medical emergencies such as breathing difficulties, chest pain or fitting.
Further advice and frequently asked questions can be found on the North West Ambulance Service website.
Mental health support during pregnancy
Mental health problems are very common in the perinatal period, they can be very distressing for the parent and wider family and can have a huge impact on the parenting experience.
It is important to remember, though, that perinatal mental health problems are treatable and there is a great deal of support and help available.
Do not delay in asking for mental health help.
Spotting the early signs that you are struggling with your mental health can reduce the risk of further deterioration, the risk of complications and can lead to a smoother and quicker recovery.
Greater Manchester Specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Teams
If you’re struggling with your mental health, the specialist perinatal community mental health team is a service for women experiencing moderate-severe mental health problems in the perinatal period, and for those with a past or family history of moderate to severe mental health difficulties.
The teams are provided by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and work in close partnership with parent infant mental health services, maternity, and a wide range of other services in every borough to support women, their infants, and families across Greater Manchester.
Find out more and how to contact a team here.
Useful resources
