When to call your midwife

Please page us if you experience any of the following symptoms in pregnancy or any time you have urgent concerns.  There are many aches and pains that are normal in pregnancy.  Therefore, what you are concerned about may not be a “danger” sign.  However, it is important that any of the following signs be assessed:

  • Bleeding from your vagina (a small amount may be normal after a vaginal exam or sexual intercourse)
  • Severe pain in your belly
  • Sudden severe swelling of hands and face
  • Severe headaches, blurry vision, feeling dizzy
  • Fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Farenheit)
  • Water breaking/ rupture of membranes (pay attention to the quantity, colour, and possibly the odour of the water)
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Pain or burning when urinating (going pee)
  • Much less movement from your baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy (if eating, drinking sweet fluids or rest does not make it better)

CAUTIONS DURING PREGNANCY

In order to avoid infection with bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, you should:

  • Avoid changing cat litter and gardening without gloves
  • Avoid eating raw/rare meat
  • Avoid eating unpasteurized cheese or milk products
  • Wash your hands regularly, particularly if working in contact with children

You should also avoid:

  • eating most fish more than once a week, and eating large fish (like fresh tuna and swordfish) more than 1-2 times a month
  • raising your core body temperature above 38 degrees C. (for example, spending extended time in whirlpools/saunas)