Obstetric Emergencies
Pregnancy problems are assessed straight away rather than through the general queue, because two patients are involved and the situation can change quickly. Labour rooms, theatres and the neonatal unit are on the same floor, so a decision to deliver does not mean a journey.
- Assessed immediately, not through triage queue
- Obstetric theatre available at any hour
- Neonatal unit on the same floor
- Obstetrician and paediatrician called together
Stay
Hours to several days
Duration
Assessed immediately
Anaesthesia
Spinal or general if delivery is needed
About Obstetric Emergencies
The common obstetric emergencies are bleeding, high blood pressure with pre-eclampsia, reduced fetal movements, preterm labour and problems after delivery. Each is assessed with the mother and the baby together: observations, a scan where needed, and monitoring of the baby's heart rate. Where delivery becomes the safest option, everything needed is in the same part of the building.
- Two patients are assessed together, mother and baby
- Reduced movements always warrant assessment, never a wait
- Blood pressure in pregnancy can rise without symptoms
- Bleeding after delivery is the emergency that moves fastest
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about obstetric emergencies. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest obstetric emergencies.
- Bleeding at any stage of pregnancy
- Severe headache, visual disturbance or swelling in pregnancy
- Reduced or absent fetal movements
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Waters breaking before term
- Severe abdominal pain in pregnancy
- Heavy bleeding after delivery
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Immediate assessment
Blood pressure, pulse, urine and abdominal examination, with monitoring of the baby's heart rate straight away.
Investigation
Blood tests and an ultrasound where needed to assess the baby, the placenta and the cause of the problem.
Treatment
Depending on the cause: medication for blood pressure, fluids and blood for bleeding, or steroids where preterm delivery is likely.
Decision on delivery
Where delivery is the safest course, the obstetric and neonatal teams prepare together, with theatre on the same floor.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Come immediately, and call 108 for heavy bleeding or severe symptoms
- Bring your antenatal records and scan reports
- Note when symptoms started and when you last felt the baby move
- Do not eat or drink if bleeding heavily, as surgery may be needed
- Bring somebody with you, as you may be admitted
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Length of stay depends entirely on the problem and whether delivery took place
- Blood pressure is monitored for some time after delivery in pre-eclampsia
- Where preterm labour was stopped, close antenatal follow-up continues
- After significant bleeding, iron and blood counts are checked before discharge
- Report headache, heavy bleeding or fever after going home
Why choose Humayun in an obstetric emergency
In obstetric emergencies the distance between the assessment room, the theatre and the neonatal unit is what matters.
- Pregnant women assessed immediately rather than through the general queue
- Obstetric theatres on the same floor, so an emergency caesarean starts without a transfer
- Neonatal intensive care beside the labour rooms for a baby who needs help
- Obstetric and neonatal teams called together rather than one after the other
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