Shoreline Midwives

What dangers should I watch out for during my pregnancy?

Bleeding from the vagina
This is different from a sticky brown streaked "show" which can be normal in the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy. At any time if you suspect blood and are worried please call your midwife to discuss.

If you are less than 22 weeks you can be seen in the Acute Gynaecology Assessment Unit at Christchurch Women's Hospital. If you are over 24 weeks you will need to be assessed on Birthing Suite at CWH. Please phone your midwife first.

Abdominal pain  that is severe or constant.

Headache that is sudden or severe, appears across the front of you head above the eyes, does not resolve with paracetamol and can sometimes occur with flashing lights in front of the eyes.
It is particularly important that you discuss any of these symptoms with your midwife especially if you have had raised or high blood pressure or protein in your urine, detected at routine antenatal visits.

Decreased or absent movements from baby
Or if you have an unexpected change of baby's pattern of movement.
After 24 weeks you should feel your baby moving at least 10 times between 9am and 9pm.
Babies will often "slow" down in their movements in the last few weeks before they are due to arrive. However while the movements may not be as "sharp" or "strong" as they have been, you should still experience at least 10 movements per day.