Disclaimer: This does not take the place of seeking medical advice. I strongly encourage you to discuss these reasons and others with your OB Provider.
As a Labor and Delivery Nurse for 12 + years, this information has become second nature and I quote it at discharge to every woman that leaves the Labor and Delivery Department pregnant.
You should always strive to get to the Labor and Delivery Department of the hospital in which you plan to deliver, or at least one in which your OB provider has privileges. Here are the reasons to go to Labor and Delivery.
1. Vaginal Bleeding
I’m not referring to spotting or blood tinged discharge. I’m talking about bleeding like the start of a menstrual cycle or as if you cut yourself.
You may see spotting up to 48 hours after vaginal intercourse or a sterile vaginal exam.
Vaginal bleeding could be a sign of placenta abruption, which is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. A placenta abruption is an OBSTETRICAL EMERGENCY.
2. You Think Your Water is Broke
Your “water bag” consists of two layers, the amnion and the chorion. It serves as protection to the baby from the outside environment. When it breaks, that protective barrier is compromised and the risk of infection starts to grow.
It could be a large gush or a small trickle, either way you should proceed to Labor and Delivery ASAP.
If you are ever in question, put a panty liner or pad on and if it saturates within the hour, head to the Labor and Delivery Department of the hospital in which you plan to deliver as soon as possible.
3. Decreased Fetal Movement
Babies go through sleep cycles, when they are not in a sleep cycle, it should move at least 10 times in a 2 hour period.
Every baby is different, as the pregnancy progresses, you will learn what is considered “normal” for your baby. Whenever you feel your baby is not moving as usual, do the following.
Drink something cold and or sugary, i.e. ice water or coke
Lie in a quiet place on your side, preferably left side
Count movements. Baby should move at least 10 times in 2 hours. This is known as fetal kick counts.
If you don’t get a response, I would RECOMMEND GOING TO THE LABOR AND DELIVERY DEPARTMENT.
4. Abdominal Trauma
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA), a fall, or domestic violence are considered abdominal trauma.
Abdominal trauma can lead to a placenta abruption.
Be prepared to stay for up to four hours from the time of injury.
5. Regular Painful Contractions
One of the most common signs of labor is regular painful contractions every 3-5 minutes for at least one hour, despite interventions such as Tylenol, a warm bath, or resting.
6. Signs of Pre Eclampsia
Blood pressures (BPs) greater than 140 systolic and or 90 diastolic with headaches unrelieved by Tylenol and or visual disturbances with proteinuria are primary symptoms of pre eclampsia. You may or may not have swelling in your extremities.
7. Your Intuition
If your gut feeling says go, then go.
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