Emergency Signs and Symptoms in Pregnancy
I. SUSPECTED RUPTURED MEMBRANES
At any time should you suspect that your water has broken, you must been seen immediately. Please call the office at 463-1234. After hours, the answering service will contact Dr. Hardy and he will call you back. Be prepared to come into the office for an evaluation or going to Labor and Delivery on the 3rd floor at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (formerly Chesapeake General Hospital).
II. NOTIFYING DR. HARDY OF POSSIBLE LABOR
A. First Pregnancy
If this is your first pregnancy and your contractions are 5 minutes apart, regular and fairly strong for one hour. Please call the office at 463-1234. After hours, the answering service will contact Dr. Hardy and he will call you back.
B. Second or Subsequent Pregnancy
If this is your second or subsequent pregnancy and your contractions are 8 to 10 minutes apart, fairly regular, and strong for at least 1 hour, please call the office at 463-1234. After hours, the answering service will contact Dr. Hardy and he will call you back.
III. VAGINAL BLEEDING
During the first and second trimester, it may not be normal to have any vaginal bleeding. Please call the office if this happens at 463-1234.
If you are in the third trimester and are experience heavy vaginal bleeding more than a period, please call the office at 463-1234. Small amounts of blood tinged mucus may be normal. If it does not go away in 1 hour, then call the office.
IV. SEVERE NAUSEA OR VOMITING
If you are unable to keep any food or liquid down for more than 24-48 hours, then please call the office at 463-1234.
V. DECREASED MOVEMENTS OF THE BABY
If you are past 28 weeks in your pregnancy and are unable to count at least 10 kicks, punches or movements in 1 hour, once a day, please call the office at 463-1234.
VI. FEVER
If you have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit at any time, please call the office at 463-1234. During pregnancy, it is common for women to have a low grade fever and Tylenol can be taken to help control it. If this is not working or if the fever rises above 101, then call the office.
