Calling instructions

When should you urgently call the midwife during pregnancy?

During pregnancy there can be several reasons to contact us immediately (urgently). We ask you to call our emergency number immediately in the following situations: 06-53659191.

1. Blood loss

If you experience bleeding, it is very important that you call us on the same day. Even if you suspect that you know the cause of the bleeding, such as coughing, heavy lifting, or sexual intercourse, we advise you to contact us. This way we can assess whether an additional check-up in the hospital is necessary.

2. Headache and upper abdominal pain from 24 weeks

If you suffer from persistent headaches, with a feeling of pressure or tightness in the upper abdomen, which resembles a tight bra, and you notice that you see 'stars' and feel nauseous, then it is important to remember from 24 weeks of pregnancy to be on a possible high bloodpressure. If you recognize this combination of symptoms and... paracetamol If your symptoms do not provide relief, we advise you to contact us the same day. We will measure your blood pressure and possibly check your urine for the presence of proteins.

3. When the baby moves less

If you are 26 weeks pregnant and notice that your baby's movements are less frequent than you are used to, don't worry right away, but do take a moment to think about it. If you have had a busy day (not only physically but also a busy day at the office/home work day), you may have paid less attention to your baby's movements. We would like to ask you to pay attention to this immediately by doing the following:

Drink a glass of sweet and cold drink and then lie down on the couch or bed at home for at least 1 hour, on your left side. Keep your hands on your belly so that you can make good contact with your baby. Within this hour you should feel the baby move a few times, a baby sleeps between 30-45 minutes and then wakes up again. If after this hour you still have the feeling that the baby is less often moves than normal (so not less powerful/strong, but the number of movements that is less), we advise you to call us immediately. It is important not to wait until the next day, because an extra check of the baby is important in this case. We will come to your home and also make a check-up appointment at the hospital.

4. If you lose fluid before 37 weeks

If you notice any fluid loss and suspect it is amniotic fluid and you are not yet 37 weeks pregnant, please do not hesitate to call us the same day. Amniotic fluid has a sweet, sickly smell and can seep down your legs in small amounts. Although fluid loss can sometimes be caused by urine or residue from showering or bathing, this is usually not constant. So if you continue to experience fluid loss, we recommend that you contact us immediately.

5. If you lose fluid from 37 weeks with green/brown color

Are you 37 weeks or more pregnant, do you think you are losing fluid due to ruptured waters and is the colour dirty (brown/green)? Then call us immediately, regardless of the time, so even in the middle of the night. The baby may have pooped in the amniotic fluid, which means we have to go to the hospital.

6. If you are losing fluid and the baby's head has not yet descended

Are you 37 weeks or more pregnant but were you told at the last check-up that the baby's head has not yet fully descended? And do you have the feeling that your waters are breaking, call us immediately. Regardless of the time, so also in the middle of the night. Make sure you lie down and do not walk up stairs.

7. In case of regular or irregular contractions before 37 weeks

If you think you are experiencing contractions and you are not yet 37 weeks pregnant, do not hesitate to call us immediately, even in the middle of the night. If labor starts before 37 weeks, it is essential that you give birth in the hospital. Your health and that of your baby are our top priority.

8. With regular contractions (every 4-5 minutes) from 37 weeks

If you are 37 weeks pregnant or more and you think you are having contractions, we also ask you to call, but only if they are regular and you have been feeling contractions for a long time (at least 1 hour).

9. Vomiting a lot

It is common to experience nausea during pregnancy, a symptom caused by hormonal changes. In some cases, this nausea can lead to vomiting. Moreover, regardless of pregnancy, you can also simply suffer from the flu and vomit for several days.

It is important to remember that your baby will not have a nutritional deficiency if you are sick. The baby always gets the necessary nutrients. However, if you have persistent vomiting for more than 3 days and cannot even keep water or tea down, we advise you to contact us. Your well-being is of great importance, and we are ready to help you.

In short

Our team is always ready to support you during your pregnancy. If you experience any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to call us immediately. Even when in doubt, we are here to answer your questions and guide you. Remember, no question is too strange. Your health and that of your baby are our top priority, and we are here to help.