Going to an Emergency Room for Pregnancy Emergencies
Pregnancy itself is not a medical emergency. However, there are times when you may need to visit the ER for a pregnancy emergency. When an emergency does occur during pregnancy, it is important to note it and rush to the ER. Such a move can help to save your life as well as that of the fetus. Here are some of the signs that we at Frontline ER think should warrant a visit to the ER.
Major bleeding
Spotting is quite common during pregnancy. This is especially so in the initial three months of pregnancy. However, if you experience some heavy bleeding, especially that which saturates the pad in an hour or less, it is an indication of a need for immediate intervention.
A possible cause of this bleeding is placenta previa, where the placenta grows outside the cervical opening. It could also be caused by an ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus begins growing inside the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Alternatively, a uterine rupture could also cause it, where the seams of a previous surgery tear open. Another cause of heavy bleeding is placental abruption, where the placenta has separated from the uterus.
Shock
Some of the signs of shock are light-headedness, fainting, clammy skin, cold, weakness, and paleness. The shock could be caused by a blood clot in the blood vessel or by anything that leads to heavy bleeding. The first sign that you have an ectopic pregnancy in 20 percent of the cases is shock. According to data, the shock could also be caused by sepsis or systemic infection.
Major Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a cause of concern when you are pregnant unless you are in labor. However, ectopic pregnancies, placental abruption, and uterine ruptures could cause severe pain. This should lead to an immediate investigation, especially if there is bleeding.
In some cases, women will even have a painless labor, especially if they have had kids in the past. If you experience the urge to push or the baby’s head pops out at the vaginal entry, call 911. Never attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. If the baby were already coming out, it would be safer to deliver at home. However, if the contractions become stronger, and the hospital is close to home, get there if you can before the baby comes out.
Seizures
During pregnancy, you may experience seizures due to pregnancy-induced hypertension. This situation often affects 1 in 1600 of pregnancies. If you have Type 1 diabetes, it could also lead to seizures if you develop hypoglycemia.
Premature Membrane Rupture
If the amniotic sac breaks, it is important to call the doctor or rush to the ER. The doctor will often advise you to remain at home or rush to the ER. However, if the pregnancy is less than nine months, call 911 or get to the ER fast. This is because any premature baby will need special equipment, which can be found in the ER. The reason for this is that a preterm baby is quite prone to infections without special equipment.
Cord Prolapse
Cord prolapse happens when the umbilical cord falls out and hangs below the baby’s head. It often occurs when the water breaks. It is quite common in women with excessive amniotic fluid, multiple pregnancies, or babies with long umbilical cords. If you feel a thick cord hanging outside the vagina, lie down with the head lower than feet or with the knees to your chest. You can then call 911. This situation can lead to fetal death if the situation is not remedied.
Decrease or stop in fetal movement
Once the baby starts moving, you should have established a kind of schedule for when the baby is awake and when they are sleeping. You should also be able to tell how often they give you a kick in the ribs. If the movement ends or you do not feel any movement for hours, rush to the ER or call the OB. If you cannot get someone to take you to the ER, call 911.
Headaches and blurred vision
If you suddenly begin to experience poor vision and severe headaches, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. This can cause seizures and even placental abruptions. This could lead to death for both the mother and the baby. However, if you get the ER fast enough, your life and that of the baby could be saved.
Recovering from miscarriages
In the western world, most women who experience a miscarriage recover quite fast physically. However, the psychological stress can be huge. It is important to support them during this time. The affected person should also seek psychological treatment before the situation turns into depression.
Frontline ER for Pregnancy Emergencies
Frontline ER is a professional ER that can handle any type of pregnancy emergency. While an emergency during pregnancy is the last thing you would want, you want to ensure you are in safe hands when it occurs. If we are near your location, consider paying a visit if you think you have any of the above symptoms.
