When to call the doctor

When you are pregnant, do not hesitate to call your doctor or midwife if something is bothering or worrying you. Sometimes physical changes can be signs of a problem.

Call your doctor or midwife as soon as you can if you:

Are bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina.

Have sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands, or fingers.

Get severe or long-lasting headaches.

Have discomfort, pain, or cramping in the lower abdomen.

Have a fever or chills.

Are vomiting or have persistent nausea.

Feel discomfort, pain, or burning with urination.

Have problems seeing or blurred vision.

Feel dizzy.

Suspect your baby is moving less than normal after 28 weeks of pregnancy (if you count less than 10 movements within 2 hours.

Have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Places to Deliver Your Baby

Hospitals offer the most advanced medical equipment and highly trained doctors for pregnant women and their babies. In a hospital, doctors can perform a cesarean delivery if you or your baby is in danger during labor. Women can get epidurals with other pain relief options also available. In addition, more and more hospitals now offer on-site birthing centers, which focus on giving each expectant mother personal attention and care in a comfortable, home-like environment with numerous options for delivery.

Questions to ask when choosing a hospital to deliver your baby:

Is the hospital close to your home?

Is a doctor who can give pain relief, such as an epidural, at the hospital 24-hours a day?

How do you like the feel of the labor and delivery rooms?

Are private rooms available?

How many support people can you invite into the room with you?

After my child is born, how often are we together?

Does the hospital have available staff and set-up to support successful breastfeeding?

Does the hospital have an on-site birthing center?