Pregnancy Emergency Management
Emergencies may occur during pregnancy, and timely and correct handling is crucial for maternal and infant safety. Understanding the identification and handling methods of these emergencies helps to react correctly at critical moments.
Identification of Common Emergencies
Signs of Preterm Labor
Identification Symptoms
- Regular Contractions: 3 times or more in 10 minutes
- Persistent Lower Back Pain: Feeling like menstrual pain
- Abdominal Bearing Down Sensation: Feeling like the baby is falling out
- Increased Discharge: Significant increase in vaginal discharge
- Bloody Show: Vaginal bleeding, usually pink or red
Handling Measures
- Stop Activity Immediately: Rest in left lateral position
- Record Contractions: Record frequency and duration of contractions
- Contact Doctor: Contact doctor in time or go to the hospital
- Observe and Wait: Regular contractions can be awaited after 37 weeks
Vaginal Bleeding
Possible Causes
- Placenta Previa: Placenta covers the cervical os
- Placental Abruption: Premature separation of the placenta
- Signs of Preterm Labor: Cervix begins to dilate
- Cervical Problems: Cervical inflammation or polyps
Handling Principles
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Do not wait and observe
- Keep Lying Flat: Reduce activity to avoid aggravating bleeding
- Record Bleeding: Record the amount and color of bleeding
- Avoid Medication: Do not use hemostatic drugs on your own
Abnormal Fetal Movement
Normal Fetal Movement Pattern
- Frequency Standard: 3-5 times per hour or more than 30 times in 12 hours
- Regularity: Regular sleep-wake cycle
- Monitoring Time: Monitor regularly every day after 28 weeks
- Individual Differences: Every baby's movement pattern is different
Abnormal Situations
- Significantly Reduced Fetal Movement: Reduced by more than 50% compared to usual
- Abnormally Intense Fetal Movement: Overactive or restless
- Disappearance of Fetal Movement: No fetal movement felt for 2 consecutive hours
Coping Measures
- Change Position: Immediately lie on the left side
- Stimulate Abdomen: Gently stimulate the baby
- Replenish Energy: Drink some warm water or eat sweets
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If there is no improvement after 30 minutes, seek medical attention immediately
Premature Rupture of Membranes (Water Breaking)
Identification Features
- Sudden Flow: Liquid suddenly flows out of the vagina
- Continuous: Unlike urination that can be controlled
- Color Characteristics: Clear, pale yellow or pale green
- Odor Characteristics: Colorless and odorless or slightly sweet
Handling Steps
- Lie Flat Immediately: Elevate hips to reduce amniotic fluid outflow
- Record Time: Accurately record the time of water breaking and amniotic fluid properties
- Observe Color: Record amniotic fluid color (clear, turbid, green, etc.)
- Avoid Cleaning: Do not wash the vagina or take a tub bath
- Contact Immediately: Contact the doctor to prepare for hospitalization
Hypertensive Emergency
Danger Signals
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Blood pressure ≥160/110mmHg
- Severe Headache: Persistent severe headache
- Blurred Vision: Unclear vision or floaters
- Epigastric Pain: Persistent pain in the right upper abdomen
- Aggravated Edema: Obvious edema of face and hands
Emergency Handling
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Requires emergency medical treatment
- Bed Rest: Rest in left lateral position
- Limit Salt: Control salt intake
- Monitor Blood Pressure: Closely monitor blood pressure changes
Situations Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Situations Must Call Emergency Number
Absolute Emergency
- Severe Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding more than menstrual flow
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent severe abdominal pain or abdominal trauma
- Disappearance of Fetal Movement: Fetal movement disappeared for more than 12 hours
- Hypertensive Emergency: Blood pressure ≥160/110mmHg with severe symptoms
- Dyspnea: Severe difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Altered Consciousness: Confusion or fainting
Handling Principles
- Do Not Delay: Time is life
- Lie Flat and Wait: Keep lying flat while waiting for the ambulance
- Keep Contact: Keep in touch with the doctor by phone
- Prepare Documents: Prepare relevant medical documents
Situations Suggested to Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Relative Emergency
- Slight Vaginal Bleeding: Brown discharge or small amount of bleeding
- Regular Contractions: Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Reduced Fetal Movement: Fetal movement significantly reduced but still palpable
- Persistent Headache: Persistent headache or vision changes
- Reduced Urine Output: 24-hour urine output less than 500ml
- Abnormal Discharge: Vaginal discharge has odor or abnormal color
Observation Points
- Symptom Changes: Closely observe symptom changes
- Fetal Movement Monitoring: Continue to monitor fetal movement
- Rest and Immobilization: Rest appropriately, avoid strenuous activity
- Seek Medical Attention in Time: Seek medical attention in time if symptoms worsen
Family First Aid Preparation
Emergency Contact List
Important Contact Numbers
Emergency Number: 911 (or local emergency number)
Doctor's Number: [Fill in attending doctor's number]
Hospital Obstetrics Number: [Fill in hospital number]
Husband/Family Number: [Fill in family number]Information Organization
- Doctor Information: Name and contact information of attending doctor
- Hospital Information: Address and emergency number of prenatal check-up hospital
- Insurance Information: Relevant information of medical insurance
- Allergy History: Personal drug allergy history
Hospital Bag Preparation
Documents Preparation
- Identity Proof: ID card, household registration book
- Medical Insurance Related: Medical insurance card, social security card
- Medical Records: Maternity handbook, prenatal check-up records
- Admission Documents: Admission notice, relevant test reports
Maternal Supplies
- Clothing: 2-3 sets of loose pajamas, nursing bras
- Sanitary Supplies: Maternity sanitary pads, nursing pads
- Toiletries: Personal toiletries, towels
- Other Supplies: Non-slip slippers, mobile phone charger
Newborn Supplies
- Clothing: Newborn clothes, hats, socks
- Daily Necessities: Diapers, wet wipes, diaper cream
- Feeding Supplies: Baby bottles, formula milk (backup)
- Other Supplies: Baby wrap, small blanket
Food Preparation
- Easy-to-digest Food: Biscuits, bread, chocolate
- Functional Drinks: Sports drinks, honey water
- Energy Supplement: Nuts, energy bars
- Personal Preference: Prepare according to personal preference
Family Medicine Chest
Essential Medicines
- Pregnancy Vitamins: Vitamin supplements prescribed by the doctor
- Thermometer: Electronic thermometer
- Blood Pressure Monitor: Home blood pressure monitor (if needed)
- Abdominal Binder: Postpartum abdominal binder
- Disinfection Supplies: Alcohol pads, iodine
Precautions
- Doctor's Consent: All medications require doctor's consent
- Expiry Date Check: Regularly check drug expiry dates
- Safe Storage: Place out of reach of children
- Instructions: Keep drug instructions
Preventive Measures
Regular Prenatal Check-ups
Importance of Prenatal Check-ups
- Complete on Time: Complete all prenatal check-up items on time
- Follow Doctor's Advice: Follow doctor's advice for special examinations
- Report in Time: Report physical discomfort in time
- Record Changes: Record blood pressure and weight changes
Prenatal Check-up Items
- Routine Check-ups: Blood pressure, weight, fundal height, abdominal circumference
- Laboratory Tests: Blood routine, urine routine, etc.
- Special Check-ups: Ultrasound, fetal heart monitoring, etc.
- Risk Assessment: Pregnancy risk assessment
Daily Life Attention
Avoid Risks
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Avoid heavy physical labor and strenuous exercise
- Maintain Regular Schedule: Ensure adequate sleep
- Reasonable Diet: Balanced nutrition, avoid overeating
- Emotional Stability: Maintain emotional stability, avoid excessive tension
Safety Measures
- Prevent Falls: Pay attention to slippery floors, wear non-slip shoes
- Avoid Squeezing: Avoid squeezing the abdomen
- Moderate Activity: Moderate activity, avoid standing for a long time
- Environmental Safety: Maintain a safe living environment
Monitoring Points
Daily Monitoring
- Fetal Movement Monitoring: Monitor fetal movement at a fixed time every day
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Measure blood pressure regularly
- Weight Monitoring: Monitor weight changes weekly
- Symptom Observation: Observe abnormal physical symptoms
Abnormal Signals
- Abnormal Fetal Movement: Fetal movement significantly reduced or disappeared
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Blood pressure exceeds 140/90mmHg
- Abnormal Weight: Weight gain too fast or too slow
- Obvious Edema: Obvious edema of face and hands
Environmental Safety
Living Environment
- Avoid Contact: Avoid contact with harmful substances
- Keep Ventilated: Keep indoor air circulation
- Suitable Temperature: Maintain suitable room temperature
- Avoid Noise: Avoid long-term noise environment
Outing Safety
- Avoid Crowds: Avoid going to crowded places
- Traffic Safety: Pay attention to traffic safety, avoid bumps
- Weather Changes: Pay attention to weather changes, add or remove clothes appropriately
- Emergency Preparation: Carry emergency contact information when going out
Summary
Although pregnancy emergencies are rare, timely identification and correct handling are very important. It is recommended that expectant mothers:
Understand Normal and Abnormal Manifestations: Master normal physiological changes during pregnancy and be able to detect abnormal situations in time
Keep Communication Open: Ensure that doctors and family members can be contacted at any time, and prepare emergency contact numbers
Prepare for Hospitalization: Prepare items needed for hospitalization in advance to avoid rushing in an emergency
Trust Medical Judgment: Do not delay seeking medical attention because of fear of trouble, professional medical advice is important
Keep Calm and Rational: Keeping calm when encountering emergencies helps to make correct judgments
Remember, seeking professional medical help in time is the most important principle for ensuring maternal and infant safety. It is better to be overly cautious than to miss the best treatment time.
Friendly Reminder: Do not panic if any abnormal symptoms occur during pregnancy, but do not ignore them either. Contact a doctor or go to the hospital in time to let professional medical staff assess the situation. Keeping calm and trusting medicine is the best way to protect maternal and infant health.