Reasons for the woman to contact her obstetric care provider during the pregnancy:
- Vaginal blood loss.
- Vaginal fluid loss.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever higher than 38.5˚C.
- Abdominal trauma.
- Feeling clearly reduced foetal movements.
- Symptoms or complaints about which the pregnant woman is anxious or has questions.
The information provided to the pregnant woman includes the symptoms by which the start of labour can be recognised.
Reasons for warning the care provider during the dilation phase are:
- Regular contractions every 5 minutes.
- Amniotic fluid loss.
- Vaginal blood loss, if more than a little bloody mucous.
- Urge to push.
- Any other complaints about which the pregnant woman is anxious or has questions.
Every pregnant woman should be informed about how she can reach the midwife or doctor and locum(s), if necessary, outside of office hours. It is advisable to ensure that the woman has a written copy of the instructions.