Urgent Pregnancy and Postnatal Concerns
24-hour emergency assessment and triage for urgent pregnancy, postnatal, and acute gynaecology concerns.
Emergency Room
(01) 637 3100
Available 24 hours a day 365 days a year
While many symptoms in pregnancy are common, some need prompt attention.
Always trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, contact your midwife, GP or obstetrician.
This page outlines key warning signs and when to seek help to keep you and your baby safe.
If you are unsure whether to attend you are welcome to phone for advice:
Tel: (01) 637 3100 (main switch) who will transfer your call to a midwife for advice
Common reasons for attending the Emergency Room:
- Concern regarding fetal movement
- Suspected miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Trauma, e.g. after a fall, abdominal trauma or a road traffic accident
- Fever / high temperature
- Urinary retention
- High blood pressure
- Hyperemesis (vomiting in pregnancy)
Common Concerns:
Bleeding Early Pregnancy (first 12 weeks)
Bleeding can happen at different stages of pregnancy and doesn’t always mean something is wrong – but it’s important to have it checked.
Bleeding may be due to:
-
- Normal early pregnancy changes (such as implantation or hormonal changes)
-
- A threatened or confirmed miscarriage
-
- Less commonly, conditions such as ectopic pregnancy
Bleeding Later in Pregnancy (after 12 weeks)
Bleeding later in pregnancy should always be checked urgently.
Possible causes include:
-
- Changes to your cervix
-
- A low-lying placenta
-
- Placental complications
-
- Early labour
Reduced Movements
Your baby’s movements are an important sign of their wellbeing.
Contact your maternity team immediately if you notice any change in your baby’s normal movement pattern.
A change may be a sign that your baby needs to be checked.
Suspected Miscarriage or Ectopic Pregnancy
Suspected miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are common reasons for presenting to the Emergency Room.
Some information about Early Pregnancy assessment can be found on the Ultrasound Scanning page.
Vomiting
Vomiting in pregnancy can be quite common in early pregnancy.
You may find this information useful in managing your symptoms.
Swelling
Swelling in your hands, feet and ankles is common.
However, a sudden increase in swelling, especially with other symptoms like headache or visual changes, may need urgent review.
Pain
Stomach Pain
Mild discomfort can be normal, particularly early in pregnancy.
However, more severe or ongoing pain could be linked to:
-
- Infection
-
- Digestive issues such as constipation
-
- Early or preterm labour
If you are concerned about any pain, please speak with your care team.
Chest Pain
Some breathlessness can be normal in pregnancy, especially later on. However, if it feels sudden, severe or unusual, seek medical advice.
Infections in Pregnancy
Please refer to our infection control page where you can find information on the following conditions:
- Slapped Cheek (Parvovirus)
- Hand, Foot and Mouth
- Chicken Pox
- Listeria
- Measels
- Mumps
- Group B Strep
- Cytomegalovirus
Signs of labour
Contractions
As labour begins, you may notice contractions that build in a steady rhythm, rising to a peak and then easing away.
This is the clearest sign that labour may be starting.
When they are coming every 3 to 4 minutes and lasting 40 to 60 seconds, you are likely in established labour. Remember to rest and relax your body in between.
Waters Breaking
If your waters break, it’s important to come into the hospital so we can confirm this, check your baby’s heartbeat, and plan your care with you.
You may feel a gush or a steady leak of fluid, so wearing a pad can help.
The fluid may be clear, slightly green (meconium), or blood-stained.
If it is green or heavily blood-stained, you will need to stay in hospital for monitoring until your baby is born.
When to attend the Emergency Room after the birth of your baby?
If your midwife, GP or public health nurse has a concern regarding your health in the postnatal period (up to 6 weeks after giving birth) you may be referred to the Emergency Room.
Common reasons for presenting in the first six weeks after the birth of your baby:
- Abdominal pain
- Increased / abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Vomiting
- Fever / high temperature
- High blood pressure
- Mastitis
- Wound infection in the episiotomy site or the caesarean section scar
Please note as it is an adult only Emergency Room, we do not provide information/advice or review babies in the Emergency Room.
Please contact your GP/Public Health nurse for any information/advice regarding your baby. If any urgent concerns regarding your baby, please attend your closest Paediatric hospital.
Contact Information
Emergency Room / Main Switchboard
Call if you are unsure whether to attend – a midwife can advise you.
Phone: