Please think carefully before calling an ambulance in
pregnancy or normal labour. Call your midwife, birth centre or
labour ward in the first instance for help and advice
Ambulances are needed for life-threatening
emergencies, and normal labour is not an
emergency.
During your pregnancy, it is important you
discuss with your midwife the signs of normal labour and plan your
transport to your chosen place for the birth.
Initially any pregnancy or labour concerns
should be raised with your midwife or birth centre. This includes
worries with fetal movements, or if feeling unwell, as they can
advise you further.
On rare occasions an ambulance may be needed,
such as:
- You are immediately about to
give birth with a strong urge to push.
- Fresh bleeding which is more
than an egg cupful (or two changes of pads).
- Severe abdominal pain that
continues and persists after a contraction.
- The baby’s cord is
noticeable.
- Other medical emergencies, such
as breathing difficulties or chest pain.
- Any other condition that the
midwife requests you to phone 999 for.
In an emergency
you may be taken to the nearest maternity unit for care and
not your preferred place of booking as this may be
safer for you and your baby.
If you have any queries, please
email our consultant
midwife.