Warning-sign checks
Hydrops fetalis: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, a seizure, fainting, or heavy bleeding.
These symptoms require immediate care regardless of whether hydrops has been diagnosed.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
- Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
- Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
- Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
- Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
- Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
- Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
- Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen todayIf an ultrasound has shown possible hydrops and no follow-up plan is in place, contact your maternity service promptly.
Contact your maternity assessment unit urgently if you have:
- Reduced or changed fetal movement
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Regular contractions or signs of early labour
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- A severe or persistent headache
- Vision changes or pain beneath the ribs
- New or worsening shortness of breath
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentAssessment by a fetal medicine team should not be delayed until a routine visit.
The article also says
Keep scheduled scans and blood-pressure checks even if you feel well.
Hydrops and pregnancy-related high blood pressure may change without obvious early symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hydrops fetalis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.