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Warning-sign checks

In vitro fertilization: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, sudden severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding with weakness or dizziness.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your fertility team promptly if you have worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, reduced urination, fever, foul-smelling discharge or trouble keeping fluids down.

    Also call about heavy bleeding or pain that is not controlled by the medicines they recommended.

    After a positive pregnancy test, severe one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain or faintness needs urgent assessment because these can occur with an ectopic pregnancy.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Mild cramping, bloating and light spotting can usually be discussed at routine follow-up if they are improving.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on In vitro fertilization. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.