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 911
Call emergency services if:
Bleeding is heavy, ongoing, or rapidly soaking a pad
You feel faint, dizzy, very weak, confused, or short of breath
You have severe abdominal pain or frequent contractions
You collapse or cannot travel safely
Your baby’s usual movements are reduced alongside bleeding
Use an ambulance rather than driving yourself when bleeding is heavy or you feel unwell.
Until help arrives, lie on your side if comfortable and follow instructions from emergency staff.
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 today
Contact your maternity assessment unit promptly for any vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy , even if it is light, painless, or stops on its own.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Contact your maternity team sooner if you develop contractions, fluid leakage, or a change in your baby’s usual movements.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when you have no bleeding or new symptoms and are attending planned scans or discussions about birth.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Placenta previa. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.