When should I seek urgent assessment?

Throughout pregnancy, the reasons that might lead you to need an urgent assessment also change according to the weeks of pregnancy. A sign that is important at 36 weeks may not yet have the same meaning at 18.

For example, around 18 weeks many women are only just starting to feel their baby's first movements and some will recognise them later. Therefore, at this stage, we do not yet expect there to be a pattern of movements that you can track daily.

As pregnancy progresses, you will get to know your baby and their usual pattern of activity better and better. Later in pregnancy, a clear decrease in movements compared to what is usual for your baby becomes an important reason to seek an assessment.

Some reasons to seek assessment

You don't need to figure out what is happening on your own, nor do you have to decide which hospital you should go to. Currently, in Portugal, in a situation that requires unscheduled care, you should first contact the SNS24 Grávida Line on 808 24 24 24. You will be answered by a healthcare professional who will carry out triage and advise you where and when you should be assessed, according to the situation. In case of a medical emergency, contact 112.

• Vaginal bleeding
• Suspected leaking of amniotic fluid
• Persistent vomiting
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Decrease or change in your baby's movement pattern
• Itching on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet
• Contractions suggesting the start of labour
• Any other situation that is worrying you

High blood pressure (> 140/90 mmHg) with or without symptoms suggesting Pre-Eclampsia:

• Severe headache
• Changes in vision
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands and/or legs
• Stomach pain