WHEN TO CALL
Pregnancy creates so many changes in your body that it is sometimes difficult to tell if you are having a problem . However , there are some symptoms that you should be aware of . If you experience any of the symptoms listed below , please contact our office or call the Maternity Evaluation Unit ( MEU ) triage nurse at 205-975-6105 . You can reach your on-call provider after hours at 205-934-3411 . The MEU is located on the 3rd floor of the UAB Women and Infants Center .
Please call or visit the MEU after hours if you experience any of the following :
• Headache not relieved by Tylenol
• Bright red vaginal bleeding
• Fainting
• Sudden swelling of face , feet , or hands
• Any signs of labor before 37 weeks , including contractions , pain , leaking of fluid from the vagina , and / or vaginal bleeding
• Blurred vision
• Pain in your abdomen that does not go away , or a hard , rigid abdomen
• Fever or chills
• Painful urination
• Decreased fetal movement
• Contractions every 3-5 minutes for an hour with your first pregnancy
• Contractions every 3-10 minutes for an hour with a subsequent pregnancy
• If your water breaks
We ask that you call the MEU triage nurse at 205-975-6105 if you feel that you may be in labor . This not only allows them to answer questions and prevent false alarms , but it also will allow the Labor and Delivery staff time to prepare for your arrival .
When you arrive in the Maternity Evaluation Unit ( UAB Women and Infants Center , 1700 6th Avenue , Birmingham , AL 35233 , 3rd floor ), you will be assigned to a room for evaluation . After obtaining a urine specimen , the nurses will get vital signs and begin to monitor your baby . Following this initial evaluation , a decision will be made about whether you need to be admitted . It is best to leave most of your luggage , cameras , clothes , etc . in the car until you know for sure that you will be admitted . If you are not admitted , you will be given instructions on when to return to the clinic and what precautions to take in the meantime .
16 My Prenatal Care Book