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If you are 37 weeks or more (within 3 weeks of your due date),
you should call if any of the following occur:
Consistent, regular, painful contractions which have
been occurring every 5 minutes (from the start of one
contraction until the start of the next contraction) for at least
one hour. Each contraction should last from 30 to 60 seconds.
Remember the 5-1-1 Rule.
Vaginal Bleeding. A small amount of spotting is normal for
a day or two after a vaginal examination. Any other vaginal
bleeding should be immediately reported to a nurse or doctor
at our office.
Rupture of membranes. If you break your bag of water,
or if you think you might be leaking amniotic fluid, you should
call right away. You will need to come to the office or to the
hospital for evaluation.
Decreased fetal movement. The baby should move at least
15 times a day. This should continue right up to your baby's
birth. If you think that your baby is not moving that much,
lie down on your left side after eating and count fetal movements.
You should feel at least 4 in an hour. If you don't feel 4
movements in the first hour, eat or drink something, lie down
on your left side again, and count the movements for a second
hour. If you still don't feel at least 4 movements in an hour,
call immediately. You will need to come to the office or to
the hospital for fetal monitoring.
How do I contact my doctor?
During our office hours (8:15 am to noon and 1 pm to 4:45
pm Monday through Friday), you may call the office (303-788-6657)
to speak with the triage nurse. She will return your call promptly
and help direct your course of action.
After office hours you may call our answering service
(303-762-2857) for emergencies. A doctor will return your call.
The doctor will help you determine whether you should go to
the hospital. EXCEPT IN AN EXTREME EMERGENCY, PLEASE DO NOT
GO DIRECTLY TO THE HOSPITAL WITHOUT SPEAKING TO AN OFFICE NURSE
OR DOCTOR FIRST.
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