Pregnancy brings many changes, and sometimes concerns require immediate medical attention. Pregnancy triage is a dedicated unit within a hospital’s labor and delivery department. It assesses pregnant individuals experiencing symptoms or issues before active labor begins. This specialized area evaluates the health of both the pregnant person and the fetus, determining the urgency of the situation. The goal of triage is to quickly identify and prioritize those who require immediate intervention, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
Urgent Symptoms Requiring Immediate Triage
Certain symptoms during pregnancy signal a need for immediate evaluation at a maternity triage unit. Sudden, severe abdominal pain or cramping, especially if persistent or worsening, warrants urgent attention. This can indicate complications such as placental abruption or preterm labor. Any vaginal bleeding, especially if bright red or heavy, requires immediate medical assessment. Significant bleeding is not typical.
Significant fluid leakage from the vagina, whether a sudden gush or continuous trickle, indicates a possible rupture of membranes (water breaking) and increases infection risk. A decrease or absence of fetal movement after 20-24 weeks of gestation requires prompt evaluation. Regular fetal movements indicate the baby’s well-being, so any noticeable change should be reported.
Sudden, severe, or persistent headaches, especially with vision changes like blurring or flashing lights, require immediate medical review. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure during pregnancy. Along with sudden, significant swelling in the face, hands, or feet, these symptoms can indicate pre-eclampsia.
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills, can indicate an infection affecting both the pregnant person and the fetus, requiring immediate triage. Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Trauma, such as a fall or car accident, even if seemingly minor, requires immediate medical evaluation at triage to assess for any potential impact on the pregnancy.
Other Symptoms That Warrant Evaluation
Some symptoms, while not always signaling an emergency, still warrant prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider, who may then recommend a triage visit. Persistent, uncomfortable contractions that are not regular or intense enough for active labor, but cause concern, should be discussed with a provider to determine if further assessment is needed. Unusual vaginal discharge, such as foul-smelling, green, yellow, lumpy, or accompanied by itching or burning, could suggest an infection.
Persistent itching, especially on the palms and soles, can indicate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition affecting fetal well-being that requires monitoring. New or worsening lower back pain not relieved by rest and causing significant discomfort should also be reported to a healthcare provider. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), including painful urination, a frequent urge to urinate, or cloudy/foul-smelling urine, need to be addressed promptly to prevent more serious kidney infections. Persistent nausea and vomiting that is bothersome but does not lead to dehydration might also be discussed, as treatment options can improve comfort.
What to Expect During a Triage Visit
Upon arrival at a maternity triage unit, an initial assessment will be performed by a healthcare professional, typically a midwife or nurse. This assessment includes checking vital signs like blood pressure and temperature, and gathering a detailed medical history and information about current concerns. Fetal monitoring is standard, with an electronic monitor placed on the abdomen to track the baby’s heart rate and uterine contractions. This provides information about the baby’s well-being and labor signs.
A physical examination will also be conducted, which may include abdominal palpation to assess the size and position of the uterus, and a cervical examination if indicated to check for dilation or effacement. Various tests may be performed, such as urine tests for infection or protein, blood work for conditions like pre-eclampsia, or an ultrasound to visualize the baby and placenta. Patients might experience a waiting period, as triage units prioritize individuals based on the urgency of their clinical need, not necessarily the order of arrival. Depending on the assessment, potential outcomes include discharge home with follow-up instructions, admission to a labor and delivery room, or further testing and observation.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider Instead
Not every concern during pregnancy requires an immediate trip to triage; many situations are best handled by contacting your regular obstetrician or midwife. Routine questions about pregnancy progression, diet, or exercise, not related to acute symptoms, can typically wait for an office visit or a phone call during regular hours. Mild, intermittent discomforts that resolve with rest, such as occasional Braxton Hicks contractions or general aches, usually do not necessitate an emergency evaluation.
Questions regarding medications, including safety of over-the-counter medicine or prescription refills, should be directed to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Scheduling appointments, obtaining lab results, or seeking non-urgent emotional support and general pregnancy advice are also matters for your primary care provider. It is wise to have your provider’s after-hours contact information readily available, as they can guide you on whether your symptoms warrant a triage visit or if they can be managed with advice over the phone.