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Warning-sign checks

Anencephaly: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    These concerns need timely assessment but do not always represent an emergency.

    Seek emergency care for severe vaginal bleeding, fainting, a seizure, severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or severe headache with vision changes.

    After delivery or a pregnancy-ending procedure, emergency assessment is also appropriate for very heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or severe breathing difficulty.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the maternity team promptly for possible labor, leaking fluid, fever, worsening shortness of breath, a marked change in fetal movement, or symptoms from rapidly increasing abdominal size.

    Parents should seek urgent mental health help if grief is accompanied by thoughts of self-harm, feeling unable to remain safe, or thoughts of harming someone else.

    No screening strategy can guarantee an unaffected pregnancy, but early ultrasound and appropriate blood screening can provide information sooner.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    During a continuing pregnancy, follow-up is used to monitor the pregnant person's health, discuss developing symptoms, and review the birth and comfort-care plan.

    Families can request another meeting if their goals change or if new ultrasound findings appear.

    Before another pregnancy, a preconception appointment is recommended.

    The clinician can review folic acid supplementation, medicines, diabetes management, family history, and the plan for early screening.

    Genetic counseling may help place recurrence risk in context.

The article also says

A postpartum visit should address physical recovery, blood pressure when relevant, bleeding, breast milk production, contraception if desired, and emotional health.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Anencephaly. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.