Gestational trophoblastic disease: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Heavy bleeding with fainting, severe breathing difficulty, a seizure or loss of consciousness is an emergency.
Call your local emergency number.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your pregnancy care team promptly if you are pregnant and have vaginal bleeding, severe vomiting or pelvic pain.
These symptoms often have causes other than GTD, but they still need assessment.
Seek urgent medical help for:
Heavy bleeding, especially if you feel faint, weak or confused
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
A new severe headache, weakness, seizure or loss of consciousness
Coughing up blood, chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
Fever or signs of infection while receiving chemotherapy
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
During follow-up, contact your specialist team if bleeding returns, symptoms worsen or you think you may be pregnant.
Tell them if you cannot attend an hCG test so another plan can be made.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gestational trophoblastic disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.