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
Call emergency services for:
Heavy bleeding that is soaking pads rapidly or causing weakness
Severe or constant abdominal pain, especially with faintness
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Fainting, collapse, confusion, or a seizure
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
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
Before birth, contact your maternity unit promptly if contractions begin, your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, or your baby is moving less than usual.
Follow the unit’s specific instructions about when to come to hospital.
After birth, seek urgent medical advice for fever, worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, a painful or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, increasing redness around a tear, severe headache, vision changes, or one-sided leg swelling.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine soreness, questions about feeding, contraception, pelvic floor recovery, or returning to activity can usually be discussed with your maternity team at standard follow-up unless symptoms are worsening.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vaginal birth after cesarean. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.