How To Call The Midwife

When you first find out you’re pregnant, it’s important to register with your local maternity service as early as possible. This ensures that both you and your baby receive the right care and support from the start. For more information, see our guide: How To Access Pregnancy Care – MAMA Academy

During pregnancy, if you have any concerns or need advice, it’s important to know when and how to contact the right maternity services. You should keep a list of essential phone numbers handy including:

  • Your Midwife’s Direct Number
  • Hospital Maternity Assessment Unit
  • Labour Ward / Birth Centre
  • NHS 111 (non-emergency advice): 111
  • Emergency Services: 999

Below is a simple guide to help you understand when and who to contact at different stages of pregnancy and during labour.

First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)

When to call:

  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Persistent vomiting and dehydration
  • Concerns about medications or existing health conditions
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, or low mood
  • Sings of ectopic pregnancy

How to call:

  • Call your assigned community midwife (number should be in your booking notes).
  • If you haven’t had your booking appointment yet, contact your GP surgery (if you’re not registered with a GP you can find local GP’s here) to be referred to the maternity team.
  • For urgent concerns outside working hours, call your local Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) or NHS 111.

Second Trimester (14-27 Weeks)

When to call:

  • Reduced fetal movements (from around 16–24 weeks onward)
  • Bleeding, fluid leakage, or unusual discharge
  • Severe headaches or visual disturbances
  • Persistent abdominal pain or back pain
  • Any illness with high fever or infection symptoms

How to call:

  • Contact your community midwife during working hours.
  • For urgent concerns, call your local maternity triage unit (contact details in your maternity notes).
  • If unsure, call NHS 111 for guidance.

Third Trimester (28 – 40+ Weeks)

When to call:

  • Any change or reduction in baby’s movements
  • Waters breaking (even without contractions)
  • Bleeding or severe abdominal pain
  • Mild or severe itching especially affecting the hands and feet.
  • Signs of pre-eclampsia (Swelling, severe headache, problems with vision)
  • You think you might be going into labour.

How to call:

  • Call the maternity assessment unit or labour ward triage – number found in your maternity notes.
  • Continue routine check-ins with your midwife.
  • Call 999 in an emergency (e.g., heavy bleeding, collapse, signs of labour progressing quickly without help).