When and How to Call

To reach us call our main number, 770-997-5714, day or night, 24 hours a day. If it is after hours, the answering service will answer. They will then page the physician or midwife on call. If there is a problem with the main number, you can call labor and delivery at Piedmont Fayette Hospital at 770-719-6530. They will be able to get in touch with us.

At any point in your pregnancy call us if you experience:

• Bleeding
• Fever greater than 100.4°F
• Leaking fluid
• Symptoms of a bladder infection (frequent or painful urination)
• Decreased fetal movement. See fetal movement section.
• Headache that does not improve with acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Rapid onset of swelling, especially in hands or face

In addition to any of the above, if you are preterm (less than 36 weeks), call us if you experience:

• Regular contractions (more than 4 per hour)
• Constant, crampy low back pain
• Significantly increased pelvic pressure
• Increased vaginal discharge.
• Mucus discharge (A word about the “mucus plug”. The “mucus plug” is often imagined as a plug that acts like a cork to hold the baby inside. It is really just the mucus that sits in the cervix. As your cervix starts to dilate, you can have some mucous discharge from your vagina. If you are fullterm and you think you have lost your mucus plug, you do not need to worry or think that labor is about to start. If you are preterm you should call us as it may be a sign of your cervix dilating early.)

In addition to any of the above, if you are fullterm (36 weeks or greater), call us if you experience:

• Regular, painful contractions that are becoming closer and stronger over time.

Labor Instructions (full term patients only)

False/Early Labor Symptoms:

• Cramping, contractions, or back pain (regular or irregular) that lasts less than 60 seconds and does not get stronger or closer with time
• Loss of mucous plug or faint spotting
• Loose stools (diarrhea)

Actions to take:

• Drink 2 liters of liquids daily (water, sports drinks, Popsicles, juice)
• Take warm bath or shower
• Rest on your side or try walking around
• Body massage
• Take Tylenol PM (2 tablets) or Benadryl (50 mg) to help you sleep

True/Active Labor Symptoms:

• Regular, painful contractions 5 minutes apart for at least one hour, lasting 60 seconds or more, and getting stronger over time
• Ruptured bag of water (leaking of fluid) with or without contractions
• Vaginal bleeding heavier than spotting

Actions to take:

• Call (770) 997-5714 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to reach the physician on call
• In a true emergency such as heavy bleeding, seizures, or trauma call 911
• If you have difficulty reaching the physician on call, call labor and delivery at Piedmont Fayette Hospital at 770-719-6530