Maternity Care in Devon – Where to seek help

Need Urgent Help During Pregnancy or After Birth?

It’s normal to experience different symptoms during pregnancy, but some can be serious. Here’s who to contact:

Call Maternity Triage Immediately if you have:

  • Any vaginal bleeding after your 12-week scan
  • Severe or moderate abdominal pain
  • Concerns about baby’s movements
  • Waters breaking at any stage of pregnancy
  • Flashing lights, blurred vision, or severe headache
  • Severe pelvic pain
  • Regular contractions at any stage
  • Feeling very unwell or a high temperature
  • Postnatal concerns (up to 6 weeks after birth), such as heavy bleeding or signs of infection

Contact Your Midwife or Midwifery Team for:

  • Skin rash or itching
  • Pelvic discomfort or mild pain
  • Swollen ankles (sudden onset)
  • Carpal Tunnel (pain or tingling in hands)
  • Urinary problems or infection
  • Vaginal discharge or itching
  • Constipation or piles
  • Travel advice or vaccines
  • Emotional wellbeing concerns during pregnancy or after birth
  • Wound infection or problems with stitches
  • Breastfeeding issues or mastitis
  • Jaundice in your baby
  • MATB1 form requests
  • Changing routine appointments
  • Contact your midwife or midwifery team for any other non-urgent concerns 

Call 999 in an Emergency for:

  • Very heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after birth
  • Shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain
  • Giving birth very quickly and can’t reach hospital
  • Waters have broken and you see the baby’s cord
  • Any non-pregnancy medical emergency
  • If your baby seems very unwell

Call Your GP or 111 for:

  • Mild bleeding before your 12-week scan
  • Fainting
  • Vaginal discharge or itching
  • Urinary problems or infection
  • Varicose veins or leg pain
  • Non-urgent baby concerns (rash, umbilical cord issues)

What support is available?

Local Maternity Contacts – Maternity Triage

Royal Devon University Healthcare (RDUH) Exeter and North Devon: 01392 406616 | https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/services/maternity-and-obstetrics-birth-and-babies/

Torbay & South Devon (TSD): 01803 656588 | https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/maternity-services/maternity-unit/

University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP): 01752 430200 | https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/maternity

Helpful National Resources

Share your feedback

Your experiences help improve maternity care in Devon. Devon Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) listens to parents and families and works with NHS Trusts to make services better.

Complaints or Concerns