For emergencies: 1990(Suwa Seriya ambulance) 1926(mental health) 119(police)
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සිංහල Danger signs

Emergency obstetric guide

Maternal danger signs checklist

If you, or a pregnant woman you know, has any of these signs, do not wait. Going to hospital straight away saves lives.

Call 1990 — Suwa Seriya Call 1926 — mental health

This page is for education. It supports, but does not replace, care from your own doctor, midwife or public health midwife (PHM).

Danger signs during pregnancy (2nd & 3rd trimester)

From 14 weeks until labour starts

  • Bleeding from the vagina

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Can be a sign that the placenta is low-lying or separating from the womb.

    What to do: Go to the hospital maternity unit straight away, even if the bleeding is light. Call 1990 if it is heavy.

  • Noticeable drop in your baby's movements or kicks

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Your baby's movements show how well the placenta is supplying oxygen and nourishment.

    What to do: If movements are less than your baby's usual pattern, go to the maternity unit straight away — don't wait to count kicks.

  • Severe headache, blurred vision, upper tummy pain, or sudden swelling of the face and hands

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: These can be signs of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy).

    What to do: Have someone take you to hospital straight away, or call 1990.

  • Water leaking or gushing before your due date

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: When the waters break early, the risk of infection and cord problems goes up.

    What to do: Wear a clean sanitary pad and go to the hospital maternity unit straight away.

  • Severe or constant pain in the tummy, fits or fainting

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Can be caused by the placenta separating, eclampsia or bleeding inside the tummy.

    What to do: Call 1990 immediately. If she is fitting or faint, lay her on her left side.

  • High fever, or feeling very unwell

    Urgent · hospital today

    Why it matters: Infection in pregnancy can quickly become serious for mother and baby.

    What to do: Go to hospital the same day. Do not wait for your next clinic visit.

  • Regular painful contractions before 37 weeks

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Signs of preterm labour — early treatment helps protect your baby's lungs.

    What to do: Go directly to the hospital maternity ward.

  • Painful, red, hot swelling in one calf or leg

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Can be a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis), which can travel to the lungs.

    What to do: Do not massage the leg. Go to the hospital emergency unit straight away.

  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Can be a blood clot in the lungs or a heart problem.

    What to do: Call 1990 immediately.

Danger signs in early pregnancy (first 12 weeks)

Warning signs of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy

  • Any spotting or continuous bleeding

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: May be a sign of threatened miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.

    What to do: Rest, and go to the hospital emergency unit.

  • Sharp pain on one side of the lower tummy, or shoulder-tip pain

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: A warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy that may have burst.

    What to do: Call 1990 immediately. Do not eat or drink, in case you need an operation.

  • Vomiting so much that you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours

    Urgent · hospital today

    Why it matters: Severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) can cause dangerous dehydration.

    What to do: Go to hospital for fluids through a drip.

  • Sudden dizziness, fainting or looking very pale

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Can be a sign of serious bleeding inside the tummy.

    What to do: Call the 1990 ambulance straight away.

Danger signs after birth (postnatal period)

Heavy bleeding, infection and blood clots after birth

  • Soaking more than one large pad an hour, or passing large clots

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) — a leading but preventable cause of maternal deaths.

    What to do: Call the 1990 ambulance straight away.

  • Fever, or a bad-smelling discharge from the vagina

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Can be an infection of the womb (puerperal sepsis), which needs urgent antibiotics.

    What to do: Go to the hospital maternity unit straight away.

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or a painful calf

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: The risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs is highest in the first 6 weeks after birth.

    What to do: Call 1990 immediately.

  • Severe headache or blurred vision

    Immediate · 1990

    Why it matters: Pre-eclampsia can still happen in the days after birth.

    What to do: Go to hospital straight away, or call 1990.

  • Caesarean or stitch wound that is red, hot, leaking pus or opening

    Urgent · hospital today

    Why it matters: Signs of a wound infection or the wound breaking down.

    What to do: Contact the hospital ward where you gave birth, or see your obstetrician the same day.

Mental health after birth

Intense sadness, not being able to bond with your baby, panic, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby are not your fault. Postnatal depression and postnatal psychosis are treatable medical conditions.

Support line

National Mental Health Helpline · 24 hours

Call 1926

What to take to hospital in an emergency

Having these ready helps the doctors give you the right care quickly.

  • Your pregnancy record book (clinic card)
  • All scan reports and pictures
  • Blood and urine test reports
  • Medicines you take, including vitamins and iron tablets
  • National Identity Card (NIC) and hospital registration card

Coming to hospital is always the right decision — you are never wasting anyone's time.