Home About Us Medical Staff Curtis D. Struyk, M.D. Douglas M. Van Drie, M.D. Judith A. Hiemenga, M.D. Roger W. Edvenson, M.D. Michael L. Bennett, M.D. Elizabeth J. Luce, M.D. Jason B. Bennett, M.D. Kate Haehnel, MS, CUPN, FNP Kathleen Hascher, MSN, FNP Obstetrics Pregnancy FAQs Your First Visit Fetal Well-Being Kick Counts The Non-Stress Test Biophysical Profile Should I Call The Doctor? Active Labor Post Partum Visit Welcome To The World Gynecology Incontinence Pelvic Floor Rehab Overactive Bladder Heavy Periods Pelvic Pain Endometriosis Interstitial Cystitis Vulvodynia Infertility Fibroids Permanent Contraception Abnormal Pap Smear Pap Test HPV Testing Other Menopause Osteoporosis PMS Yeast Infections Procedures Colposcopy Endometrial Biopsy Hysteroscopy LEEP Essure Endometrial Ablation Thermachoice Renessa Novasure Tegress TVTs Surgery GVG Imaging Ultrasound Facts 3D Ultrasound Gynecologic Ultrasound Obstetrical Ultrasound Biophysical / Amniotic Ultrasound Pelvic Ultrasound Nuchal Translucency Amniocentesis Lung Maturity Notification Of Scan Results Memory Photos & Videos AIUM Official Statements What's New Glossary Links Common Problems

When to call the Doctor's Office

Over 90% of all pregnancies progress normally and are uneventful from a medical point-of-view. There are some symptoms which should be reported to your physician as soon as they occur. Many of these symptoms can be treated before they progress to cause serious problems.

You should call the doctor's office immediately if any of these symptoms occur during your pregnancy:
  • Any bright red bleeding from vagina
  • Heavy sustained bleeding greater than or equal to one pad per hour, or if you're passing large clots
  • Sharp stomach pain or severe cramping
  • Loss of watery fluid from your vagina, or sudden gush
  • Baby has not moved in 12 hours (hiccupped, kicked, changed positions)
  • Very bad headache that persists after using prescribed dose(s) of Tylenol
  • Contractions more than 5 an hour if < 36 weeks along

Other signs of problems are not as urgent. If you have any of the following, call the doctor within 24 hours:
  • Feeling dizzy often (occasional is normal)
  • Blurred eyesight; seeing dots or flashes of light
  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away (severe)
  • Sudden or extreme swelling of face, hands or feet
  • Swelling of calf(s) accompanied by pain or redness
  • Pain or burning feeling while urinating; or leaking of urine
  • Chills and fever or fever higher than 100.5 F
  • Vaginal discharge that causes burning or itching
  • Localized redness or tenderness on your breasts associated with fever
  • Increased, unusual thirst or reduced amount of urine

You can call Grand Valley Gynecologists office during regular weekday office hours at (616) 774-0700. If you have an emergency after hours or on weekends, contact us through our answering service by calling the same phone number.

Our answering service will help you in contacting our physician on-call. If you believe you are in labor, call us at the office at 774-0700. If you are in labor then, after calling your doctor, proceed to Emergency Room entrance at Spectrum Butterworth located at Michigan Street NE and Barclay Ave (downtown Grand Rapids).

If this is a life-threatening situation, do not hesitate to call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. We will be contacted by the hospital staff. 		Click to visit the FPMU site
All content ©2006 Grand Valley Gynecologists, P.C.
1900 Wealthy SE, Suite 330
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

4600 Breton SE, Suite 202
Kentwood, MI 49508

Fax 616-774-0651
Phone 616-774-0700