Maternal-Newborn Red Flags and Obstetric Emergencies

What Makes This High Priority

• Pregnancy and postpartum clients can deteriorate quickly.
• Bleeding, severe pain, hypertension, reduced fetal movement, and breathing changes deserve immediate attention.
• The nurse looks for signs that threaten both mother and baby.

Common Red Flags

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Severe headache with visual changes
• Sudden severe abdominal pain
• Decreased fetal movement
• Fever with uterine tenderness
• Postpartum chest pain or shortness of breath

Nursing Focus

• Assess maternal stability first
• Check fetal status when relevant
• Escalate abnormal findings promptly
• Prepare for emergency intervention when needed