When to call Maternity Triage and what to expect

What is Triage?

Maternity Triage Unit is for the assessment of obstetric concerns between 16 weeks gestation up until 6 weeks postnatal. Maternity Triage works very similar to A&E, the assessment of patients is on a priority care basis, which will be assessed by the clinicians on the department after an initial triage of your concern. This is to ensure appropriate care and patient safety and your baby/babies’ safety.

When do I call Triage?

• If you have never felt any fetal movements by 24 weeks gestation.
• If you have previously felt fetal movements but are now feeling no fetal movements.
• If you have ANY changes to your fetal movements, e.g. increase, reduction, strength.
• If you have any vaginal bleeding.
• If you have any visual disturbances/frontal headaches/oedema/right sided rib pain that have not settled with fluids, rest and paracetamol. 
• If you have lower abdominal pains/cramps 
• If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g. burning sensation when you pass urine, lower backache, passing urine more frequently than normal). 
• If you suspect your waters have broken at any point in your pregnancy (waters).
• If you experience any signs of labour at 37 weeks and above with regular pains (3-4 in a ten-minute period) lasting approx. 60 seconds, that have not settled with paracetamol.
• If you are a pre-existing pregnant diabetic patient unable to tolerate fluids and food.
• If you are a gestational diabetic patient with recurrent hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar) episodes and/or feeling unwell.
• If you are vomiting and/or diarrhoea and you are unable to tolerate fluids for over 24 hours.

When NOT to call Triage

• If you have shortness of breath and/or chest pain - ATTEND A&E
• If you have broken bones – Attend A&E or visit your GP
• If you have a cough or a cold – Visit your GP
• If you are experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting – Visit your GP
• If you have itching, particularly palms of hands/soles of feet/abdomen – Contact your Community Midwife
• If you have any post-natal perineum/wound concerns including pain/oozing wounds – Contact your Community Midwife or GP for assessment in the first instance.

If your issue is deemed not pregnancy related, you may be signposted to the appropriate health care team for the appropriate assessment of your concern.

Where is Triage and how long will I wait?

Maternity Triage Unit is located on Level 3 of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, WN1 2NN, just inside Delivery Suite (Labour Ward). To contact us please call 0300 707 8628. 

Maternity Triage is a busy department, and you may experience some delay when trying to contact us. If you feel that you are unable to wait to speak to a Midwife and/or if your concern is an emergency, please do not wait and attend Maternity Triage straight away. 

Maternity Triage has its own buzzer system for patients to notify staff of their arrival. When you attend triage, you will have an initial triage assessment by a Midwife, and you will be informed of your wait time for review which will depend on your clinical priority. This could be up to 4 hours, however, be assured that we will aim to review you as soon as possible.  If you are in the waiting room and have any concerns, please alert a member of staff.

To ensure any wait time is comfortable, please bring:

• Maternity Green Patient notes
• Fluids and snacks whilst waiting 
• One support person maximum as space is limited in the waiting area.