WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

We can always see you for a problem. Patients with true emergencies can be seen at all hours of the day, in the Labor & Delivery ward at St Luke’s Hospital. Non-emergent problems will also be evaluated as quickly as possible, usually in the office. You may reach our office during business hours for non-emergent problems; and you may reach our office or the on-call doctor 24 hours per day, seven days a week, by calling our office number: 816-931-9344. If calling after hours and you do not receive a return call within 30 minutes, please repeat the call as the physician may be attending a delivery/emergency.

PLEASE CALL US IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

+ Leaking fluid from the vagina

+ Vaginal bleeding requiring a pad

+ Headache that does not resolve with Tylenol, hydration and rest 

+ New-onset blurred vision or other visual changes

+ New-onset chest pain or shortness of air 

+ Persistent vomiting

+ Fever over 100.4 F

+ Painful Urination

+ Decreased fetal movement after 24-28 weeks of pregnancy (less than 5 kicks/movements in 1hr or 10 in 2hrs) 

+ Uterine contractions (every 10 minutes for an hour if less than 37 weeks or every 5 minutes for an hour if >37 weeks) that do not improve with rest and fluids.

If you cannot reach us after hours (ie our phones are down), you may dial St Luke’s Hospital Maternity Center directly (816-932-2000). If for some reason you are unable to reach anyone by phone and you feel you are in labor or need emergent evaluation, please go directly to the St. Luke’s Maternity Center. The on-call doctor will be contacted by other means upon your arrival.