Calling maternity triage: what to say and what to ask

Call before completing your notes

Keep your midwife's or maternity triage number handy. If you are worried or think labour has started, call without waiting for a complete record. This checklist helps with the conversation; it cannot decide whether you need assessment. Follow the plan your own maternity team has given you.

Explain why you are calling

Give your name, how many weeks pregnant you are and your main concern. Explain when you noticed it and what has changed. Mention any pregnancy-specific instructions. If a birth partner joins the call, agree who will describe what you are experiencing. Ask for an interpreter if needed.

Describe what you have noticed

Describe contractions, fluid loss, bleeding or changes in your baby's usual movements in your own words. Say when you are unsure rather than guessing. NHS guidance advises calling urgently for waters breaking, vaginal bleeding, reduced movements or suspected labour before 37 weeks. These examples are not an exhaustive list.

Use your record for context

If helpful, read recent entries from Birth Companion. Clarify whether the figure is contraction duration, the pause from the end of one to the start of the next, or time between starts. Mention gaps. The log and optional PDF summary do not diagnose labour; do not delay a call to complete or export them.

Check what happens next

Ask what to do now, where to attend if needed and when to call back. Repeat the plan and write it down separately. NHS advice is to call 999 if you think the baby is coming now and have a strong urge to push. Do not wait for an app notification. This is general information, not personalised medical advice.

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