Safety Center

When to call, what to watch

Quick, clear guidance for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn safety. This is education — not a substitute for your provider. When in doubt, call.

Emergencies: call 911

For severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Call your provider right away during pregnancy if you have

Heavy vaginal bleeding or fluid gush/leak (possible water breaking)
Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
Sudden severe swelling of face, hands, or legs, or a severe headache with vision changes (preeclampsia signs)
Decreased or stopped fetal movement
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
Signs of preterm labor before 37 weeks: regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or low back ache

Postpartum warning signs (call 911 or your provider)

Very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) or passing large clots
Severe headache, vision changes, or extreme swelling (postpartum preeclampsia)
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain/swelling (blood clot signs)
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feeling disconnected from your baby (postpartum mood crisis)
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or foul-smelling discharge

Newborn warning signs — call your pediatrician

Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months — call right away
Trouble breathing, blue lips, or grunting with each breath
Refusing feeds, no wet diapers for 6–8 hours, or persistent vomiting
Extreme fussiness that can’t be soothed, or unusual limpness

Safe sleep: ABCs

Alone, on their Back, in a bare Crib or bassinet. No loose bedding, pillows, bumpers, or toys. Share a room, not a bed.

Car seat safety

Use a rear-facing seat from day one. The harness should be snug at or below shoulder level, and the chest clip at armpit level. Never leave baby alone in a car.

Choking & CPR readiness

Take an infant CPR and choking class before baby arrives. Keep emergency numbers saved and posted at home.

Shaken baby prevention

Crying is normal and peaks around 6–8 weeks. If you’re overwhelmed, place baby safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes. Never shake a baby.

Be prepared

Build your safety skills

Our Infant CPR & Choking class walks you through life-saving response, step by step.

Find a class

This content is for education and support only and does not replace medical advice. For specific concerns, contact your OB, midwife, pediatrician, or emergency services.