Emergency Response Guide: Maternity emergency at Livasa Hospitals

This comprehensive guide explains what to do during a maternity emergency, how to recognise danger signs in pregnancy and labour, and how Livasa Hospitals across Punjab — including Livasa Mohali, Livasa Amritsar, Livasa Hoshiarpur and Livasa Khanna — respond quickly with specialist emergency obstetrics care. If you are in Punjab and facing an urgent situation, call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment at https://www.livasahospitals.com/appointment for immediate guidance and transfer.

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time of hope and preparation, but in a small proportion of pregnancies a sudden complication can become life-threatening for the mother, fetus or both. These situations are commonly grouped as maternity emergencies or obstetric emergencies. Worldwide data show that about 15% of pregnancies will develop complications that require skilled emergency obstetric care. Rapid recognition, early transfer to a specialised facility and evidence-based interventions reduce both maternal and neonatal mortality and long-term morbidity.

This guide is written for expectant mothers, family members and community first-responders in Punjab — whether you are near Livasa Mohali, Livasa Amritsar, Livasa Hoshiarpur or Livasa Khanna — to understand what constitutes an emergency, how to act in the first minutes, and what treatments the emergency obstetrics team at Livasa Hospitals can provide. It also outlines prevention strategies, how to prepare a childbirth emergency plan and how postpartum follow-up works after an emergency event.

Why this matters in Punjab: India’s maternal mortality ratio has declined substantially over recent decades, but complications still occur. According to global health monitoring agencies, approximately 290,000 women die annually from pregnancy-related causes worldwide; timely emergency obstetric care is the key to preventing most of these deaths. In Punjab, state data and local health surveys suggest maternal outcomes are improving, but access to 24/7 emergency obstetric services remains essential — which is where Livasa Hospitals’ network across Punjab plays a critical role.

What is a maternity emergency?

A maternity emergency refers to any unexpected medical condition during pregnancy, labour, delivery or the immediate postpartum period that threatens the health or life of the mother, the baby, or both, and requires immediate medical attention. Obstetric emergencies range from heavy bleeding after birth to sudden high blood pressure, fits (eclampsia), infection and problems that affect the baby such as umbilical cord prolapse or fetal distress.

Common categories of obstetric emergencies include:

• Hemorrhagic emergencies: postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), antepartum hemorrhage from placenta previa or placental abruption.
• Hypertensive emergencies: severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia causing seizures or stroke risk.
• Obstructed or prolonged labour: fetal distress, shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture.
• Infectious emergencies: chorioamnionitis, severe sepsis or septic shock in the mother.
• Fetal emergencies: cord prolapse, non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing.
• Postpartum complications: retained placenta, severe infection, thromboembolism.

In practice, any sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, convulsions, breathlessness, decreased fetal movements or high fever in pregnancy or after delivery should be treated as an urgent situation. For families in Punjab, knowing the nearest 24/7 maternity emergency centre — such as any Livasa Hospitals centre — and having the phone number +91 80788 80788 readily available can save vital minutes.

Causes and common obstetric emergencies

Obstetric emergencies have diverse causes. Understanding the common pathologies helps families appreciate why certain symptoms are dangerous and why fast treatment matters. Below are the most frequent emergencies seen by emergency obstetrics teams — including those at Livasa Hospitals in Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur and Khanna — with their typical causes and clinical implications.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Excessive bleeding after delivery is the leading cause of maternal death globally. Causes include uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract after birth), retained placental tissue, genital tract tears, or coagulation disorders. Risk factors include prolonged labour, multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios and previous PPH. PPH can lead rapidly to shock and requires immediate control of bleeding, uterotonics, fluid resuscitation and sometimes surgery or uterine artery ligation.

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterised by high blood pressure and proteinuria, which can progress to eclampsia when seizures occur. Severe pre-eclampsia threatens maternal organs (brain, liver, kidneys) and increases risk of placental problems and fetal growth restriction. Treatment includes blood pressure control, magnesium sulphate to prevent seizures, and expedited delivery when maternal or fetal condition is compromised.

Placental abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus can cause heavy bleeding and fetal compromise. It is more likely with hypertension, trauma, smoking, or substance use. Rapid delivery — often by emergency cesarean section — may be required.

Uterine rupture: A rare but catastrophic event where the uterine wall tears, often in women with a scarred uterus from previous surgery. It presents with severe abdominal pain, abnormal fetal heart rate and vaginal bleeding. Emergency surgery is lifesaving.

Cord prolapse and fetal distress: If the umbilical cord slips below the presenting part, it can be compressed, causing severe fetal hypoxia. Immediate manoeuvres and an emergency cesarean are often needed.

Sepsis: Maternal sepsis may arise from chorioamnionitis, infected cesarean wounds or other sources. Infection in pregnancy can progress to septic shock requiring antibiotics, source control and organ support in a maternal ICU.

Less common but important issues include amniotic fluid embolism, severe thromboembolic events and acute cardiopulmonary problems. A multidisciplinary team including obstetricians, anaesthesiologists, neonatologists and critical care nurses is essential for optimal outcomes, which is why Livasa Hospitals maintain dedicated emergency obstetrics pathways and maternal ICU beds in Punjab.

Recognising signs and symptoms: when to seek immediate help

Timely recognition of warning signs is the most important first step when a maternity emergency arises. Expectant mothers and family members in Punjab should consider any of the following as red flags that require urgent medical help and immediate contact with an emergency number such as +91 80788 80788 or transport to the nearest Livasa Hospitals facility.

• Heavy vaginal bleeding: soaking one or more sanitary pads every hour, passage of large clots, or sudden heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after delivery.
• Severe abdominal pain: intense or persistent pain that is different from usual labour pains, or pain with vaginal bleeding.
• Convulsions or severe headache: fits during pregnancy or severe, persistent headaches, vision changes, or confusion.
• Reduced fetal movements: absence or marked reduction of baby’s movements in the third trimester.
• Breathlessness or chest pain: sudden breathlessness, fast pulse or chest pain suggests a cardiopulmonary event or embolism.
• High fever and chills: especially with uterine tenderness, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or wound redness post-operation.
• Water breaks before 37 weeks: signs of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes require immediate assessment.

When in doubt, act early. In Punjab many women successfully avoid adverse outcomes by calling emergency services or the nearest Livasa Hospitals centre at the first sign of danger. For labour-specific guidance, know your due date, watch contraction frequency and intensity, and call ahead if you experience regular contractions every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds, or any vaginal bleeding or decreased fetal movements. Early notification allows the hospital to prepare an appropriate team, reducing delays on arrival.

Immediate steps to take during a maternity emergency

First aid and early actions by family or first responders can stabilise the mother and improve outcomes. The following practical steps apply whether you are at home in Mohali, travelling in Amritsar, or in a village near Hoshiarpur or Khanna.

1. Call for help immediately: dial local emergency services and Livasa Hospitals’ emergency number +91 80788 80788. Give concise information: mother’s age, weeks of pregnancy, primary problem (bleeding, convulsion, breathlessness) and location.
2. If heavy bleeding: help the woman lie flat with legs elevated, apply steady direct pressure to visible bleeding wounds, and replace soaked pads, keeping track of how frequently pads become soaked.
3. If convulsions occur: prevent injury by moving sharp objects away, place the woman on her side to protect airway and prevent aspiration, and do not place objects in the mouth. Time the seizure and report to clinicians.
4. If cord prolapse is suspected: call for urgent transfer; if trained, manually relieve cord pressure by gently elevating the presenting part and avoid compressing the cord until in theatre.
5. Support breathing: provide high-flow oxygen if available and seek immediate transfer for respiratory distress.
6. Prepare documents and medicines: bring antenatal records, known medical problems, allergies, blood group if available, and any medications — these accelerate care upon arrival.
7. Transport considerations: if ambulance services are available (and in Punjab many areas have pregnancy emergency ambulance services), use them because ambulances provide oxygen, monitoring and faster referral. If private vehicle is used, ensure the woman is stable, supported and not left alone during transit.

Every minute matters in obstetric crises. Prior to labour, prepare a simple emergency kit and birth plan that includes contact numbers (family, obstetrician, Livasa Hospitals emergency line), hospital bag, ID, insurance details and a list of medications. This reduces time spent organising during a crisis.

Hospital response and treatment options at Livasa Hospitals

When a maternity emergency reaches Livasa Hospitals in Punjab — whether at Livasa Mohali, Livasa Amritsar, Livasa Hoshiarpur or Livasa Khanna — a well-rehearsed emergency pathway is activated. This pathway is designed to rapidly assess, stabilise and treat the mother and baby using protocols aligned with national and international obstetric emergency standards.

Key elements of Livasa Hospitals’ emergency obstetrics response include:

• Triage and rapid assessment: immediate maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate monitoring, and focused obstetric examination to identify the cause and urgency.
• On-call multidisciplinary teams: obstetricians, anaesthesiologists, neonatologists, blood bank staff and critical care nurses assemble rapidly for high-risk situations.
• Emergency cesarean and operative delivery: theatre teams are equipped for emergency C-section (cesarean section) with fast anaesthesia protocols. Livasa Hospitals maintain operating rooms and staff available 24/7 to perform lifesaving deliveries.
• Resuscitation and transfusion: PPH management includes uterotonics, tranexamic acid administration, surgical interventions (e.g., uterine tamponade, uterine artery ligation) and rapid blood transfusion from in-house blood banks.
• Intensive care support: patients needing organ support are treated in the maternal ICU; neonates requiring advanced care are stabilised in the neonatal ICU, both staffed by experienced critical care personnel.
• Advanced monitoring and diagnostics: bedside ultrasound, lab tests including complete blood count, coagulation profile, arterial blood gases and microbiology guide targeted treatment.
• Postoperative and psychosocial support: after stabilisation, patients receive physical rehabilitation, lactation support and counselling for emotional recovery.

Livasa Hospitals also run ongoing training for emergency obstetric drills and maintain links with referral networks across Punjab to transfer patients quickly when additional subspecialty support is required. Families can contact the emergency desk at +91 80788 80788 for immediate triage advice.

Comparisons: emergency delivery interventions and costs

Different emergency interventions have different benefits, risks and recovery expectations. Below are two comparison tables to help understand options commonly faced in obstetric emergencies: operative delivery types and approximate cost ranges for emergency C-section in the region. Note that costs vary with hospital, complexity and ICU requirements; the table provides indicative ranges for planning discussions in Punjab.

Cost comparison (indicative):

Please note these figures are indicative. Exact costs depend on the clinical situation, investigations, duration of stay and whether ICU or neonatal ICU care is needed. Livasa Hospitals in Punjab offers patient support to explain expected expenses and help with insurance and financial counselling at the time of admission.

Preparing a childbirth emergency plan and prevention strategies

Preparation reduces risk and improves response when emergencies occur. Every expecting mother in Punjab should create a simple, practical emergency childbirth plan during antenatal visits — particularly for high-risk pregnancies. Livasa Hospitals’ obstetric teams recommend the following steps to build an effective plan.

1. Know your risk profile: During antenatal visits at Livasa Mohali, Livasa Amritsar, Livasa Hoshiarpur or Livasa Khanna, your obstetrician will identify risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, previous cesarean, multiple pregnancy, or placenta previa. High-risk pregnancies should have a clear hospital delivery plan and early notification if labour starts.

2. Essential contacts and transport: Keep a printed and digital emergency contact list: your obstetrician’s number, nearest Livasa Hospitals centre contact, ambulance services and family contacts. Confirm transport options in advance; where available, use pregnancy emergency ambulance services for safe transfer.

3. Pack a hospital-ready bag: include ID, antenatal record, medication list, sealed sample of known blood group if available, sterile pads, comfortable clothing, and a small amount of cash or insurance details. Having this ready avoids delays when while leaving for the hospital.

4. Antenatal education and early warning signs: Attend antenatal classes at Livasa Hospitals or community clinics that cover signs of labour, PPH prevention strategies, and the importance of monitoring fetal movements. Education empowers women and their families to act quickly if a danger sign appears.

5. Protocols for high-risk pregnancies: For women with previous C-section, placenta previa, severe pre-eclampsia or other complications, Livasa Hospitals creates individual delivery plans that may include scheduled delivery at a tertiary centre, blood reservation and neonatal ICU availability.

Prevention also includes routine measures such as iron and folic acid supplementation, vaccination as recommended, screening for infections, tight control of existing medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension), and timely referrals when problems are identified. These approaches reduce the chance of emergencies and improve outcomes when they occur.

Post-emergency care, recovery and support

Surviving a maternity emergency marks the start of a recovery and rehabilitation phase that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Livasa Hospitals provides structured follow-up to ensure full recovery of the mother and appropriate care of the newborn.

Physical recovery: After an emergency C-section, major surgery or critical illness, the mother requires wound care, pain control and progressive mobilisation. For conditions like PPH, follow-up monitoring of haemoglobin and iron levels is essential. Women who required blood transfusion or ICU care receive tailored discharge plans, medication schedules and outpatient appointments to monitor recovery.

Neonatal care: Babies born during emergencies may need early monitoring in the neonatal ICU for breathing support, feeding assistance or management of prematurity. Livasa Hospitals’ neonatology teams counsel parents on feeding, immunisation and monitoring after discharge to ensure the best start for the newborn.

Mental health and psychosocial support: Experiencing a childbirth emergency is emotionally challenging. Symptoms such as vivid memories, anxiety, sleep disturbance or difficulty bonding with the baby can occur. Livasa Hospitals provides counselling and referral to mental health specialists. Support groups, lactation consultants and social workers help families adapt and recover.

Reproductive planning and future pregnancies: After certain emergencies (e.g., uterine rupture, severe pre-eclampsia), clinicians discuss implications for future pregnancies and safe interpregnancy intervals. High-risk obstetric follow-up and preconception counselling help plan safer future pregnancies.

Follow-up pathways at Livasa Hospitals are designed to be clear and patient-focused: before discharge patients receive a written summary of the emergency, medications, red flags to watch for, scheduled follow-up appointments and a direct contact number for post-discharge queries. For immediate assistance in Punjab, families can call +91 80788 80788 or visit one of the Livasa Hospitals centres for urgent review and support.

Conclusion and how to reach us

Maternity emergencies are unpredictable but highly manageable when recognised early and treated by experienced emergency obstetric teams. Whether you are in Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Khanna or elsewhere in Punjab, timely action — calling emergency services, seeking immediate transfer, and receiving care in a hospital with 24/7 emergency obstetrics capability — saves lives. Livasa Hospitals offers dedicated emergency obstetrics services across Punjab with multidisciplinary teams, maternal ICU and neonatal ICU support to handle complex childbirth emergencies.

For more information on emergency obstetrics, high-risk pregnancy protocols and antenatal classes that help prevent and prepare for emergencies, contact your nearest Livasa Hospitals centre in Punjab or speak with our helpline at +91 80788 80788.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. In any suspected emergency, seek immediate professional medical care. Cost ranges and statistics are indicative; please consult Livasa Hospitals for facility-specific details and the most recent local health data.