Within this information, we may use the terms "woman" and "women". However, we recognise that not only people who identify as women may want to access this content. Your care should be personalised, inclusive and sensitive to your needs, whatever your gender identity.
The Pregnancy Assessment Emergency Room at Heartlands Hospital cares for women from 20 weeks of pregnancy up to 6 weeks after the birth of their child. Your care will be tailored to your individual care plan or needs.
PAER is a four-bedded area where you will be assessed. You will be seen on a priority basis and there are no appointments for this service – PAER is like the A&E of maternity. The unit is staffed by experienced midwives and a maternity care assistant, and they will refer to doctors if required after discussion with you.
PAER is located on the ground floor of the Princess of Wales maternity unit, on the delivery suite. Please report to the ward clerk on arrival.
Reasons to come to PAER
Reasons to attend PAER include the following. Further details about what to do in the following situations are also available throughout these pages.
Baby movements
If at any time you feel your baby is moving around less frequently or slowing down, or has changed the pattern of their movements, please attend immediately.
Abdominal pain
It’s normal to have slight contractions throughout pregnancy (this is when you feel your stomach go tight and then soft). If you experience a sudden, sharp ongoing pain that won’t go away, or your stomach is continuously hard, please come in immediately.
Bleeding
While bleeding in pregnancy can be normal, it can also be a sign that something is wrong, especially if it is accompanied by pain. If you are at 20 weeks of pregnancy or less, please go to your nearest A&E department. If you are at 20 weeks or more, please come to PAER immediately.
Pain when passing urine
This could be a sign of infection which will need treatment. Drink plenty of fluids and contact your GP within 24 hours.
Severe itching
While itching is common in pregnancy, severe itching without a rash (particularly in the last four months of pregnancy) can be a sign of a potentially dangerous liver disorder. Please ring PAER and ask for advice. They will ask you to come in for a blood test and assessment.
Swelling
This is normal in pregnancy, as you have an increased blood volume which can go to the extremities (hands and feet). However, if you notice any sudden changes, please speak to your GP or community midwife, or come to PAER as it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and fluid retention in pregnancy).
Vaginal discharge
A discharge that is smelly or bloodstained may mean you have an infection. Please speak your midwife or come to PAER.
Headaches, dizziness or visual disturbances
Headaches may indicate that you are dehydrated or could be due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. However, if you have a headache with visual disturbances (your eyesight is affected), this could be due to a change in your blood pressure which could be dangerous in pregnancy. Please contact the PAER for further advice.
Diarrhoea, vomiting or high fever
If you have any illness which begins suddenly or gets worse quickly, especially a high temperature, please call PAER.
Labour
If you think you're in labour, please call your community midwife or PAER when your contractions are in a regular pattern, lasting at least 60 seconds and coming every couple of minutes, or if you are having regular pains before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Spontaneous ruptured membranes (waters breaking)
If you think your waters are broken, please put on a maternity pad to assess the amount and colour of the water and phone PAER for advice.
Possible infection or wound breakdown
If you think you might have an infection or if a wound is opening back up, please come straight into PAER. Our trained midwives will assess you for treatment if necessary.
What to bring with you
- Always bring your handheld records if you have them
- If not, please try and bring something with your hospital number on
- You can also access your hospital number on the Badgernet app
- Bring something to do or read, and something to eat or drink in case you have to wait for results or to see the doctor
- Please note that children are not allowed into the unit
- The length of your stay and the staff looking after you will depend on the assessment required. You should allow 1 to 4 hours
Appointment times are not given. Women are seen on a priority basis.
Last reviewed: 22 March 2023