Pregnancy Complications: When to Visit Urgent Care or the ER

Pregnancy is usually a healthy journey, but some warning signs require fast evaluation. At iCare ER & Urgent Care—serving Frisco, Fort Worth and Forney—our medical team provides urgent assessment with on-site ultrasound, lab tests, imaging and IV treatments. We are not a regular prenatal care or delivery clinic; rather, we manage urgent pregnancy concerns and arrange hospital transfer when specialist obstetric or inpatient care is needed.

Emergency Signs: When You Should Visit the ER Immediately

These symptoms could signal life-threatening complications and should be evaluated without delay.

Vaginal Bleeding or Clots

Any bleeding that is heavy, accompanied by clots or lasts beyond a light spotting requires ER evaluation. Bleeding may indicate conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or placental issues.

Severe Abdominal or One-Sided Pelvic Pain

Sharp or constant pain—especially if on one side, or associated with fainting or shoulder pain—may suggest a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency. Cleveland Clinic+2Mayo Clinic+2

High Blood Pressure, Headache, Vision Changes, Swelling

These may signal preeclampsia—a serious disorder of pregnancy that needs immediate care.

Decreased Fetal Movement (After ~28 Weeks)

If your baby moves notably less, you should be evaluated to check fetal well-being.

Fever, Chills, Back/Flank Pain, Painful Urination

These symptoms suggest a severe urinary tract or kidney infection (pyelonephritis) which can escalate in pregnancy.

Trauma, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Leg Swelling

These raise concern for serious complications such as internal injury, pulmonary embolism or deep-vein thrombosis.

Leaking Fluid or Gush Before Due Date

Possible pre-term rupture of membranes (PPROM) or other labor-related emergencies need hospital care.

When Urgent Care May Be Appropriate

For less severe but still concerning symptoms, our urgent care side may be appropriate. Examples include:

• Mild nausea/vomiting responsive to treatment

• Suspected UTI without systemic signs

• General viral illnesses in pregnant patients

• Minor falls with no abdominal impact

• Greeting a mild dehydration scenario that responds well to oral fluids and outpatient management

If symptoms worsen or test results indicate a serious condition, we will escalate to the ER side and arrange hospital transfer.

How iCare Handles Pregnancy Concerns On-Site

At iCare ER & Urgent Care we provide:

• Bedside ultrasound (sono): to assess pregnancy location and viability in many urgent scenarios

• Laboratory testing: CBC, CMP, UA/urine culture, β-hCG levels, liver/renal panels if preeclampsia suspected

• IV fluids & medications: anti-emetics, antibiotics when safe in pregnancy, electrolyte correction

• Imaging (X-ray/CT/MRI): Ultrasound is preferred in pregnancy; X-ray/CT may be used when benefits outweigh risks—lowest exposure protocols in place

• Transfer coordination: If your condition requires hospital obstetric, surgical or inpatient monitoring care, we initiate stabilization and arrange transfer seamlessly

Key Pregnancy Complications iCare Evaluates

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (often the fallopian tube). If unrecognized, it can lead to internal bleeding. Cleveland Clinic+1
When you should go to the ER: sudden severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding.
What iCare can do: initial ultrasound, labs, pain control; if signs of rupture/instability → transfer.

Preeclampsia & High-Risk Hypertension

Characterized by high blood pressure with signs like vision changes, severe headache, right upper quadrant pain or swelling. Requires urgent evaluation.
When you should go to the ER: systolic ≥160 mmHg, new vision changes, swelling of face/hands/feet.
What iCare can do: measure vitals/labs, initiate treatment, and transfer for obstetric management.

Decreased Fetal Movement

Signifies possible fetal distress.
When you should go to the ER: baby noticeably less active, no movement for several hours after normal pattern.
What iCare can do: initial assessment, fetal monitoring referral and transfer.

Severe Vomiting/Dehydration (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)

Excessive vomiting can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, ketone formation.
When you should go to the ER: inability to keep fluids or food down, weight loss, dizziness.
What iCare can do: IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, labs; if unresolved → transfer.

Urinary Tract/Kidney Infections

Pregnancy predisposes to UTIs and pyelonephritis, which can lead to preterm labor or other complications.
When you should go to the ER: fever, chills, flank pain, vomiting.
What iCare can do: UA/urine culture, start safe antibiotics, close monitor; transfer if systemic signs.

Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Pregnancy increases clot risk.
When you should go to the ER: chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, calf pain.
What iCare can do: assessment, initial labs, imaging referral and transfer as needed.

Trauma in Pregnancy

Falls, car accidents or abdominal impact can endanger mother/fetus.
When you should go to the ER: any significant force, abdominal injury, bleeding, fetal movement change.
What iCare can do: rapid triage, assessment, imaging if needed, then transfer.

Why and When Transfer to Hospital Care is Needed

Because certain complications require continuous monitoring, specialist obstetric care, or surgical and neonatal resources, iCare ensures transfer when needed. Indicators include:

• Hemodynamic instability (e.g., low BP, heavy bleeding)

• Confirmed ectopic rupture or need for emergent surgery

• Need for continuous fetal monitoring, advanced imaging, neonatal ICU

• Multisystem involvement (e.g., preeclampsia with organ damage)

• Labor or delivery imminent

At iCare, we initiate stabilization, continue care, and coordinate your transfer smoothly to a hospital obstetrics/gynecology service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnant

Can a freestanding ER care for pregnancy complications?
Yes. At iCare we handle urgent pregnancy concerns, perform initial diagnostics and treatments, and when necessary coordinate hospital transfer for obstetric or inpatient care.

Is imaging safe in pregnancy?
Ultrasound is preferred. X-ray or CT may be used when the benefits outweigh the risks—always using minimal exposure protocols. Decision-making is shared with you.

Do you provide prenatal care and delivery services?
No. iCare focuses on urgent evaluation and stabilization. We do not provide routine prenatal care, labor and delivery, or D&C services.

What if I’m not sure whether to go to urgent care or ER?
Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care. Our dual-model allows fast triage and ensures you receive the appropriate level of care—either same-day evaluation or upgrade to emergency level.

Locations & Hours

Frisco – [link to location page]
Fort Worth – [link to location page]
Forney – [link to location page]
Walk-in available. All locations equipped with urgent care and freestanding ER services and fully staffed for urgent pregnancy issues.

Final Word

If you’re pregnant and experience any bleeding, severe pain, decreased fetal movement, fever, shortness of breath, trauma, or other concerning symptoms, don’t wait. Come to iCare ER & Urgent Care for fast, professional assessment. We’ll evaluate, treat what we can on-site, and transfer you as needed — giving you the high level of care you deserve.

References:

• Ectopic Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic

• Ectopic Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic

• Ectopic Pregnancy FAQs. ACOG.