Pregnancy comes with excitement, anticipation — and sometimes unexpected worries. While most pregnancies progress smoothly, it’s comforting to know that specialized care is close by if you ever need it.
That’s where an Obstetric Emergency Department (OB ED) can make a real difference.
Unlike a traditional emergency room, an OB ED is designed specifically for pregnant and postpartum women. It provides 24/7 access to in-house OB/Gyn physicians and a dedicated care team who specialize in pregnancy-related concerns. That means if something doesn’t feel right, you’re seen by providers who focus on the unique needs of moms and babies every day.
Having OB providers onsite around the clock offers several important benefits:
- Immediate care if your regular obstetrician isn’t available.
- Additional support for high-risk pregnancies.
- Care for patients who may not yet have an established OB provider.
- Faster evaluation by a specialist trained in prenatal and postpartum emergencies.
Simply put, it’s an added layer of reassurance during a time when peace of mind matters most.
When Should You Go?
If you’re more than 12 weeks pregnant — or recently postpartum — you should seek care if you experience:
- Abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding
- Signs of pre-term labor
- High blood pressure
- Decreased baby movement
- Ruptured membranes (your water breaking)
- Symptoms of preeclampsia such as headache, blurred vision and increased swelling
- Any concern related to a high-risk pregnancy
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always better to be evaluated.
What Happens When You Arrive?
At HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital, patients enter through the Main Emergency Department. After a brief evaluation, appropriate patients are escorted directly to the OB ED within the Women and Infants Center, where specialized care begins right away.
Your Concerns are Always Valid
It’s common to question whether a symptom is serious, and many moms worry about making a trip for something minor. But during pregnancy and the postpartum period, there’s no such thing as a “silly” concern.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and get checked. It’s always better to have peace of mind than to wait and wonder.
Emergency teams are there to evaluate your symptoms and make sure you and your baby are safe.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy is a journey — and while most days are routine, having specialized emergency care available offers invaluable reassurance. Knowing there’s a team dedicated to obstetric emergencies, ready at any hour, allows you to focus on what matters most: preparing to welcome your baby.
If you ever have urgent symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Because when it comes to you and your baby, peace of mind matters.
