Expecting? Learn Why You Should Familiarize Yourself with an Obstetric Emergency Department (OB ED)

For many pregnant women, the journey to childbirth comes with excitement and anticipation. However, it is not uncommon for unexpected issues to arise, such as fetal-movement issues severe morning sickness (hyperemesis), hypertension (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes, pre-term labor, bleeding, and other conditions that may classify a pregnancy as high-risk.

Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy Symptoms

Some conditions may develop suddenly, while others may progress gradually throughout pregnancy. It's important to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure the best possible outcome for mother and baby, even if no warning signs are present. Symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, intense abdominal pain, sudden swelling, or heavy bleeding could indicate serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. Identifying symptoms early is crucial when dealing with high-risk conditions as they can appear without warning.

On occasion, symptoms could be so severe that a nurse advice line or your OB/GYN may encourage you to seek care immediately. It could also be a mother’s intuition that something isn’t right. In these scenarios, it’s important to know if your local hospital has an Obstetric Emergency Department (OB ED) on-site. This is outside of a standard emergency department (ED).

What is an OB ED?

Unlike a traditional ED, which treats a broad range of medical emergencies, an OB ED is specifically designed to address pregnancy-related concerns. In a traditional ED, pregnant patients often face long wait times as they wait with others who have different conditions. OB EDs offer faster evaluations, seamless coordination with labor and delivery care teams, and a more focused, compassionate approach tailored to the unique needs of expectant mothers.

When an expectant mother arrives at the ED with pregnancy-related complications, every second counts. To ensure efficient and specialized care for both mom and baby, the main ED at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center will collaborate with the on-site OB ED to provide personalized care to women who may have a high-risk pregnancy, are 16 weeks pregnant, or up to six weeks postpartum.

Having 24/7 access to specialized care not only improves outcomes but also helps alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies unpredictable pregnancy-related complications.

The OB ED at Saddleback Medical Center is fully equipped with advanced technology, skilled OB/GYN physicians, OB hospitalists, and specialty trained OB nurses, providing the highest level of emergency maternity care to the South Orange County community. Designed to fast-track pregnant patients from the main ED to a specialized environment, the OB ED is located on the same floor as the Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) suites, allowing for an easier transition between emergency care and inpatient care, if needed.

This means expectant and postpartum moms don’t have to wait for an appointment or wonder if the ED will know how to handle their emergency. Expectant mothers can go straight to a team that understands their needs and is prepared to provide expert care, day or night.

OB ED Team Specially Trained in High-Risk Pregnancy

If a patient is admitted to the OB ED, they will be cared for by specialized OB ED nurses and a board-certified OB/GYN physician, also known as an OB hospitalist. The OB hospitalist assesses, treats, and discharges patients as needed. If the OB hospitalist determines that a patient should remain in the hospital for further care or observation, the OB ED team will coordinate with your obstetrician, often partnering with maternal-fetal-medicine specialists to keep mom and baby healthy and safe.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists undergo extensive training beyond that of general obstetricians to care for complex pregnancies. MFM specialists provide advanced medical care, monitoring, and diagnostic services. These specialists collaborate closely with OB/GYNs and OB nurses to tailor treatment plans based on the needs of mom and her baby.

Whether a patient requires immediate discharge, further monitoring, or admission to labor and delivery, the OB ED team coordinates every step of the process to ensure a safe and supportive experience for women who may have:

• A high-risk pregnancy to manage or treat conditions including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, or thyroid disease, along with multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets).
• Pregnancy-related complications, such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, and postpartum hemorrhage, requiring immediate and specialized care.
• Infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other signs of maternal illness are evaluated to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.

When Postpartum Brings Challenges

While most people usually associate emergency care with pregnancy and labor, the postpartum period can also bring unexpected medical challenges. Complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, infections, or blood clots can develop days or weeks after childbirth, requiring immediate attention. The OB ED provides a safety net for new mothers who may be experiencing symptoms and require additional medical care.

Since opening its doors, the OB ED at The Women’s Hospital has provided high-quality emergency obstetric care to more than 3,000 patients. This demonstrates MemorialCare’s commitment to ensuring every mother has access to expert and compassionate care when it matters most.

By prioritizing maternal health and providing access to an OB ED, The Women’s Hospital is ensuring that every pregnancy receives the timely and specialized attention it deserves. We’re not just reacting to emergencies; we’re proactively supporting pregnant and postpartum women through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Expanded Maternity Care Beyond OB ED at The Women’s Hospital

Pregnancy can be an emotional and sometimes stressful journey, especially when complications arise. While the presence of a dedicated OB ED provides reassurance and peace of mind to families that they are receiving care from experts who understand the intricacies of maternal health, it is just one piece of the extensive maternity care offered at Saddleback Medical Center.

The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Medical Center has some of the highest quality scores in Orange County. Focused on continuous quality improvement, Saddleback Medical Center has implemented initiatives to reduce infection rates and support vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), thereby empowering women with safe, evidence-based childbirth options. Saddleback Medical Center maintains a 23.2% cesarean birth rate for first-time, low-risk mothers—lower than national and state targets, including many local hospitals.

Additionally, families who choose to deliver at The Women’s Hospital benefit from the support of a personal maternity concierge, who will coordinate with all specialized teams at The Women’s Hospital, fulfill your needs, answer any questions you may have, and help you navigate through your pregnancy journey by connecting you to the right people and resources.

As part of our comprehensive, holistic care, mothers have the advantage of birthing in our Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum (LDRP) suites. These spaces feature large windows for natural light, Bluetooth speakers, lavender-scented towels, freshly baked cookies, and a celebratory brunch, as well as peanut balls and rocking chairs for mobility during labor, with six suites equipped with soaking tubs.

For families requiring extra care, the Irma Feldcamp Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Saddleback Medical Center provides advanced neonatal intensive care. The NICU is equipped to handle the most complex and critical needs of newborns, ensuring that even the smallest patients receive the highest level of care. With a team of specialized neonatologists, nurses, and support staff, the NICU offers round-the-clock care, advanced medical technology, and a compassionate environment, giving families peace of mind.

These exceptional offerings underscore Saddleback Medical Center’s commitment to elevating the birthing experience for all mothers, regardless of their risk level or birthing plan.