When you’re pregnant, it helps to know when and where you can get emergency care that aligns with the OBGYN care you’ve received throughout your pregnancy. One of the advantages of choosing West Des Moines OBGYN Associates when you’re pregnant is that our doctors staff the Obstetrics Emergency Department at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Open 24/7, the MercyOne Obstetrics Emergency Department (OBED) provides specialized, immediate care to pregnant women with emergencies as well as post-partum emergencies. This can be very helpful for women with high-risk pregnancies, but even women with low-risk pregnancies can benefit from being seen in the OBED.
What is an OBED?
An OBED is an obstetric-specialized emergency department staffed by board-certified OBGYN physicians. The OBED at MercyOne is separate from the Labor and Delivery unit. It is designed to treat conditions related to pregnancy, both while a woman is carrying a baby and after she has given birth. The conditions treated by the OBGYNs on staff range from minor to life-threatening. They include bladder infections, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, labor checks, preterm labor, preeclampsia, vaginal bleeding, ruptured membranes, and other conditions.
When you visit the MercyOne OBED, you will be seen by an obstetrician within 30 minutes. If your OBGYN isn’t available, another OBGYN on staff will examine you. They will provide care for you and communicate with your physician.
In hospitals without an obstetrics emergency department, women who present with an obstetric emergency will likely see an OB triage nurse in the Labor and Delivery department rather than an ER physician or obstetrician. The OB nurse makes the assessment and contacts the doctor on call if needed. This could leave you waiting for hours for the care of an obstetrician.
Dedicated OB Emergency Care
We feel strongly that OBEDs provide the fastest and most effective care for women having birth emergencies or post-partum crises. Whether you are at high risk or low risk for complications of your pregnancy, it is reassuring to know when and where you can get emergency care when you need it. As our patient, we hope you don’t have an obstetrics or post-partum emergency, but if you do, we encourage you to choose the MercyOne OBED in downtown Des Moines.
For your peace of mind, we invite you to learn more about the MercyOne Obstetrics Emergency Department before you need it.
