Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED)

The OB Emergency Department is located at Willis Knighton South on the 2nd floor of the Center for Women’s Health, adjacent to the Labor and Delivery Unit.

If something doesn’t seem right and you’re concerned about your health or health of your baby, we want to evaluate you and assure you get the care you need.

You will receive a complete health assessment and any tests that are required will be ordered.

We will use a standard evaluation tool to help us prioritize care for the patients who have the highest risks. If multiple patients arrive at the same time, we need to treat those with the highest risk factors first.

Sometimes patients are referred to specialists like maternal fetal medicine specialists who care for high risk patients or cardiologists who manage elevated blood pressure.

This list of symptoms offers typical conditions but does not cover every possible symptom.

• Cramping
• Contractions before 34 weeks
• Vaginal spotting/bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal injury
• Baby’s movement slow or stopped
• Breathing problems
• Fluid leaks
• Fever
• Elevated blood pressure
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dehydration
• Unusual swelling
• Headache/blurred vision
• Urinary tract issue
• Generally not feeling well/normal
• Flu/Covid symptoms
• Excessive bleeding after childbirth
• Postpartum depression
• Headaches that get worse over time

If you are currently a patient at Willis Knighton, the doctor will be able to access your medical history. If you do not receive your regular care at Willis Knighton, the doctor will obtain a complete medical history during your exam and can initiate a request for your medical records from another location with your permission.

This will be billed like any other emergency visit. A bill will include a fee for the emergency room, a fee for the doctor and fees for any tests or care ordered by the doctor. Most insurance is accepted. Be sure you bring your insurance cards with you to the visit. You will be responsible for deductibles.