Labor and Delivery
Ohio State Maternity Center
From routine pregnancies to complex childbirth, Ohio State offers expert care and world-class accommodations as you welcome your baby.
Central Ohio’s only Level IV Maternity Center
When you join the family of Buckeye Babies at our brand-new Maternity Center, you’ll access the finest amenities as well as the only Level IV Maternity Center in Columbus, Ohio. From the moment you arrive at Labor and Delivery, you’ll feel well cared for and confident that you chose the right place to deliver your baby.
The top three floors of our newly opened University Hospital house the new Maternity Center, which is considered the jewel of the building and among its most impressive features. Every private room boasts world-class accommodations and breathtaking views.
What is a Level IV Maternity Center?
The majority of deliveries at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are routine and uncomplicated. However, if you know you have a high-risk pregnancy or if an emergency arises during labor and delivery, our expert Maternal Fetal Medicine team is ready at the only Level IV Maternity Center in central Ohio. We’re equipped to manage urgent situations that may occur during your pregnancy, labor and postpartum stay.
We care for those having vaginal deliveries, cesarean deliveries, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) deliveries, and high-risk deliveries including multiples and preterm deliveries. From our critical care unit to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we’re able to provide medical and surgical care for the most complex conditions that you or your baby may face.
When you deliver at the new Ohio State University Hospital, you can expect a premier childbirth space, the most advanced technology and experienced staff to give you the highest level of care and peace of mind.
Maternity Center virtual tour
We’re excited to introduce you to the world-class accommodations you’ll experience in the new University Hospital. This virtual tour will provide a look at what to expect when delivering your Buckeye Baby at Ohio State.
In-person Maternity Center tour
See our stunning new Maternity Center for yourself. Once you’re in your third trimester, we invite you to join us for an in-person tour at Ohio State University Hospital. We can’t wait for you to see what we have to offer.
You’ll learn:
- Where to valet park or self-park, and how to enter the hospital
- How to get to the Labor and Delivery floor when you’re ready to have your baby
- What to expect on the Labor and Delivery floor and from our comfortable, spacious new postpartum rooms
Registration is free and includes you and your support person. Children aren’t permitted to attend tours at this time.
Tour length: 45 minutes
Pregnancy and birth education classes
At Ohio State, we offer helpful educational materials and classes to prepare you for labor, birth and caring for your new baby.
When it’s time to deliver at Ohio State
There’s no need to worry about getting to Labor and Delivery if labor is progressing quickly.
At the new University Hospital, you’ll find:
- 24/7 valet parking
- Front-door hospital access
- A patient representative to guide you
- A nonstop elevator up to Labor and Delivery
Once inside, you’ll have world-class amenities to help you welcome your baby in a warm, caring environment.
Private birthing suites
We offer 16 private, spacious birthing rooms, including two specialized water birthing rooms. Birthing rooms are large enough to accommodate multiples, if necessary. We also have four state-of-the-art operating rooms for cesarean births, equipped to handle the most complex conditions and deliveries.
Patient-centered decision-making
Your care begins with you. From the moment you get here, you and your support people will be part of your care team’s huddles and decision-making. You’ll help decide your plan of care by sharing preferences and any concerns. With our Team Birth approach to care, you’ll have greater ownership of the overall birth experience. In this model, you and your support people lead the team.
Compassionate postpartum care
Each of our 49 private rooms for postpartum care includes a private bathroom, a foldout couch for a visitor, dining options and a 75-inch digital footwall with bedside controls. From 9-foot windows for natural light to comfortable furniture and convenience features, every detail is designed to give you the best comfort and rest.
Safe, expert care for your newborn
Two well-baby nurseries have space for 49 bassinets and are used for assessments and procedures. Should your baby need extra care, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Level III NICU provides every type of specialized care baby would need. NICU rooms range in size, with the largest designed to accommodate triplets. All rooms have large picture windows for natural light, a family area with a pullout couch for overnight stays and a private bathroom.
Holistic, coordinated certified nurse-midwife support
If you choose to have a pregnancy supported by a certified nurse-midwife, our midwifery team will collaborate to provide care throughout your pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Nationally ranked in obstetrics and gynecology
U.S. News & World Report ranks Ohio State No. 44 among the best hospitals in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology. In addition, they also rate us “high-performing” in maternity care.
Maternity center by the numbers
24/7
Free valet, and front-door hospital access, greet you when you arrive
16
Private labor and birthing rooms ensure timely delivery
49
Postpartum rooms allow for optimal recovery
44
Private NICU rooms, managed in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Parking
When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll have the option to valet park at our front entrance or self-park in the adjoining Wexner Medical Center Garage at 527 W. 10th Ave. Our main entrance is open 24/7 for drop-off or valet service. This service is free for admitted maternity patients and pregnant patients visiting the Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB-ED) and is the most convenient entrance for Labor and Delivery. If you choose to self-park in the adjoining parking garage, park on the fourth floor and enter the hospital via the bridge connector to the second-floor hospital lobby.
Visitor policy
In addition to the general hospital visitor policy, Labor and Delivery has special visitor allowances and procedures. Besides visitors to your room, we also offer comfortable spaces for families to gather and even eat meals together.
- Visitation is permitted at all times.
- One support person may accompany you in the triage room.
- Three support persons and a doula may accompany you in Labor and Delivery.
- One support person may accompany you in the operating room for a cesarean birth, unless your condition warrants otherwise.
- Support persons may not attend surgical procedures except for cesarean births.
- One support person may accompany you in the recovery room.
- Visitors may be asked to wait in the waiting area unless your health warrants otherwise.
- Visitors under 12 are allowed in Labor and Delivery if they are siblings of the anticipated or newly born infant. An adult visitor will accompany and supervise sibling visitors.