Obstetric Emergency Department
(OB-ED) at Ohio State
When pregnancy care can’t wait until the next day, Ohio State has a unique emergency department just for obstetrics patients.
24/7 care for acute pregnancy-related concerns
When you’re pregnant and begin experiencing worrisome symptoms or simply feel like something isn’t right, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what to do next, especially if it’s in the middle of the night or on a weekend.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, recognizes the special care that pregnant people might need in this situation. We provide expert resources and advanced technology in our Obstetric Emergency Department (OB-ED) to determine the best course of action to ensure you and your baby remain safe and healthy.
Important note: For life-threatening or non-pregnancy-related emergencies, call 911 or visit our main Emergency Department or the Emergency Department at East Hospital. If you believe you’re in labor, contact your provider or their after-hours service.
What is an OB-ED?
If you’re 16 or more weeks pregnant and experiencing a pregnancy-related health concern that requires immediate attention, our 24/7 OB-ED, located in our new Maternity Center on floor 23 of University Hospital, can help evaluate your situation and provide additional care as needed, even if that’s labor and delivery.
This specially equipped and staffed emergency department has Certified Nurse-Midwives, obstetricians and Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians on-site, to work quickly to ease your mind or, if needed, treat your condition with expertise and compassion. If you’re worried about your health or the health of your baby, we’re here to help.
Expert evaluation for your peace of mind
Our immediate goal is to complete a health assessment and the testing needed to understand what’s going on, answer your questions and provide recommendations for the next steps.
- When you arrive at the OB-ED, we’ll use a standard evaluation tool called the Maternal Fetal Triage Index to help us prioritize care for those most at risk.
- Please be assured that your concerns will be fully heard and evaluated before your discharge.
Other highlights and services of Ohio State’s OB-ED include:
- An emergency department uniquely specialized for maternity care
- Staffing that includes obstetricians and advanced practice nurses, as well as on-site access to Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians who specialize in high-risk pregnancies
- The most advanced imaging and diagnostic tools for pregnancy, including ultrasounds, to allow us to quickly and conveniently evaluate your condition
- Immediate access to labor and delivery rooms or operating rooms down the hall from the OB-ED
- The ability to safely deliver your baby in the OB-ED if there’s not enough time to get you to a labor and delivery room
- Admission to our Maternal Special Care Unit if you need further observation until your baby arrives
Pregnancy conditions we treat at the OB-ED
If you’re unsure whether you need an OB-ED visit, reach out to your provider. However, if you can’t reach them, our OB-ED is equipped to address a variety of concerns, including:
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Spotting or bleeding
- Decreased fetal movement
- Fever
- Urinary tract symptoms
- Injuries to the abdomen
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling
- Visual disturbances
- Elevated blood pressure
- Suspected influenza or COVID-19 symptoms
- Feeling generally unwell
It’s important to remember that the OB-ED is generally for people who are 16 or more weeks pregnant. If you’re in the earlier stages of pregnancy, you should most likely go to the general Emergency Department when you can’t reach your doctor.
Ohio State OB-ED location and directions
We’re always open and can be found on floor 23 of the new University Hospital, located at 520 W. 10th Ave., just west of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. The OB-ED is on the same floor as our Labor and Delivery unit.
Parking and entrance information
You can valet park at our front entrance or park yourself in the adjoining Wexner Medical Center Garage at 527 W. 10th Ave. The hospital’s main entrance is open 24/7 for drop-off or valet service. Valet service is free for admitted maternity patients and pregnant patients visiting the OB-ED and is the most convenient entrance for the OB-ED. If you 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.
Upon entering the hospital lobby at the ground level or on the second floor from the parking garage, a patient representative will direct you to the elevators. If labor is progressing quickly or your condition is severe, two express elevators are available to take you nonstop to the OB-ED and the Labor and Delivery floor. Just press the elevator button labeled, “Urgent access to Labor and Delivery.”
OB-ED cost and insurance information
OB-ED visits are billed at an emergency department rate, and most insurance is accepted. Deductibles and coinsurance may apply.