Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph has opened a new emergency department specifically for pregnant women.

Hospital Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. Ben Wood tells us the new specialized department is located on the third floor, in the labor and delivery area. Corewell has been talking about opening the Obstetrics Emergency Department for about a year so it could ensure 24/7 coverage for pregnant patients.

“We want the pregnant patients to be able to be seen quickly and not have to wait in the waiting room for the emergency department because with obstetric emergencies, time is of the essence,” Wood said.

Wood says the OB ED can treat pregnancy-related concerns like decreased fetal movement, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, and signs of labor before 37 weeks. Most women who are more than 14 weeks pregnant will be sent by the ER to the new area.

“Initially, when the patient presents to the main ED, they will be assessed and triaged and from there they’ll be directed either to be seen in the main ED or be sent up to the OB-ED.”

Wood says the regular emergency department will still treat conditions like chest pain or injuries. He also notes the hospital in St. Joseph is now one of the few locations in the Corewell system with a dedicated Obstetrics Emergency Department.

Anyone with questions should contact Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital.