Mother-Baby Health
 | Key Takeaways |
- The obstetric hospitalists at Mountain View and Los Gatos campuses provide 24/7 care for pregnancy-related emergencies after 16-weeks gestation.
- OB emergency services provide care for all pregnancy-related issues after 16 weeks, including but not limited to fetal monitoring, labor checks, ultrasounds and access to specialists for complex needs.
- Located within Labor and Delivery, the OB Emergency Department offers fast access to providers trained in pregnancy-related care.
When Should I Go to OB Emergency Care?
OB emergency care is available within our labor and delivery departments at Mountain View and Los Gatos hospitals. Our team sees anyone with pregnancy-related concerns after 16-weeks gestation. We care for a range of conditions and symptoms, including:
- Bleeding or cramping
- Contractions
- Membrane rupture (water breaking)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can cause high blood pressure and kidney issues
- Urinary problems
Please go to the emergency department right away for non-pregnancy-related symptoms, such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, trauma or other serious complications. You should also go to the emergency department for any health emergencies before 16-weeks gestation. Our labor and delivery nurses and physicians will assess you and your baby and run diagnostic tests and treatments if needed.
What OB Emergency Services Do You Provide?
Both our Mountain View and Los Gatos campuses offer OB emergency care, staffed 24/7 by in-house labor and delivery nurses and OB hospitalist physicians. These specialists can quickly provide:
-
Fetal heart rate monitoring
-
Labor checks
-
Laboratory testing
-
Physical assessments
-
Special testing for ruptured membranes and preterm labor
-
Ultrasounds and other imaging
Our hospitalists and labor and delivery nurses partner closely with experts in radiology, cardiology, hematology and other specialties as needed to ensure the best care for you and your baby. We also coordinate with your own providers, including your OB/GYN and primary care team.
People Also Ask
Can I go to the OB emergency department if I don’t have an OB at El Camino Health?
Yes. We see anyone who is pregnant and needs emergency care after 16-weeks gestation, even without an established provider.
How long will I wait to be seen in the OB emergency department?
OB emergency care is located in the Labor and Delivery units, outside the main emergency department, so you’ll be seen more quickly by an OB-trained provider.
Are partners or support people allowed in the OB emergency department?
Yes, support people are welcome. Specific guidelines may vary, but our team works to keep your family together whenever possible.
Do you provide language assistance for patients?
Yes. Interpreter services are available so you can receive clear communication in your preferred language.
Will my regular OB know if I go to the OB emergency department?
Our hospitalists will contact your OB and primary care team to ensure seamless communication about your treatment.