OB Emergency Department
When you’re pregnant, unexpected symptoms can feel frightening — and knowing where to go for the right care matters. The OB emergency department at Merit Health River Oaks provides specialized, immediate care for women experiencing urgent pregnancy-related concerns.
Our OB ER is designed specifically for expectant mothers, offering fast access to providers trained in obstetric emergencies.
What Is an OB Emergency Department?
An OB emergency department is a dedicated emergency care area staffed by clinicians who specialize in pregnancy-related conditions. Unlike a general emergency room, the OB ER focuses entirely on maternal and fetal health.
This means you receive:
- Faster evaluation by OB-trained providers
- Specialized monitoring for both mom and baby
- Expedited access to labor and delivery services, if needed
When Should You Go to the OB ER?
You should visit the OB emergency department if you experience:
- Signs of preterm labor
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Decreased fetal movement
- Possible rupture of membranes (your water breaking)
- Severe headaches, swelling or high blood pressure symptoms
- Any urgent concern related to your pregnancy
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it is always safest to come in and be evaluated.
Where To Go
To access the OB ER, please enter the Merit Health River Oaks campus from Flowood Drive and pull underneath The Suites Patient Pick Up awning. Please pick up the phone located outside the glass doors and security will assist you to the nearby elevators. Once on the elevators, you will go to the second floor where you will check in at the OB emergency check in window.
Specialized Care, Close to Home
Our OB ER is located within our women’s services area, allowing seamless transition to labor & delivery or surgical care if needed. This ensures mothers receive the right level of care as quickly as possible.
Our team includes:
- Obstetric physicians
- Specialized OB nurses
- Fetal monitoring specialists
- Access to surgical and neonatal support
Why an OB ER Matters
Pregnancy emergencies are different from other medical emergencies. Having a dedicated OB emergency department means you can experience:
- Shorter wait times
- More accurate diagnosis
- Faster treatment
- Better outcomes for mothers and babies
Pregnancy can bring unexpected moments. Our OB emergency department is here to provide reassurance, rapid care and experienced support — all along the way.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.