OB Emergency Department opens to enhance safety and support for expectant mothers in WNC

AdventHealth Hendersonville is expanding access to specialized obstetrical care with the opening of a dedicated Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB ED) at The Baby Place. The OB ED provides around-the-clock care for expectant mothers who need immediate evaluation, helping improve safety, coordination and timely access to obstetrical expertise.

The two-bed OB ED operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by board-certified OB hospitalists who evaluate and care for patients who are 20 weeks gestation and beyond. Whether a patient is experiencing symptoms, has questions, or believes they may be in labor, the OB ED offers direct access to expert obstetrical care at any time, day or night.

“Opening our OB ED represents one of the most impactful safety initiatives of my career,” said Chloe Harden, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, Director of The Baby Place. “This service ensures every patient receives immediate, specialized care from a board-certified OB/GYN, enhancing safety and improving the overall experience for the families we serve.”

The OB ED evaluates and treats a wide range of pregnancy-related concerns, including abdominal pain, preterm labor, preeclampsia, ruptured membranes, labor checks, bladder infections, decreased fetal movement, abnormal vaginal bleeding and increased blood pressure. By providing a dedicated space for obstetrical emergencies, the OB ED at The Baby Place raises the bar for maternal health in Henderson County and surrounding communities.

The new unit strengthens coordination between the labor and delivery team and the main Emergency Department at AdventHealth with seamless transitions of care.

Expectant mothers needing emergency obstetrical care can access the OB ED through the Main Hospital Entrance Monday – Friday during regular business hours and the Emergency Department Entrance after hours and on weekends. From there, maternal patients will be directed to the OB ED.

To learn more, visit AdventHealthNC.com/BabyPlace.