[3 min read]
In this article:
- Providence Swedish offers a dedicated six-bed obstetric emergency department where pregnant and postpartum patients can be evaluated by clinicians and nurses.
- Specialized OB/GYN hospitalists work with care teams to help manage emergency care and deliveries that weren't on schedule.
- Our expert, highly trained hospitalists are deeply committed to the moms and babies in their care. Learn more about the unique role of these caregivers.
Pregnancy is usually a time of joyful anticipation, but it can also be unpredictable. A blood pressure spike, contractions that don’t feel quite right or a baby that has decided that they’re ready to make an early debut, can upend even the most carefully considered birth plan and bring mom into the hospital early — or into a different hospital altogether.
Providence Swedish Issaquah offers a team of dedicated OB/GYN hospitalists and a dedicated Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED) to support birthing parents in emergent or urgent situations.
“A hospitalist is a doctor whose physician whose primary job is working with patients who are hospitalized,” says Theresa (Teri) Hamer, M.D., a board-certified Ob/GYN and medical director of the OB/GYN hospitalist team at Swedish Issaquah. So, our job is basically to be to have someone who is board certified or a board eligible OBGYN in the hospital 24/7 to manage emergencies. We are unique in that we perform the medical and surgical aspects of OB/GYN care.”
A unique function supporting diverse patient needs
“[What we do] looks different at different hospitals, but we can step in if a provider is busy with another patient or if they're taking home call to perform vaginal or cesarean deliveries or cesarean deliveries,” says Dr. Hamer.
“We cover the emergency room, so we take consults from ER physicians. We perform urgent gyn surgeries to treat ectopic pregnancies or ovarian torsions. We also take care of patients who primarily don't have a doctor and the Swedish system, they become our personal patients if they need to be admitted. We also back up the midwives if a midwifery patient needs support with a forceps delivery, has a complex tear or C-section or a patient develops a high-risk pregnancy issue that takes them out of midwifery care.”
A dedicated OB/GYN emergency department
Providence Swedish offers a dedicated six-bed obstetric emergency department in labor and delivery where pregnant and postpartum patients can be evaluated by clinicians and nurses who specialize in pregnancy-related symptoms.
“We see patients who are 15 weeks and greater with any complaint that could be OB related,” says Dr. Hamer. “A lot of times that's to rule out labor, the rupture of membranes, or address issues such as abdominal pain or pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, that kind of stuff. We're kind of like a combo of an ER doctor, surgeon and hospitalist altogether for OB/GYN patients.”
This can help prevent small concerns from becoming major complications. Early evaluation of high blood pressure, signs of infection, preterm labor or decreased fetal movement can lead to earlier treatment, closer monitoring, or timely delivery when that is the safest option.
A new face, the same care team
For parents, a dedicated OBED can help reduce the stress of moving between hospital units and being treated by a new clinician when a birth plan doesn’t go to plan.
“That is certainly something that can be difficult for a lot of patients—to suddenly have a new face as your doctor. We are trying to really get ourselves out there as we are part of the Swedish Issaquah team. We're part of the same group of doctors, but we work only in the hospital. A lot of times we will meet the patients in our OBED right before they're admitted in labor,” Dr. Hamer says. “We're not necessarily a brand new face when we're coming in and helping to manage an emergency, but it can be like, ‘Oh, hey, remember I met you a couple a couple of hours ago? I'm back. I'm here to help.’ But it can be really, really hard to establish that rapport and establish it quickly, so it does take a unique kind of physician. For that reason, we have been really selective about the people we choose for this role. They must have the ability to bond with people very quickly.”
Learn more and find physician or advanced practice clinician care (APC)
Swedish has three birth centers — First Hill, Issaquah and Edmonds — making it convenient for people who live or work in the Seattle, Eastside and North End areas. Swedish patients can take classes, meet other families, get help with lactation and go for new parents and well-baby checkups at The Lytle Center for Pregnancy & Newborns at our First Hill birth center. You can also get expert advice there and help with wellness. Visit our website to learn more about midwives at Swedish and how they can partner with you to create the most personalized birthing experience possible.
If you need a gynecologist, women's health specialist or primary care doctor, Swedish is here for you. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
Time for your prenatal appointment? Get the most out of your visit with these tips from an expert.
At Swedish, doulas are central to support, advocacy and reducing health disparities
At Swedish, midwives’ expansive role in care is helping build community
Can you laugh your way through labor pain?
Comprehensive care for people with complex pregnancies
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
The Providence app offers world-class health care with human connection
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the Author
More Content by Swedish Pregnancy & Childbirth Team
