Critical Care Obstetrics
Approximately one percent of Maryland's annual 60,000 pregnancies becomes critical and requires intensive and specialized care to protect the lives of both mother and baby.
The University of Maryland's Critical Care Obstetrics Program is making a dramatic difference in treating critically ill pregnant women. Advances in surgical and medical care mean that women born with complex congenital heart disease are living longer, healthier lives. The number of women who are now healthy enough to become pregnant and have their own babies continues to rise. These pregnancies put new stresses on the mother and at the same time raise the chances of their babies having their own congenital heart problems.
Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach and a staff trained specifically in critical care obstetrics, University of Maryland's Critical Care Obstetrics Program is the only such program in the state, and one of only a handful throughout the country, to treat critical complications of pregnancy that many mothers face.
The conditions include:
- Acute renal failure
- Heart disease
- Hemorrhagic shock
- Respiratory failure
- Sepsis
- Severe preeclampsia
- Stroke
Critical Care Obstetrics Team
From the pre-pregnancy maternal evaluation through a detailed fetal assessment to ongoing pre- and post-natal care, our comprehensive team meticulously assesses each pregnancy. We are committed to providing the best care to every mother and baby with the assistance of neonatologists, obstetric anesthesiologists, critical care physicians and nurses and respiratory therapists.
Services
The University of Maryland's Obstetric Care Unit is equipped with advanced monitoring equipment. Our program offers UMMC's resources and expertise necessary to care for mothers with complicated diseases combined with the complexities of pregnancy. Our specialists have a unique collaboration with the Shock Trauma Center and a multitude of intensive care units.
Components of our individualized treatment plans include:
- Pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy genetic counseling
- First trimester fetal echocardiography and ongoing fetal care
- High risk maternal obstetric care
- Hands on management of mothers' heart disease by Adult Congenital Cardiologist
- Monthly multidisciplinary meetings to review treatment plans
- Coordinated delivery plan involving all disciplines
Maryland Maternity ExpressCare
Critical care obstetrics patients can be brought to University of Maryland 24-hours a day by Maryland Maternity ExpressCare, our critical care transport service. Patients are typically admitted to a special-care bed in the labor and delivery suite that is equipped with critical care and obstetrical monitoring equipment. To arrange an emergency transport at any time of the day or night, call 800-373-4111.
Location and Contact Info
Obstetric Care Unit
22 S. Greene St.
Sixth Floor, Central Elevators
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-328-6640 or 866-608-4228.
