Hospitalization During Pregnancy: Common Conditions
Patients in the antepartum unit may stay for days, while others may stay for weeks, depending on the diagnosis. If you are admitted before delivery, we will arrange for you to speak with one of our neonatologists to review care for your baby after the birth.
It is important for your healthcare team to be in close proximity before delivery so we can provide specialized evaluations, monitoring and treatment. Pre-existing conditions and other factors may increase the likelihood of hospitalization during pregnancy, in addition to four common conditions:
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can also occur during labor or after delivery. Patients with mild preeclampsia might not feel any particular symptoms, but more severe preeclampsia can include blurry vision, bad headaches, abdominal pain or vomiting.
We admit patients with preeclampsia to the hospital so we can monitor you and your baby closely until delivery. During this time, we will check your blood pressure frequently and ask about symptoms. We will take blood samples and monitor the baby every day using a non-stress test, in which we listen to the baby’s heart rate for about half an hour to make sure the baby is doing well. Ultrasounds may occur from time to time to check the growth of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the baby’s movement.
Learn more about preeclampsia.
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This includes regular contractions that result in cervical change, such as dilation (opening of the cervix) or effacement (thinning of the cervix) in preparation for birth.
We often admit patients experiencing preterm labor for observation. Not all patients who experience preterm contractions will experience preterm delivery. You may be given a course of steroids that can be helpful in speeding up the development of fetal lungs, brain and digestive organs. Other medications may be used in an attempt to decrease contractions and delay delivery. We will monitor the baby daily using a non-stress test, in which we listen to the baby’s heart rate for about half an hour to make sure the baby is doing well. Ultrasounds may occur from time to time to check the growth of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the baby’s movement.
Learn more about preterm labor.
Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes
Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a premature rupture of the membranes (water break) before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This condition can cause women to go into labor, often resulting in a higher risk for infection or a premature birth of your baby.
We admit patients with PPROM so we can monitor you and your baby very closely. Most women with PPROM will go into labor within a week of membranes rupturing. If you are at 34 weeks or more, we will usually deliver the baby to decrease the risk of infection. If you are before 34 weeks, we will start with a course of antibiotics and you may be given steroids that can be helpful in speeding up the development of fetal lungs, brain and digestive organs. We will monitor the baby daily using a non-stress test, in which we listen to the baby’s heart rate for about half an hour to make sure the baby is doing well. Ultrasounds may occur from time to time to check the growth of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the baby’s movement.
Learn more about preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.
Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy may come from the cervix, placenta, uterus, or may be secondary to inflammation or trauma. A pelvic exam will help determine the source and an electronic monitor is often used to monitor uterine activity and your baby’s heart rate.
Minor causes of bleeding irritation to the cervix or a growth on the cervix, such as a polyp. If your doctor is concerned the bleeding is due to something more serious like preterm labor or a placental disorder, we will admit you to the hospital for observation. You may be given a course of steroids that can be helpful in speeding up the development of fetal lungs, brain and digestive organs. We will monitor the baby daily using a non-stress test, in which we listen to the baby’s heart rate for about half an hour to make sure the baby is doing well. Ultrasounds may occur from time to time to check the growth of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the baby’s movement.
Learn more about vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
