Hospitalization During Pregnancy
Antepartum care for complications and high-risk pregnancy
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Inpatient Hospital Stay During Pregnancy
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) provides complete prenatal (pregnancy) care for expecting people and babies. Sometimes, prenatal checkups may show a complication that requires you to receive care in the hospital.
BIDMC Antepartum Unit
If your doctors decide it’s best for you and your baby, we will admit you to the antepartum unit at BIDMC. Some patients stay for days, while others may stay for weeks, depending on the diagnosis. It is important for your health care team to be in close proximity before delivery so we can provide specialized evaluations, monitoring and treatment. During your hospital stay, experienced doctors and nurses will care for you and your baby around the clock.
We understand that this can be a very difficult and stressful time for you and your growing family. We encourage you to ask questions about your care at any time. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care during this often-unanticipated hospital admission. Our top goals are always your safety and comfort.
During your time on our unit, we’ll monitor you and the baby closely. We monitor babies using a non-stress test. During this test, we listen to the baby’s heart rate for about half an hour to make sure the baby is doing well.
Depending on your condition, we may perform ultrasounds from time to time to check these issues:
- Amount of amniotic fluid
- Your baby’s growth
- Your baby’s movements
You and your baby may receive medical treatments and supportive services. You may need to be on bed rest. Depending on your needs, you may receive support in these or other areas:
Conditions We Treat
Our providers are experienced in providing the highest level of care for all conditions that could affect you or your baby:
- Certain pre-existing chronic conditions or conditions that can happen during pregnancy
- Placental disorders
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm labor
- Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM)
More About Hospitalization During Pregnancy
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure, among other issues. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can occur during labor or after delivery. If you have mild preeclampsia, you might not feel any particular symptoms. If your preeclampsia is more severe, you may have these signs:
- Abdominal pain
- Bad headaches
- Blurry vision
- Severe swelling
- Vomiting
We may admit those 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 closely.
Preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a premature rupture of the membranes (water break) before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This condition can cause you to go into labor. This may result in a higher risk of infection or the premature birth of your baby.
We admit those with PPROM so we can monitor you and your baby very closely. Most patients with preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes will go into labor within a week of membranes rupturing. If you are at 34 weeks or more, we may recommend delivery of the baby to decrease the risk of infection. If you are before 34 weeks’ gestation, we may start with a course of antibiotics.
You may receive steroids that can speed up the development of fetal lungs, brain and digestive organs.
Bleeding during pregnancy may come from the cervix, placenta, uterus or may be secondary to inflammation or trauma. Your care team will use a pelvic exam to determine the source of the bleeding. Your care team may use an electronic monitor to keep an eye on uterine activity and your baby’s heart rate.
Minor causes of bleeding include 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 may admit you to the hospital for observation.
You may receive a course of steroids that can speed up the development of fetal lungs, brain and digestive organs.
The antepartum unit at BIDMC is a family-centered floor with specially trained health care professionals. We work as a team to provide the best care and support for you and your growing family.
Our team is made up of these specialists:
- Obstetrics/gynecology (Ob/Gyn) doctors
- Ob/Gyn residents (doctors in training)
- Maternal-fetal medicine doctors
- Maternal-fetal medicine fellows (specialists in training)
- Neonatologists
- Obstetric anesthesiologists
- Physician assistants
- Antepartum nurses
- Social workers
- Antepartum floor unit coordinator
- Physical therapists
- Nutritionists
Antepartum Care at BIDMC
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Our OB/GYN team provides care to patients throughout all stages of life, from family planning and pregnancy to intimate health and menopause.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Research
Explore ongoing OB/GYN research, featuring diverse projects, publications, and education opportunities for students and professionals.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Education
We offer physicians and medical students a range of educational and training opportunities in obstetrics and gynecologic care.
