Antepartum Unit

The Antepartum (Medical Obstetrics) Unit at Woman's Hospital provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies. Nurses on this unit are specially trained to care for women confined to bed with conditions including hyperemesis, pre-term labor, multiple gestation, surgery, cardiac disease, complications of diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Maternal and fetal surveillance as well as non-stress testing are conducted on the unit. Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians admit as well as consult with the attending OB-GYN to monitor the care of patients on this unit. Many patients stay in the unit for an extended time period prior to delivery. Unit staff members work to create a home-like atmosphere, and involvement of family members is encouraged. The unit phone number is 225-924-8257.

The Woman’s Antepartum Unit and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center are uniquely equipped to give you and your baby the most comprehensive care available, which may include some of these tests:

Amniocentesis

This involves the collection of amniotic fluid by inserting a needle through the abdomen under ultrasound guidance into the uterus. Tests are run on the fluid to check your baby’s lung development and whether certain birth defects and genetic conditions might be present.

Ultrasound and Biophysical Profile

This is a common diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves so the baby can be seen. From the ultrasound picture, your doctor can determine fetal measurements, gestational age, amniotic fluid volume, and a variety of fetal abnormalities. The baby will be assessed for movement, muscle tone, and breathing to gather data for the biophysical profile.

Fetal Monitor and/or Doppler

The fetal monitor and the Doppler also use sound waves to assess the baby’s condition. With the fetal monitor, the baby’s heart rate is heard and recorded on monitor paper for viewing. With the Doppler, the baby’s heart rate is heard but there is no paper recording.

Fetal Fibronectin

This test is used to predict your chances of preterm labor. It requires a pelvic exam during which secretions from your vaginal and cervical areas are collected with a special swab. These secretions can help your doctor decide whether you are at an increased risk of going into preterm labor.

Nonstress Test (NST)

This test is used to determine fetal well-being. It involves the use of the fetal monitor. During this test, the fetal movements that you feel are marked on the fetal monitor strip. These movements are then compared with the baby’s heart rate at the time of movement.