Obstetric Emergency Department
Why an OBED Is a Strategic Must-Have for Maternal Care
What is an OBED?
An obstetric emergency department (OBED) is a dedicated unit inside the hospital that evaluates and treats pregnancy-related and postpartum emergencies—24 hours a day, seven days a week—staffed by clinicians trained specifically in obstetrics. Unlike a traditional ED that serves all conditions, an OBED is built around the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum patients for faster, specialized care.
Why hospitals are adopting OBEDs
Hospitals nationwide are standing up OBEDs to improve safety, standardize triage, and reduce time-to-treatment for the pregnant patient and newborn—while creating a sustainable service line for unscheduled obstetric care.
How an OBED Works
24/7 in-hospital OB coverage: Obstetric clinicians are physically in the hospital at all times to evaluate every unscheduled OB presentation—no waiting for on-call arrivals.
OB-specific triage: Patients are assessed with standardized obstetric triage tools and care pathways, which support timely escalation and consistent documentation.
Seamless handoffs: When needed, the OBED coordinates rapid admission to Labor & Delivery or consults maternal-fetal medicine and other specialists.
5 reasons to partner with us
Hospital benefitsFewer claims, lower payouts
Reduce riskBenefits for hospitals & health systems
Implementing an Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED) is more than a patient care initiative—it’s a strategic advantage for hospitals and health systems. By ensuring 24/7 in-hospital obstetric coverage, hospitals can provide safer, faster, and more consistent care for pregnant and postpartum patients. At the same time, OBED programs improve operational reliability, strengthen physician alignment, and enhance overall maternal safety metrics. For health system leaders, an OBED represents a proven model that supports both quality outcomes and long-term sustainability.
- Quality & safety: Standardized triage and immediate OB clinician presence support faster interventions and improved outcomes.
- Operational reliability: Around-the-clock coverage protects against gaps in on-call availability and smooths unscheduled volume.
- Physician alignment: OBED programs support community OB/GYNs and nurses, easing burnout and strengthening relationships.
Quality & Safety
Physician Alignment
Operational Reliability
OBED programs
178
Patient encounters
761760
C-section rate
19.9%
Lawsuit payout savings
30%
Contract renewal rate
95%
OBHG’s role in OBED programs
Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) is the pioneer of the modern Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED) and the nation’s largest dedicated provider of OB/GYN hospitalist programs. We partner with hospitals and health systems to transform maternal care delivery by designing and managing OBED programs that balance patient safety, operational efficiency, and physician satisfaction.
OBHG brings unmatched scale, expertise, and proven results. Our clinicians are experienced OB/GYN hospitalists who remain in-house 24/7, ensuring that every unscheduled patient receives immediate, expert evaluation. This constant presence eliminates delays caused by waiting for on-call providers and creates a safety net for both patients and community physicians.
At OBHG, we don’t just staff OBEDs—we create lasting partnerships that redefine how hospitals deliver obstetric emergency care. Our mission is to ensure that every pregnant and postpartum patient receives timely, specialized attention, and that every hospital we serve has the resources to meet the highest standards of maternal safety.