At Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG), our mission is to ensure safe, timely care for every mother. For Emmy Monroe, a first-time mom and a generalist on OBHG’s marketing team, that mission became personal when her own pregnancy took an unexpected turn.
Because of her work at OBHG, Emmy was already familiar with the signs of preeclampsia—a leading cause of maternal complications—and with the hospitalist-led care available in Greenville, where the OBHG corporate office is based. That knowledge became critical the morning she was scheduled to be induced, when she experienced a sharp headache and noticed her blood pressure was unusually high.
“It has never been that high, ever,” Emmy recalled, “So I knew that, just for safety, that I needed to go ahead and get admitted.”
Her quick decision proved a wise one. Emmy was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a serious condition that, left untreated, can lead to seizures, stroke, or even maternal and infant death.
The clinical reality
At Bon Secours, Dr. Joni Coker, an Ob Hospitalist Group hospitalist and OB/GYN, sees the consequences of delayed recognition all too often.
“In its severe form, it can affect all the major organs like the liver, kidneys, and the brain,” Dr. Coker explained. “It can cause brain damage. It can cause stroke or seizure.”
Because Emmy trusted her intuition—and because an OB emergency department staffed by hospitalists was immediately available—her care team was able to act quickly, keeping both her and her baby safe.
The power of awareness
As Emmy shared in an interview with Fox Carolina, too many women dismiss symptoms like headaches, swelling, or abdominal pain as routine pregnancy discomforts. But her OBHG background helped her recognize that these signs can point to something much more dangerous.
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, cases have risen 25% in the past two decades, and awareness is key: 60% of related deaths are preventable with timely recognition and care.
Hospitalists make the difference
Emmy also knew where to turn for care. She went directly to the obstetric emergency department—a model OBHG partners with hospitals to provide—which ensures expecting mothers are seen by OB-trained clinicians without delay. She credits that rapid response for her healthy outcome and for the joy of holding her baby boy today.
A story that reflects our mission
Emmy’s story is a powerful reminder of why OBHG exists. Our clinicians are there around the clock for mothers like her, turning knowledge into action and potential complications into safe outcomes.
We’re proud of Emmy for sharing her experience and raising awareness about preeclampsia, and proud of the hospitalist model that helped deliver her the care she needed when it mattered most.
? Read and watch Emmy’s full interview on Fox Carolina.