Piedmont Macon to open new obstetrics emergency department

Director of Women's Services at Piedmont Macon Kari Willingham says expectant mothers can receive immediate, specialized care in their time of need.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon opened a new Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB-ED) that is dedicated to treating emergency and unexpected prenatal and postpartum issues of women.

Director of Women’s Services at Piedmont Macon Kari Willingham says expectant mothers can receive immediate, specialized care in their time of need.

Willingham says that before this department was opened, expectant mothers with complications would go to the Emergency Department before being transferred to the Labor & Delivery triage area. Willingham states that patients saw skilled nurses, but they might not see a physician.

Willingham states that now a board-certified physician in the OB-ED will evaluate all patients who are 20 weeks or more in their pregnancy who have obstetrical concerns.

The new department will be staffed 24 hours every day so patients can go to the OB-ED at any time.

Willingham adds that Piedmont Macon has a level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that offers advanced neonatal care and services for infants born as early as 23 weeks. The NICU can also help babies born with critical illnesses.

Willingham says that Piedmont Macon also offers a variety of maternity and education services, as well as free lactation and childbirth classes.