Lowell General Hospital Obstetric (OB) Emergency Department

Always open

Lowell General Hospital Main Campus, 295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854

About this location

The Obstetric Emergency Department (OB ED) at Lowell General Hospital offers enhanced emergency care by OBGYN doctors. Located in the hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit, this dedicated space is equipped to provide expert care for pregnant women with obstetrical concerns and delivery-related health issues for moms who are several weeks postpartum. Our goal is to quickly evaluate and treat mom and baby while reducing the wait time and anxiety that an expectant mother might experience when visiting the regular emergency department.

Patient benefits from an onsite OB ED and 24/7 physician coverage include:

Evaluation and management of pregnancy-related concerns and labor, as well as treatment for postpartum-related issues in the first few weeks after delivery.
Coordination of care and communication of your condition to your primary OB/GYN provider if they are not at the hospital.
Comprehensive review of test results and fetal heart rate monitoring.
Availability of on-site obstetric specialists in early morning or late evening hours when doctor’s offices are typically closed.
Enhanced patient safety and satisfaction with a reduction in emergency room readmissions.

The OB ED provides assessment and treatment for the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding
Decrease in your normal fetal movement
Concern about pre-term labor
Ruptured membranes
Urinary tract or bladder infections
Conditions related to high-risk pregnancy (such as high blood pressure)
Postpartum complications such as excessive bleeding

If possible, we recommend you call your OB provider before heading to the hospital. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency call 911. Upon arrival to the Lowell General Hospital Main Campus Emergency Department the triage team will immediately evaluate you and your baby’s condition and determine if you should be seen in the OB ED or the regular emergency department.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m not sure if I’m in early labor or having a real complication?

It is important that you speak with your OBGYN provider to set up guidelines and protocols for emergencies. That way you will be familiar with certain symptoms that may be a warning sign to seek immediate medical attention. Remember, if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency call 911.

Where do I check in?

You will check in at the Main Campus Emergency Department for evaluation by a triage nurse. You may be sent directly to the OB ED or evaluated in the Main ED depending on your symptoms and condition.

Where is the OB ED located?

The OB ED is located at 295 Varnum Avenue in Lowell, on the fifth floor of the Dahod Building and can be accessed through the main lobby elevator.

What should I expect during my visit?

Visits in the OB ED typically last less than two hours. You will receive a nursing assessment by an obstetric nurse and then you will be evaluated by an OBGYN doctor. Once the medical screening exam is performed and any testing completed, you will either be admitted to the hospital or discharged home.

How am I billed for an OB ED visit?

Insurance carriers will process any visits to the OB ED as an emergency room visit, subject to any co-pays, co-insurance or other applicable fees under your particular health insurance policy. For any questions on coverage, please call the number on the back of your insurance card.