Maternity (Obstetrics)
Whether you're having your first child, your second or third, it's always helpful to know what to expect along the way. The team of maternity specialists, including Main Line Health doctors and independent providers, are here to help you through your pregnancy, delivery and beyond.
Obstetrics and maternity care at Main Line Health
Your pregnancy journey at Main Line Health begins with the first appointment with your obstetrician (OB), and your doctor will want you to feel confident and informed as you begin prenatal care.
Your needs and preferences are important, and your care team will work with you to best meet the optimal birth plan for your family. Your team will also provide prenatal and postpartum care for all expectant and new mothers — whether you're coming to us for routine screening, ultrasound or additional tests you may need to help you get ready and care for baby.
When you choose Main Line Health for your maternity care, you’ll have access to the expertise of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Through our affiliation with CHOP, families have access to CHOP clinicians in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at all four acute care hospitals and in Bryn Mawr Hospital’s emergency department and pediatric unit.
Midwives and midwifery
When your pregnancy journey begins you may choose to have a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or an OB/GYN for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. At Riddle Hospital we are proud to have a midwife on staff for women who prefer this option.
Maternal fetal medicine for high-risk pregnancy
The maternity team at Main Line Health sees approximately 22,000 pregnant patients a year. While 15,000 of those patients have routine pregnancies, about 7,000 are considered high risk. The team understands your fears and concerns and have vast expertise working with women who may need additional medical attention, follow-up testing and guidance throughout pregnancy.If you're facing a high-risk pregnancy, you’ll have access to maternal-fetal medicine and genetics services for consultation at any of our easily accessible hospital campuses located in the Philadelphia suburbs.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are here to consult with you throughout your pregnancy, providing information, support and the highest level of care for possible complications. If necessary, you can also talk with your providers 24/7.
Give your baby a healthy start in life
The Perinatal Testing Centers of Main Line Health provide pregnancy testing to both average and high-risk pregnant patients. A family-centered approach to maternity is exhibited in the testing units through the exceptional staff who are available to provide accurate information about your developing baby and allow you to get the optimal care — from conception all the way through your due date.Your guide to delivery at Main Line Health
No matter which Main Line Health hospital you choose for delivery, you can be assured of a family-centered childbirth experience backed by a strong clinical team. In addition to your obstetrical care provider, a team of anesthesiologists, neonatologists, maternity and neonatal nurses and pediatric specialists are here to help you identify the best birthing options for you and your baby.
For optimal safety, one or two support people are able to be at the bedside, such as a partner, a parent, a close friend or a doula (birth coach) — but that decision is entirely up to you and your obstetric care provider.
Our Locations
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Riddle Hospital
Lankenau Medical Center
830 Old Lancaster Road
Paoli Hospital
Lactation and breastfeeding
Main Line Health is here to guide you through nursing your new baby. Whether you’re experienced in breastfeeding or trying it for the first time, resources are available to help make it easier for you to nourish your infant.
What are the visiting hours for maternity units at Main Line Health hospitals?
Visitation hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Labor & Delivery – 2 healthy partners/support persons (Doula is considered a support person)
- Antepartum and postpartum – 1 approved support person for 24 hours for entire stay with 2 additional visitors permitted at a time for each patient. Visitors are allowed to swap out throughout the day.
Children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens when my health insurance policy requires prior authorization?
How can I find out and prepare for my out-of-pocket liability?
How much time do I have to add my baby to the policy?
What happens if I do not have insurance coverage?
How will the hospital handle my insurance and billing?
Given Main Line Health's relationship with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), will any bills come from them?
Main Line Health requires a neonatal provider to attend cesarean section deliveries for the safety and well-being of the newborn. A neonatal provider may also be requested by the obstetrical care provider for certain deliveries, or may be required according to Main Line Health policy to attend vaginal deliveries where certain maternal conditions exist or there are concerns about the baby's health that may require immediate assessment. Ask your obstetrician if they anticipate this for your delivery. If you do receive a bill from CHOP, call 1-800-283-3055.
What do I need to do to make a perinatal testing appointment?
Most of our doctors use an order form from the Perinatal Testing Center. This form will need to have the type of test checked off on the front and the diagnosis code checked off on the back, as well as the doctor's signature. If the doctor's office does not have these forms, a regular prescription will do as long as it contains the same information.
Once you have that information, call our central scheduling desk and inform our scheduler which Main Line Health hospital you are interested in. After you have made your appointment, contact your doctor's office and let them know the date and have them activate your referrals if needed.
What do I need to bring to my perinatal testing appointment?
If you are having a test done, you will need to supply documentation confirming your blood type. Your doctor's office should have a copy if you have had your obstetric panel drawn.
If you are coming in for a consultation, a copy of your prenatal records and all testing results must be supplied for the perinatologist to review prior to the day of your appointment
Can I bring children with me for my ultrasound or testing?
Can I use my cell phone while in the Perinatal Testing Center?
May I videotape my ultrasound?
How do I get the 3D/4D ultrasound?
Who performs the ultrasound?
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
Does the doctor run on time?
If a patient arrives more than 15 minutes after their scheduled appointment time, we will offer two options: you may reschedule the appointment for another day or you may wait until the first available opening that day. Please remember to allow enough time for traffic and parking.
How do I prepare for a first-trimester/sequential screening/NIPT?
How do I prepare for a CVS?
How do I prepare for an amniocentesis?
How do I prepare for a non-stress test?
How do I prepare for genetic counseling?
Women's Health
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