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.

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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.

Learn more about midwives

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1.866.CALL.MLH (1.866.225.5654)
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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. 
Learn more about maternal fetal medicine
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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. 
Find a testing center near you
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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.

View our maternity guide

Childbirth education for you and your partner

Not everyone is familiar with the childbirth process. Which is why we offer classes focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of labor and delivery — including breathing and relaxation techniques, breastfeeding and the role of a support person.

Register for an upcoming childbirth education class

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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. 

Lactation and breastfeeding services Breastfeeding mother groups

Frequently asked questions

What are the visiting hours for maternity units at Main Line Health hospitals?

  • Visitation hours are 24 hour/7 day a week
  • In labor and delivery only two support people may be at the bedside. (Doula considered support person)

What happens when my health insurance policy requires prior authorization?

If your insurance policy says it requires prior authorization, you need to ensure your physician has obtained this authorization before you are admitted to the hospital. If authorization is required but not obtained, you could be responsible for the total hospital charges.

How can I find out and prepare for my out-of-pocket liability?

Before delivery, knowing how much you will be responsible for paying will help you plan for the costs. If you are not sure what your out-of-pocket liability is, you can request an estimate by calling customer service or by going online. Call 484.337.1970 or visit mainlinehealth.org/patientbilling. 

How much time do I have to add my baby to the policy?

Most insurance companies require that a new child be added to the parent's policy within 30 days of birth. Failure to do so could result in your insurance company refusing to pay for the child's hospital and physician services. If this occurs, the patient or responsible party will be billed for the services. Call your insurance company ahead of time to determine when your new child should be added to the policy. 

What happens if I do not have insurance coverage?

For patients who qualify, Main Line Health offers charity care and financial assistance. Main Line Health financial counselors can assist you with the application. Call 484.337.1970 or visit mainlinehealth.org/charitycare.

How will the hospital handle my insurance and billing?

The hospital will bill your insurance company or companies. A valid insurance card is required at the time of your admission. Your estimated out-of-pocket liability is due at the time of admission unless you show evidence of a secondary insurance. 

Given Main Line Health's relationship with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), will any bills come from them?

Many deliveries at Main Line Health are attended by neonatal providers (physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners) who are affiliated with CHOP. In the event you or your newborn requires care from a CHOP clinician during your hospital stay, you will receive a bill from CHOP. 

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?

You will need to know which test you need, why the doctor has requested it and how many weeks pregnant you are. 

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?

You will need to bring the order form (or regular prescription), your insurance card and a photo ID. If your insurance plan requires a referral, you need to bring your referral, too, and present it prior to the test. 

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?

Per our COVID - 19 visitation policy, one (1) adult visitor or support person is permitted to accompany patient for ultrasound appointments only. No children are permitted. 

Can I use my cell phone while in the Perinatal Testing Center?

We ask for all cell phones to be turned off during all procedures or scanning in the Perinatal Testing Center. 

May I videotape my ultrasound?

Although this is a happy and exciting time for expectant parents, this is still a medical process and we do not allow photographing or videotaping. Our technicians and doctors have to be able to concentrate to complete this comprehensive evaluation of your baby. 

How do I get the 3D/4D ultrasound?

The 3D/4D ultrasound is used at the discretion of the doctor when it is medically necessary. 

Who performs the ultrasound?

The ultrasound is performed by a specially trained perinatal sonographer and the perinatologist. 

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

If you are less than 15 weeks pregnant, you will need to drink 16 ounces of water within an hour of your appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 10 a.m., start drinking at 9 a.m. Otherwise, no special preparation is required; you may eat and drink normally prior to the test. 

Does the doctor run on time?

Every effort is made to ensure that our perinatologists stay on schedule. Please remember that the nature of medicine assumes that certain unexpected and emergent situations will arise throughout the day. Due to the nature of high-risk and emergent-care situations, more time with the perinatologist may be necessary. In order to maintain the doctors’ schedules, we require that patients keep to their scheduled 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?

The only preparation needed for the first-trimester/sequential screening/NIPT is to drink 16 ounces of water within the hour prior to your appointment. 

How do I prepare for a CVS?

For a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) we must have a hard copy of your current blood type in our file prior to the procedure. Ask your doctor's office to fax it to us. In addition, you will need to drink 16 ounces of water within the hour prior to your appointment. 

How do I prepare for an amniocentesis?

For an amniocentesis we must have a hard copy of your current blood type in our file prior to the procedure. Ask your doctor's office to fax it to us. 

How do I prepare for a non-stress test?

The non-stress test is used to check the well-being of the baby. No special preparation is needed, but try to eat before coming for your appointment. 

How do I prepare for genetic counseling?

If you have a specific genetic issue, a significant family history with either parent or you have a history of a disorder from previous pregnancies, please bring all your records with you or ask your doctor's office to fax it to us. The more information the counselor has at the time of your appointment, the more comprehensive the session will be. Please remember that if your insurance plan requires referrals, you will need to bring a referral for the genetic counseling conference.

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