Maternal Transport
The mission of the maternal transport program is to provide the most advanced inpatient care to high-risk pregnant mothers in the South Eastern Virginia and Northern North Carolina regions.
Every year, about 500 to 600 pregnant mothers with high risk complications are transported to the tertiary care hospitals via ambulances or helicopter transport from other medical facilities in the region. Referring physicians and hospital have access to the transport services available 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Maternal transport is an invaluable resource for referring obstetricians, particularly for those who practice in small community based hospitals not equipped to handle complex perinatal complications, which can substantially affect both mothers and babies.
In utero transport of babies at risk for premature delivery to tertiary care facilities has been shown to significantly improve the overall perinatal outcome for deliveries occurring preterm (particularly at < 34 weeks gestation).
Our maternal transport program is staffed by eight Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists with extensive experience in the management of high risk obstetrical complications. These include premature rupture of the membranes, premature labor and preeclampsia. Ample support staff including nurses, educators, nutritionists, case managers, bereavement counselors and social workers have been specially trained to assist in caring for complicated pregnancies in a compassionate and caring environment.
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, the two facilities where inpatient care is provided for high risk patients, have immediate access to sophisticated neonatal intensive care units staffed by neonatologists specializing in the care of babies born prematurely or with complex medical problems including cardiac disease and abdominal wall defects.