The BirthPlace, Westwood offers these specialized services:
- High-Risk Pregnancy Care
Patients at high risk for complications during their pregnancies may be admitted to the hospital for antepartum, or pre-birth, care by our specially trained nurses and perinatologists - doctors who specialize in managing high-risk pregnancies. We also provide antepartum care to pregnant women expecting twins or triplets.
- Fetal Diagnostic Unit
This is an outpatient unit on the 5th floor of the hospital, beside Labor and Delivery, where specialized nursing staff perform prenatal tests, such as ultrasounds for babies. If your baby needs special monitoring during your pregnancy, you can receive all the diagnostic testing you need here. Learn more »
- 24-Hour Laborists
Our laborists are board-certified obstetricians who remain on the unit and are available to manage your labor until your personal obstetrician arrives. They also provide a safe delivery in the event that your doctor is not able to arrive in time for your delivery. Our laborists respect each family's birth plan and collaborate with your obstetrician, who remains in charge of your care.
- 24-Hour Obstetrical Anesthesia
Our dedicated, in-house anesthesiologists are available 24 hours at The BirthPlace, Westwood to ensure you have access to anesthesia during labor or should an emergency C-section become necessary. Our anesthesiologists can provide you with effective pain relief that is safe for you and your baby while you remain awake. They are happy to answer any questions you may have about pain management and will discuss your concerns with you.
- Newborn Care Unit
While most evaluations and care of the infant occurs at the bedside, some procedures may be done in the Newborn Care Unit, which is staffed by nurses who specialize in newborn and postpartum care. This is where nurses also observe babies who are unstable or in need of extra attention. Because we prefer to keep newborns with their mothers, babies referred to the unit for observation, assessments or other procedures are reunited with their mothers as quickly as possible.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The BirthPlace, Westwood also offers high-level care for critically ill babies needing surgery or other intensive care. The NICU is a Level III facility staffed by UCLA neonatologists, nurses and other health professionals with advanced training and expertise in caring for premature or ill infants. Occupational and physical therapists, social workers and dieticians provide additional support as part of our multidisciplinary team.
