Snellville, Ga. (February 12, 2025) – Piedmont Eastside Medical Center recently opened a new obstetric emergency department (OB-ED) dedicated to treating emergent, urgent and unexpected prenatal and postpartum issues for expecting mothers. The department – the only one of its kind in Gwinnett County – will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Before the OB-ED’s launch, a pregnant patient with complications would go to the emergency department and then be transferred to the Labor and Delivery triage area. Although the patient would see a highly-skilled nurse, now, an on-site board-certified physician in the OB-ED will evaluate all patients who are 20 weeks or more pregnant with obstetrical concerns.

“We are so excited to provide this much-needed service to the community,” said Eunice Valai, director of women’s services at Piedmont Eastside. “The presence of an on-site board-certified OB-GYN physician, focused solely on providing the highest level of care to our expectant mothers, gives them peace of mind during one of the most important moments of their lives.”

This kind of care reduces delays in care and improves patient outcomes. In addition to ensuring that expectant mothers receive expert care at a moment’s notice, the hospitalist can communicate with the patient’s personal OB-GYN about her visit and plans for care, ensuring a seamless transition of care.
Patients can go to the OB-ED at any time, although their physicians may also refer them.
The Piedmont Eastside Women’s Services department delivers more than 1,300 babies each year. As a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the hospital’s NICU offers the most advanced neonatal care and services for infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation, as well as babies born with critical illnesses. The department also offers a variety of maternity and educational services, including free lactation classes and infant safety classes.

For more information on all the services provided by women’s services at Piedmont Eastside, visit piedmont.org.