Northwest Health Launches Maternal-Fetal Transport Service

2/16/2023

Northwest Health - Porter has launched a new maternal-fetal transport service to provide medical intervention for mothers-to-be who are experiencing pregnancy complications and need to be transferred to a higher level of care. This service is approved by the Indiana State Department of Health.

“Women who are experiencing complications during pregnancy sometimes require a higher level of obstetrical care. Northwest Health – Porter provides a high level of specialty care for mother or baby in need. We are now proud to add the ability to transport high-risk expectant women to our well-established neonatal transport service,” said Stephanie Didion MSN, R.N., director of the Birthing & Family Care Center at Northwest Health - Porter. “High-risk pregnant patients will be transferred via ambulance to the hospital which includes our 24/7 OB emergency department, Level III obstetrical service, and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit – all providing quick, high-level medical management for the pregnant mother and her baby.”

The maternal-fetal transport emergency service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to transport women experiencing maternal medical emergencies, which may include:

• Bleeding after 20 weeks
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Multiple gestation (twins, triplets or more)
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm labor
• Rupture of membranes

Mothers-to-be experiencing these and other complications are assessed by a dedicated transport team and brought to Northwest Health – Porter hospital. They are transported in an ambulance under the care of a certified high-risk obstetrical nurse and paramedic. Upon arrival, expectant mothers receive care from a highly trained team of obstetricians, nurses and neonatologists to ensure safe delivery for both mother and child.

Guillermo Font, M.D., maternal- fetal medicine specialist with Northwest Medical Group, provides medical supervision for the transport team.

“The hard work and dedication of a passionate, multidisciplinary team made this achievement happen,” said Didion. “I am proud of our teams in the Birthing & Family Care Center, Porter EMS, our obstetricians and Dr. Font – whose knowledge was invaluable in developing best practices for this service.”

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