Women, Babies and Children – Emergency Information

If you are pregnant:

If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, always present to the Marotta Family Hospital Emergency Department if you need urgent medical attention at the hospital.

If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, present to the Marotta Family Hospital Registration at the front entrance, and you will be directed to the Women and Babies' Unit.

Always call 9-1-1 if you are worried that you cannot get to the hospital on your own, and you will be taken to the Marotta Family Hospital Emergency Department.

Call 9-1-1 or go directly to the Marotta Family Hospital Emergency Department for all other emergency women’s health (gynecological) issues.

Children to age 18:

Always call 9-1-1 or, if it is safe to do so, take your child to the nearest Emergency Department.

The Emergency Department physician will care for your child and consult with the On-Call Pediatrician if appropriate.

If your child requires a more comprehensive assessment or hospitalization, they will be referred to our family-centred Children’s Unit at the Marotta Family Hospital or to another appropriate healthcare facility.

When to call 9-1-1 if pregnant:

Pregnant women should call 9-1-1 and be taken directly by ambulance to the Marotta Family Hospital for any of the following conditions:

• When your labour pains are five minutes apart, and you have no other way to reach the hospital within 30 minutes
• You suddenly start bleeding heavily
• It feels as if your baby is going to come out
• You suddenly develop abdominal pain that does not go away
• You suddenly get a headache that is different or worse than anything you have had before

For all women:

Go to the Marotta Family Hospital Emergency Department if you are experiencing:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Any other gynecological emergency issue