About the Obstetrics Department

The MUHC Obstetrics department upholds a family centered care philosophy. We are committed to a positive patient/professional relationship throughout your pregnancy and birth. The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a teaching hospital, and therefore students and residents may participate in your care. Students and staff assisting with your care may be male or female. Our team is made up of secretaries, nurses, doctors, nutritionists, orderlies, allied health professionals and medical staff.

Due to the nature of physician on-call schedules, your doctor may not be present for your delivery. We cannot guarantee the gender, race or religious background of the physicians or nurses who will care for you during your hospital stay.

The MUHC Obstetrics Department follows high risk pregnancies. In order to be followed, you must have a referral from your physician (family doctor, gynecologist, internist, etc.). If you are not followed by a physician, you may have a referral from a physician at a walk-in clinic.

Obstetrics Clinic Contact Information

Early Pregnancy Rapid Assessment Clinic (EPRAC)

Birthing Centre

If you are 18 weeks pregnant or more, you must call the birthing centre for any indication listed below.

If you are less than 18 weeks pregnant, you must present to the Emergency Department (Block C, S1 level, Room 3300) or the EPRAC (depending on the time).

You should call the Birthing Centre if:

• You think you are in labour:
  • Contractions:
    • Less than 37 weeks pregnant or scheduled caesarean section: More than 5 contractions per hour (tightening of the abdomen, menstrual cramping, not necessarily painful)
    • 37 weeks pregnant or more: One painful contraction every 5 minutes for at least one hour
• Your “water breaks” or you are leaking amniotic fluid from your vagina
• Your baby is moving less than usual
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding, regardless of your blood group
• Problems with urination (burning, increased frequency, odour or feeling unrelieved or pressure)
• Fever greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius
• Persistent abdominal pain
• A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or above
• Severe headache, blurred vision, excessive swelling or weight gain, sharp chest pains (different from acid reflux)
• Trauma (e.g. fall, getting hit in the abdomen or car accident)
• Change in vaginal discharge (itching, burning, foul odour, a change in colour)
• Severe itching, notably on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet