Obstetrical care at IWK Health is available 24 hours a day. Any pregnant individuals requiring assessment of labour or any urgent pregnancy concerns can come to IWK Health and register in the Admitting & Registration Department, located on the 2nd floor of the Women's site.
Early Labour Assessment Unit (ELAU)
We provide urgent obstetrical assessment and care for pregnant individuals, their families and support people within Halifax and the surrounding areas. We also provide high-risk obstetrical care for pregnant individuals, their families and support people throughout the Maritimes. We support pregnant individuals who are greater than 20 weeks pregnant and up to six weeks postpartum.
Birth Unit
We provide care for pregnant individuals, their families and support people within Halifax and the surrounding areas. We also provide high-risk obstetrical care for pregnant individuals, their families and support people throughout the Maritimes. We support pregnant individuals during labour, birth and the immediate postpartum period. We also care for patients experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, or requiring an obstetrical surgery.
If patients are scheduled for an induction or a Cesarean section they will be registered in the Admitting & Registration Dept, then directed to the Birth Unit on the 3rd floor Women’s Site. Otherwise, the patient and their support person(s) will go from the Admitting & Registration Dept. to the Early Labour Assessment Unit (ELAU) located on the 2nd Floor Women’s Site.