The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) has a deep history of providing families with comprehensive maternity care services. For more than 200 years, our providers have welcomed generations of Philadelphians into the world.

Maternity Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: Why Choose Us?

We specialize in routine and complex high-risk pregnancies. More than 4,000 babies get their start at our hospital every year. We offer families:

Natural childbirth experience

We want your family to have the childbirth experience you desire. You can choose to see one of our OB-GYNs or a certified nurse midwife throughout pregnancy and delivery. We also welcome doulas, trained professionals who support women during childbirth.

We have:

  • Private and semi-private rooms, some with jetted whirlpool tubs
  • Nurses trained in Lamaze International® natural childbirth methods
  • Wireless fetal monitors to allow you to walk around safely, speeding labor
  • Aromatherapy and other nonmedicinal pain management tools

Infant feeding support

Whether you choose to breastfeed or use infant formula, our nurses help you and your baby get off to a good start. Most families room-in with their babies, but you can also opt to use our nursery.

As a designated Baby-Friendly® Hospital, we have International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® (IBCLC) and maternity nurses with lactation education and training. The IBCLC has recognized our team’s outstanding work with the IBCLC Care Award for excellence in lactation services.

We also provide the tools and support you need when you go home. We rent breast pumps and offer outpatient consultations with breastfeeding experts.

High-risk pregnancy care

Penn Maternal Fetal Medicine HUP offers dedicated care should you experience a high-risk pregnancy. We have programs to help you manage diabetes, high blood pressure or preeclampsia, genetic conditions and other health problems. We also step in when an unborn baby has a medical problem.

Help for fragile infants

Our Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for medically fragile infants is one of only two in the state to have received the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence. This recognition from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses demonstrates our expertise in helping critically ill babies. Our doctors work with specialists from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to ensure the best care.

Emergency services

If you experience spotting, cramping or other concerns during pregnancy, you can skip the emergency department and head straight to our Perinatal Evaluation Center. Emergency care is also available at our Pregnancy Early Access Center (PEACE). A high-risk pregnancy specialist quickly evaluates your situation. We admit you to the hospital if needed.

Childbirth and parenting education

Whether you’re new to parenting or welcoming your fifth child, we help you feel confident in your new role. We offer:

Honors and Recognitions

You don’t have to take our word that you and your baby are in excellent hands. These honors and recognitions reflect our commitment to your care:

  • American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Silver Beacon Award for Excellence (Labor and Delivery and NICU)
  • Baby-Friendly® Hospital
  • Magnet® hospital for excellence in nursing care
  • Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Center of Excellence Award

OB-GYN Practices at HUP

These Penn Medicine OB-GYN practices deliver at HUP:

Request an Appointment

To request an appointment, please call 800-789-7366 or complete our online form.

  • Childbirth and Parenting Classes

    Classes are offered at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to prepare you for childbirth, parenting and beyond.

  • Statement on Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

    Penn Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is taking a comprehensive approach to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women across Penn Medicine.

  • Childbirth Facilities at HUP

    The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) has suites and amenities to make your labor and delivery both safe and comfortable.

  • Antenatal Testing Unit

    The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has a specific Antenatal Testing Unit for the diagnosis, care and treatment of women whose pregnancies are considered high-risk.

  • Perinatal Evaluation Center (PEC)

    The Perinatal Evaluation Center (PEC) is a special maternity admissions area that serves as an emergency room for pregnant women and a place for early labor examination.

  • Postpartum Recovery

    Caring for mother and baby after birth.

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