ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital opened a new emergency department on Wednesday dedicated to serving pregnant patients.

The new Obstetrics Emergency Department is located in the former obstetrics triage area. Corewell Health says the addition allows the hospital to respond faster to pregnancy-related health concerns, with around-the-clock staffing of licensed Ob doctors.

The Obstetrics Emergency Department will be used for patients who are at least 14 weeks pregnant as well as postpartum patients up to six weeks after giving birth. Doctors will treat health concerns that include a decrease in fetal movement, high blood pressure, severe abdominal pain, and signs of labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Serious injuries or non-obstetrics emergencies may be treated at Lakeland Hospital main emergency room.