When pregnancy complications arise, timely access to specialized care can make a critical difference.   

As a regional referral center for Orange County, UCI Health provides coordinated maternal-fetal transport services to ensure patients are safely transferred to the highest level of maternity care.   

Our specialized transport team partners closely with referring physicians, community hospitals and emergency providers across the region to stabilize patients and facilitate seamless transfer to UCI Health — Orange.  

This service supports patients experiencing pregnancy-related emergencies who require advanced maternal and neonatal care, reinforcing UCI Health as a trusted hub for high-risk obstetric care throughout Orange County. 

Our approach to maternal-fetal transport

Maternal-fetal transport is more than transportation — it is mobile critical care designed specifically for pregnancy emergencies. 

If complications develop during pregnancy, our team provides rapid response transport to help ensure you and your baby receive the care you need. 

Your transport team may include: 

• specially trained nurses or respiratory therapists
• drivers experienced in medical transport
• specialists coordinating care with hospital teams 

During transport, your care team continuously monitors both your condition and your baby’s well-being. 

Advanced onboard communication systems allow transport specialists to stay in constant contact with obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine physicians and neonatologists at UCI Health. 

This coordination helps ensure your care continues seamlessly when you arrive at the hospital.

If you think you need maternal-fetal transport

Maternal-fetal transport services are typically arranged by: 

• Your obstetrician
• An emergency department
• A hospital caring for you during pregnancy

If you are experiencing a pregnancy emergency, seek immediate medical care. Healthcare providers can coordinate transport to UCI Health when advanced care is needed. 

For provider coordination or questions about maternal-fetal transport, please call 714-456-6430. 

What to expect

Your safety and comfort are carefully managed throughout transport. 

Transport vehicles are specially equipped to support maternal and fetal care and may include: 

• advanced monitoring equipment 
• ventilators and stabilization tools 
• enhanced suspension systems for smoother transport 
• climate-controlled environments 
• specialized medical equipment for pregnancy emergencies 

Your care team remains focused on monitoring your condition and preparing hospital specialists for your arrival. 

What sets UCI Health maternal-fetal transport apart?

Specialized high-risk pregnancy expertise 

Your transport team includes clinicians trained in high-risk pregnancy care. This expertise allows rapid stabilization and monitoring during complex emergencies. 

Continuous communication with hospital specialists 

During transport, your care team maintains direct communication with maternal-fetal medicine physicians and neonatologists. This coordination prepares hospital teams to deliver immediate care when you arrive. 

Access to advanced neonatal care 

If your baby requires specialized treatment, transport coordination connects directly with UCI Health’s Level III NICU. This ensures rapid access to newborn specialists and advanced support. 

Extended regional transport capabilities 

UCI Health provides maternal-fetal transport across Orange County and surrounding regions. This broad coverage helps patients access specialized care when it is needed most. 

Air and ground transport options 

Specialized helicopter and ground transport services allow rapid response across large geographic areas. Faster access to advanced care can improve outcomes in emergency situations.

Emergencies that may require maternal-fetal transport

Maternal-fetal transport supports patients experiencing pregnancy complications that require specialized care. 

These may include: 

• bleeding during pregnancy
• preeclampsia or hypertension
• preterm labor
• rupture of membranes
• diabetes complications
• multiple gestation (twins, triplets or more)
• other high-risk pregnancy conditions

Early access to specialized care helps reduce complications and supports better outcomes for both mother and baby.