maternity ward
Definition
Noun: A dedicated section or unit within a hospital designed to provide specialized medical care and support for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period, as well as for newborn infants.
Usage
The term "maternity ward" refers specifically to the physical location and department within a healthcare facility. It is used to describe where obstetric and neonatal services are centralized. * After her water broke, she was admitted directly to the maternity ward. * The hospital is building a new, state-of-the-art maternity ward with private rooms. * Visiting hours for the maternity ward are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metonymically to refer to the staff and services of the unit, not just the physical space.
- The maternity ward was exceptionally supportive throughout the entire process.
Variants and Related Words
- Labor and Delivery (L&D) Unit: A more specific term for the section of a maternity ward focused on the active process of childbirth.
- Postpartum Ward/Unit: A section specifically for recovery and care after delivery.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A specialized ward for critically ill newborns, often adjacent to or part of a maternity complex.
- Obstetrics (OB): The field of medicine concerning pregnancy and childbirth; the department providing this care.
Synonyms
- Birthing unit
- Obstetric ward
- Delivery suite
Antonyms
- There is no direct antonym, but other hospital wards serve contrasting purposes (e.g., , ).
Related Phrases
- To be in the maternity ward: To be a patient receiving care in that unit.
- She will be in the maternity ward for two days for observation.
- Maternity ward staff: Refers collectively to the doctors, midwives, and nurses working there.
Noun
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a hospital ward that provides care for women during pregnancy and childbirth and for newborn infants
