What is the recommended transport protocol for patients less than 20 weeks pregnant?

The recommended transport protocol for patients less than 20 weeks pregnant is to transport them to the closest emergency department. This approach is based on the medical protocols that prioritize timely access to emergency care while considering the stage of pregnancy.

When a patient is less than 20 weeks pregnant, they are not typically requiring specialized maternity services, as the fetus is not yet at a stage where obstetric complications (such as labor or delivery) are likely. Instead, they may be experiencing conditions that are best assessed and managed in a general emergency department. This facility is equipped to handle various medical emergencies, including those that may arise during early pregnancy, such as complications related to the gastrointestinal system or bleeding.

Transporting to a specialized maternity unit may not be necessary or efficient in these early weeks, as these facilities generally focus on labor and delivery care. Sending a patient in this stage to a pediatric hospital would also not be appropriate, as pediatric hospitals primarily care for children rather than adults or prenatal care. Transporting to any available hospital, regardless of type, can lead to delays in receiving the appropriate care and is not aligned with established emergency medical protocols that prioritize timely and suitable intervention.