Maternity Ward

In simplest terms, a Maternity Ward is the department of a hospital, Infirmary, or Sickbay that provides care for the child-bearing member of a species during pregnancy and childbirth as well as for newborn infants. While nearly every planet-side hospital and station-borne infirmary has such a ward (or unit), most Starfleet vessels are only equipped to handle basic maternity needs even though most Sickbays can be converted to provide more specific care. Only larger classes such as the Galaxy and Sovereign or medical ships like the Olympic class have dedicated maternity wards.

These wards are staffed by doctors, nurses, and techs that are specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, prenatal, maternity, and other related reproductive medicines. They handle both the mother's and child's care right up to and including birth. Care for the newborn(s) is then usually handed over to the ward's Neonatal Care Unit. Rooms in maternity wards are purposely built to accommodate the specials needs of both mother and child, allowing for more room and comfort.