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Recently, we told you about new research showing that many children who’ve been infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, calling into question the value of school-based screening for common symptoms like fever and cough. Possibly more concerning for urgent care operators and staffs, who by now have also instituted screening procedures for all patients, is new data showing that more than half of pregnant women with COVID-19 may also be asymptomatic. A new study of pregnant women with COVID-19, covering 13 states, reveals roughly 55% of 598 hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 did not exhibit symptoms. The findings, published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are concerning for the general public in that individuals who have COVID-19 without knowing it (or without even recognizing their need to be tested) may be more likely to unwittingly infect those around them. However, they also call into question whether pregnant women with the virus will get the care they and their unborn child need. Explain this to pregnant patients in the hope that they a) will take the recommended precautions to lower risk of infection and b) consider getting tested even if they don’t have symptoms. The importance of recognizing the unique challenges of providing care for pregnant patients is not exclusive to the pandemic we’re living through right now, of course. JUCM published an article that points out the considerations to bear in mind. You can read When Pregnant Patients Present to the Urgent Care Center in our archive.

Pregnant Women Pose Special Challenges—and Carry Certain Risks—in the Pandemic