Exactly three weeks ago, we provided an update on the number of COVID-19-positive patients OBHG physicians and midwives have cared for since the virus first entered the U.S.
We continue to see a steady uptick in COVID-19 patient encounters, rising from 90 positive patients on April 27th to nearly 200 as of today.
“As I look at the data, I think one of the reasons we are noting a rise in cases is increased availability of universal testing in hospital labor and delivery units,” said OBHG’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Simon. “Universal testing is helping to identify patients who are either asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic which is obviously increasing the number of COVID-19-positive patients.”
COVID-19 in L&D state update
Across our hospital network of 180+ hospital partners, OBHG clinicians have cared for COVID-19-positive pregnant patients in 27 states (compared to 24 states on April 27th). Our teams have treated the highest numbers of COVID-19-positive patients in Texas, Illinois and New Jersey.
COVID-19 obstetric patient symptom update
In recent weeks, we’ve seen an increase in visits to the hospital obstetrics emergency departments by both COVID-19-positive patients and non-infected patients. While some COVID-19-positive patients are visiting the OBED for relief from COVID-19 symptoms, most are seeking treatment for common obstetrical conditions and emergencies, such as hypertension and hemorrhage.
Active labor continues to bring a good number of COVID-19-positive pregnant patients to the hospital. Since mid-March, OBHG clinicians have handled the deliveries of nearly 70 COVID-19-positive patients. Only a small number of these cases were emergent deliveries, due to respiratory distress of the mother. Our teams are continuing to analyze the data for all COVID-19-positive patients so that we can contribute to the overall understanding of COVID-19 in pregnancy.
More COVID-19 resources related to obstetrics
To read more about the hospital obstetrics trends and practices we’ve observed across the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.
Physician bedside manner has been forced to change amidst the pandemic. Listen to The Obstetrics Podcast episode featuring OBHG Medical Director of Operations Dr. Nicholas Kulbida as he discusses bedside manner in the age of COVID-19.
Visit the Industry Insights area of our site for all COVID-19-related information and resources.
A member of our team would be happy to speak with you if you would like to learn more about how we are supporting our hospital partners during this time.