CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PREGNANCY OR NEWBORN
Pregnancy and bringing home a newborn is exciting but also a little bit scary. Hoag Urgent Care’s experienced providers are trained to provide urgent care for pregnant women as well as urgent care for newborn babies. Whether you are pregnant with your first or your fifth baby or if you have a newborn, Hoag Urgent Care is here to support you every step of the way!
When in doubt, it’s always better to seek medical care and gain peace of mind than to wait and risk potential complications or needlessly worry.
Pregnancy & Urgent Care
Pregnancy often comes with a variety of unusual symptoms, from odd food cravings and cramps to spotting and mood swings. But how do you know when it’s appropriate to seek medical care?
Deciding Between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room During Pregnancy
Deciding Between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room During Pregnancy
If your OB/GYN’s office is closed and you’re facing heavy vaginal bleeding, persistent fluid leakage, severe nausea or vomiting that isn’t relieved by medication, or an inability to eat or drink, seeking care at a nearby urgent care facility may be appropriate. For pregnancy-related emergencies, such as heavy bleeding or contractions, an emergency room with an obstetric triage unit is often the safest place for evaluation.
Urgent care centers are well-suited for non-pregnancy-related concerns like mild respiratory infections, persistent coughs, or ear pain. On the other hand, more severe symptoms—such as shallow breathing, confusion, extreme fatigue, prolonged severe nausea, dehydration, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat—are best addressed at an emergency room equipped to handle emergencies. High fevers unresponsive to over-the-counter medication or injuries, such as those from a car accident, should also prompt an immediate visit to the emergency department.
Common Pregnancy Concerns and When to Seek Medical Attention
Common Pregnancy Concerns and When to Seek Medical Attention
During pregnancy, it’s not uncommon to experience discomforts such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, vaginal spotting or fluid leakage, contractions, or painful and frequent urination. While these symptoms may simply be part of pregnancy, they could also signal underlying issues. It’s always best to discuss these concerns with your OB/GYN, who can evaluate whether further attention is needed.
In situations where your OB/GYN is unavailable, obstetric triage at an urgent care may be the next best step, especially if symptoms develop after office hours. Occasionally, symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea might not be pregnancy-related and could indicate conditions such as appendicitis, which often comes with fever. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, your healthcare provider will typically rule out preterm labor before investigating other potential causes.
Handling Injuries or Symptoms Like Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Handling Injuries or Symptoms Like Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
The best course of action for injuries during pregnancy depends on their severity. If you’re unsure, visiting the emergency room is usually the safest option. For less severe injuries, calling your OB/GYN’s office to speak with a nurse can help determine the next steps.
Morning sickness, particularly in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, can often be managed through routine prenatal care. However, if you’re unable to keep down fluids or food, or if nausea becomes severe, an emergency room visit might be necessary, especially if you haven’t yet established care with an OB/GYN. If you’re already receiving prenatal care, your OB/GYN’s office may be able to provide treatments, such as IV fluids, in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Spotting, Bleeding, and Fevers During Pregnancy
Spotting, Bleeding, and Fevers During Pregnancy
Light, painless spotting is often considered normal in pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to call your OB/GYN to discuss the symptoms. Heavy bleeding—such as soaking through a pad in under two hours—should be evaluated promptly, especially if accompanied by pain. Contacting your OB/GYN or heading to their triage unit is recommended in these cases.
For fevers during pregnancy, it’s advisable to start with a COVID test at home. If the result is negative and the fever persists, visiting an urgent care or emergency department may be necessary, especially if other symptoms suggest a non-pregnancy-related cause. Generally, feverish patients are directed away from labor and delivery units unless there is a specific pregnancy concern requiring evaluation.
*If you or someone else is experiencing crushing chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, or signs of stroke, call 9-1-1.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or first-aid training. Do NOT use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider.
Newborns & Urgent Care
It can be challenging for parents to determine if their baby is simply irritable or showing signs of illness when they develop a fever or infection. To help you navigate these situations, here’s a guide on when to seek urgent care for your newborn baby.
When to Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Room
When to Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Room
Fever
Fever
- For infants under 3 months old, any fever is a reason to seek medical attention.
- For babies 3–6 months, seek medical care if the temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C) or if a lower fever is accompanied by illness.
- For those aged 6–24 months, seek medical care if the fever exceeds 100.4°F (38°C) and lasts longer than a day or is accompanied by symptoms like a cough or diarrhea.
- Regardless of age, if the fever lasts more than three days, seek medical care.
Difficulty Eating
Difficulty Eating
If your baby skips two or more feedings in a row or seems uninterested in eating, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or seek medical attention.
Unusual Sleepiness
Unusual Sleepiness
Reach out to a healthcare professional or go to an urgent care if your baby is sleeping more than usual, is difficult to wake up, seems unusually floppy, cries excessively, or is hard to soothe.
Issues with the Belly Button or Circumcision
Issues with the Belly Button or Circumcision
If you notice any changes in color, oozing, or bleeding around your baby’s belly button or circumcision site, consult your doctor or visit an urgent care.
Digestive Issues
Digestive Issues
- Diarrhea: Seek medical care if your baby has more than three watery stools in a short period.
- Constipation: Seek medical care if your baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for a few days or seems uncomfortable or bloated.
- Vomiting: Occasional spitting up is normal, but vomiting that forcefully ejects milk or formula, or an inability to keep liquids down for eight hours, should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Signs of Dehydration
Signs of Dehydration
If your baby cries without producing tears, has fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or a sunken soft spot on their head, get medical care immediately.
Respiratory Symptoms
Respiratory Symptoms
Seek medical care if your baby has difficulty breathing, is breathing rapidly, shows signs of ear pain, or has a persistent cough lasting more than 10 days.
Rashes
Rashes
Rashes that appear suddenly, develop blisters, or seem infected warrant a visit with a healthcare provider—especially if they’re accompanied by a fever.

By choosing urgent care pregnant women and new parents can receive timely treatment, preventing potential complications and providing peace of mind.
Benefits of Choosing Urgent Care
- Accessibility: Hoag Urgent Care centers have extended hours, including evenings and weekends, making them a convenient option when primary care providers are unavailable.
- Shorter Wait Times: Compared to emergency rooms, urgent care facilities have shorter wait times, allowing for quicker attention.
- Cost-Effective: Urgent care visits are generally more affordable than emergency room visits, which is a consideration for many families.
- Comprehensive Services: Facilities like Hoag Urgent Care are equipped with on-site labs and diagnostic tools, enabling prompt evaluation and treatment.
Peace of Mind Through Prompt Attention
Seeking immediate care at an urgent care facility can alleviate anxiety. Knowing that medical professionals are available to assess and address concerns provides reassurance during pregnancy and when you bring home your bindle of joy. Moreover, early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious complications.
Hoag Urgent Care: A Trusted Partner in Maternal Health
Hoag Urgent Care offers specialized services tailored for pregnant women and newborn babies, ensuring that expectant mothers and new parents receive the care they need in a timely manner. With multiple locations, extended hours, and a commitment to excellence, Hoag Urgent Care stands as a reliable resource for maternal health concerns.
During pregnancy, it’s natural to experience various physical changes and symptoms. While many are typical, some may require medical attention. Opting for urgent care when appropriate not only addresses health concerns promptly but also provides peace of mind, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to seek care than to wait and risk potential complications.