COVID-19 UPDATE & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Dear Cary Ob/Gyn patients:
We are pleased to announce the resumption of all services that we provide! Both our Cary and Morrisville offices are open with a regular schedule and telemedicine will remain an option when appropriate.
Mammography, ultrasound and in office surgeries are available. We are also accepting new patients.
We have always been a patient-centered practice putting our patients first. This is why we limited what patients we would see during the Covid-19 stay at home order. As we reopen, we have established safety measures directed by the CDC to ensure patients and staff alike are safe.
Masks are Required
We require all patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask. Please bring your own mask; one will be provided if you do not have a mask with you.
Other Safety Protocols
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- Masks are worn by all staff and physicians
- The office is thoroughly cleaned twice daily
- UV air filters are in use at both locations
Pregnancy and COVID-19
Little is known about infections with coronavirus and its effect on pregnancy. There is no direct evidence that is causes harm to the unborn baby except in cases when the pregnant mother may become very ill.
For any patient who develops significant shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and fever they should call our office immediately. Please call before coming!
Our office, like most outpatient medical offices, is not set up for isolation or testing for coronavirus. IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF FEVER, CHILLS, BODY ACHES, COUGH OR STUFFY NOSE PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE BEFORE COMING.
We will triage symptoms over the telephone. If symptoms are felt to be severe, patients will be directed to the hospital emergency department for full evaluation and to provide treatment that cannot be provided in an office setting.
Laboratory testing is rapidly evolving. We do not anticipate being able to do testing for coronavirus, just like we do not do testing for influenza (Flu).
Treatment for anyone is primarily supportive, just as in patients who have influenza (flu). This treatment is to significantly increase oral fluids, to use Tylenol per directions on the bottle for fever, body aches and chills
My Vaccine Choice: How I Decided to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy
Dr. Chelsea K. Chandler discusses her choice to get vaccinated while pregnant.
I found out I was pregnant with my first child in early summer 2020, just as our country was emerging from the first COVID-19 lockdowns. With warmer weather came optimism, but in the fall coronavirus cases started increasing again in my area.
Then data came out that confirmed COVID-19 is more dangerous for pregnant women. As an ob-gyn, I was at high risk for exposure to the virus. And now we knew the virus could cause severe complications for me and my fetus.
It’s hard to put into words how nerve-wracking this was mentally, emotionally, and professionally. I was concerned about what the pandemic might mean for my health and my ability to do my job and take care of my patients. Working from home is rarely possible when you’re an ob-gyn who performs surgery daily.
When I first heard about the new vaccines, I decided that I needed to dig into the research. When my hospital began offering the vaccine to its health care workers, I wanted to be informed and ready.
Following the science
So here’s what I learned: The COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and highly effective. All of the vaccines went through intense testing and reviews, and they worked even better than researchers had expected. The vaccines will help us prevent illness and protect loved ones.
For your information: Covid 19 Vaccination
On December 11, 2020 the FDA approved the first COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in persons aged 16 and older. Pregnant and breastfeeding women were not included in the clinical trials. Likewise, additional vaccines expected for use have not been studied in pregnant or lactating women.
There is no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women. Animal developmental and reproductive toxicity studies are ongoing.
ACOG (The American College of OB/Gyn) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommended priority groups.
The Society for Maternal -Fetal Medicine (SMFM) strongly recommends that pregnant individuals have access to COVID-19 vaccines. They recommend that each person have a discussion with their healthcare professional about their own personal choice. Individual decision-making needs to balance these theoretical risks with the risks associated with delayed vaccination and the possibility of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
If you choose to receive the vaccination, we encourage you to notify us of your decision.