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NewsAug | 11 | 2020
Choosing to build or grow a family can be a complex decision for many people, and this decision has only been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many people are apprehensive to get pregnant at this time or delaying their childbearing for a combination of reasons,” says Katherine Pocius, MD, MPH, medical director of family planning in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, “both related to potential medical risks for mom and/or baby, as well as economic and child care concerns.”
Likewise, decisions about unplanned pregnancies have become more complicated for similar reasons for many people. Mass General remains committed to providing comprehensive, full scope family planning care including contraception and abortion services.
“No matter what your needs, we are here to care for you,” says Dr. Pocius. “Throughout the pandemic, our offices in Boston, Waltham, Charleston, Chelsea and Revere continue to provide these essential services, though we have become more creative with modes of delivery.”
Though she understands that there may be some hesitancy to come into the health system, Dr. Pocius assures her patients that the team at Mass General has “restructured much about how we provide in-person care to make coming for care safe while COVID infections continue.”
As in other areas of medicine, delivery of gynecological care has been changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to safe and effective contraception is paramount especially during a pandemic, and the Department of OB/GYN is committed to caring for patients and improving access. As clinicians look toward the future, Dr. Pocius notes three ways that Mass General has changed its approach to contraception care:
While, there is still not a clear when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, the Mass General team is ready to help. Individualized family planning care is important. If you have questions or concerns, it’s best to consult with your physician or midwife to discuss your individual risks and options.
“I encourage all our patients to reach out to us with questions or concerns. Though things here at Mass General have definitely changed, we remain committed to caring for all our patients and their pregnancy and contraception needs,” says Dr. Pocius.
The OB/GYN Department remains here for your health care needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some adjustments are necessary, however.
Learn more from Dr. Katrina Armstrong about Mass General's commitment to providing the best and safest care—whatever your health care needs may be.
Get data and expert opinions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
A medida que la vacuna esté disponible para las personas en todo EE.UU., hay muchas preguntas sobre la recepción de la misma durante el embarazo o la lactancia.
The Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is pleased to expand midwifery care for patients on the North Shore.
Mai Uchida, MD, shares her “My Why”—outlining her decision to get the COVID vaccine during her pregnancy. Dr. Uchida hopes that she can be of help to anyone struggling with a similar decision by sharing her thought process, her emotions as a mother and her expertise as a physician.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding people.
A group led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) provides new insights that could help improve care for these women and their newborns and emphasizes the need for pregnant women to be considered in vaccine rollout plans.