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Women's Health
It's important for women to get a checkup from an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) at least once a year. You do not need a referral from your PCP to see a MetroPlus Participating OB/GYN.
Family Planning Methods
Most women can get pregnant from when they are teenagers until they are in their late 40s. Half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Family Planning helps you control when and how many children you have.
There are many birth control methods. No method, except abstinence, or not having sex, is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, but some methods are more effective than others. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. To obtain some of these methods, you will need to see your doctor; but other methods are over-the-counter (OTC), which you can buy by yourself.
You need to see your doctor to get:
• Birth control bill
• Injection
• Vaginal Ring
• Skin Patch
• Intrauterine Device
You can buy condoms and spermicides over the counter. If you are female and at least 18 years old, you can also buy Plan B (emergency contraception) by yourself.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the medical care you receive when you are pregnant. All pregnant women need prenatal care, because it helps your doctor to see if you have any health problems that may affect your pregnancy or your baby. Prenatal care helps you to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Knowing and treating any problem right away is the best way to have a healthy baby.
Prenatal care starts in the first trimester, with monthly visits to your doctor. Visits will be more often when you get closer to the due date of your baby. Prenatal care includes a health history and physical exam, weight and blood pressure check, and lab tests (blood & urine). Prenatal Care check-ups are very important in keeping you and your baby healthy.
For more information, click the appropriate link:
After the Baby Blues (pdf)
Birth control/Family planning (pdf)
Cancer
Children's Health
Prenatal care (pdf)
Postpartum care (pdf)
Sexually transmitted diseases (pdf)
Teen Pregnancy
Helpful links:
Planned Parenthood
HealthyWomen
Breast Cancer Prevention
La Leche League International
Federal Government Source for National Women's Health Information
American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP)
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