Regular preventive care is an important part of maintaining your health. Women should see an OB/GYN annually for routine care, screenings, and reproductive health services. No referral is needed to visit a participating MetroPlusHealth OB/GYN.
Preventive Screenings for Women
Regular preventive screenings can help detect cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.
- Breast Cancer Screening: Women at average risk should begin routine mammogram screening at age 45 and continue every 2 years through age 74, or as recommended by their provider. Women with additional risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screening.
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Ages 21-29: Pap test every 3 years. Ages 30-65: Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5 years, or Pap and HPV co-testing every 5 years. Talk with your provider about the screening schedule that is right for you.
Prenatal & Postpartum Care
Prenatal Care: Schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you think you may be pregnant, ideally during the first trimester. Regular prenatal visits help monitor your baby’s growth and development, identify health concerns early, provide recommended screenings and vaccinations, and support a healthy pregnancy.
Postpartum Care: A postpartum visit should take place between a week to 2 ½ months (7 and 84) days after delivery. These visits allow your provider to monitor recovery, address physical and emotional concerns, support breastfeeding, discuss family planning options, and screen for postpartum depression and anxiety.
Maternal Vaccinations
Talk with your provider about recommended vaccinations during pregnancy, including Tdap and flu vaccines. Vaccination helps protect both you and your baby from serious illness.
Healthy Pregnancy Tips
Do not smoke or use tobacco and vape products. Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed drugs. Take prenatal vitamins as recommended. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and remain physically active as advised by your provider.
Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Contact your provider right away if you experience bleeding, leaking fluid, severe abdominal pain, severe headaches, vision changes, swelling, fever, pain with urination, regular contractions before 37 weeks, or decreased fetal movement.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding provides important health benefits for both babies and mothers. Lactation consultants and care teams can provide support and guidance throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Maternal Mental Health
Persistent sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, anger, or difficulty functioning may be signs of postpartum depression. Contact your provider if symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life.
Family Planning & Birth Control
Choosing a birth control method is a personal decision. Consider effectiveness, ease of use, side effects, future pregnancy plans, and STI protection. Condoms are the only birth control method that also help protect against STIs.
Respectful Maternity Care
Every person deserves safe, respectful, and patient-centered care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.