Women’s Health and Maternity
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 MetroPlusHealth Participating OB/GYN.
Family Planning
Choosing a Birth Control Method
There are many options when it comes to birth control. The right method for you will depend on what you and your partner are comfortable with. Some contraceptives are easy to use, but not as good at preventing pregnancy. Others are more expensive and require planning ahead, but they are more effective. Be realistic when considering what will work best for you.
Effective? Over-the-counter contraceptives, like condoms and sponges, are affordable and convenient, but only about 80% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Effort? Consider whether you’re willing to insert a sperm-blocking device inside your body before having sex.
Affordable? Can you keep up with the cost? Will you and your partner share the cost?
Side effects? Some birth control methods are very effective but might cause stronger PMS symptoms
or other discomfort.
Reversible? If you plan to get pregnant someday, some contraceptives are easier to stop than others.
Prevent STDs? Only condoms provide reliable protection from sexually transmitted diseases. You may to use more than one birth control method.
Compatible with your beliefs? Consider any personal values that guide the contraceptives you can use.
How Does Birth Control Work?
Understanding how different types of birth control work can help you decide which method is best for you.
Hormonal methods: The most common method of hormonal birth control is the pill. It prevents an egg
from being released from the ovaries each month. Patches, injections, rings and implants work the same
way. Other hormonal methods—including progestin only pills or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)—
cause the cervical mucus to thicken. This makes it hard for sperm to pass through.
Barrier methods: These methods of birth control prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Examples include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and sponges. Natural family planning: The calendar or rhythm method, the cervical mucus method, and the body temperature method are ways to predict when an egg is released from the ovaries. Timing when an egg can be fertilized helps you know when to avoid
unprotected sex.
Other options: Other ways to avoid getting pregnant include avoiding sex (abstinence) or sterilization. The sterilization surgery for men is called vasectomy. For women, the surgical procedure is called tubal ligation. There are also non-surgical options for women. Sterilization is usually permanent.
COMPARING SOME OPTIONS
| METHOD | EFFECTIVENESS PREVENTING PREGNANCY? | PROTECTS AGAINST STI? |
|---|---|---|
| ABSTINENCE | 100% | YES |
| HORMONAL IUD | 99+% | NO |
| PILL OR HORMONE PATCH | 91–92% | NO |
| MALE CONDOM | 82% | YES, MOST |
| CONTRACEPTIVE SPONGE | 76%–88% | NO |
| FEMALE CONDOM | 79% | YES, MOST |
Prenatal & Postpartum Care
Your Health Helps Your Baby’s Health
WHAT: A well visit to the doctor is known as preventive care. Preventive visits are especially important during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.
WHY: Thes e appointments give you a chance to ask any questions about caring for yourself or your baby. They also give doctors a chance to spot problems early, and to treat them before they become more serious.
WHEN: For normal, healthy pregnancies, you will need to see your doctor once a month for the first three months (called a trimester). During your second trimester you should make appointments every two weeks. After that, you should see your doctor weekly until your baby is born. It’s important to keep these appointments, so your doctor can check for any problems that could affect you or your baby. It’s also important to see your doctor between 7 and 84 days after your baby is born. This is called the postpartum
checkup. Your doctor will want honest information about how you’re feeling, how your body is healing from childbirth, and if you have any concerns about being a new parent.
When to Call the Doctor
For most women, pregnancy is a happy, exciting time. If you’re eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and going to your prenatal checkups, everything should be fine. But if you notice any of these red flags, call your doctor:
- Bleeding or leaking fluid
- Blurry vision
- Cramping, stomach pain or a severe backache
- Frequent or constant headaches
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- A decrease in baby’s movements
- Dizziness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Pain or burning with urination
- Swelling in your face, fingers and feet
While You’re Pregnant
- DON’T SMOKE. It passes nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals to your baby. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and infant death.
- GET YOUR TDAP AND FLU SHOTS! Talk to your doctor about vaccinations. Protect your baby, yourself, and others!
- DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL OR DO DRUGS. Even a small amount of these substances can be very harmful to your baby.
- DON’T HAVE CONTACT WITH CAT LITTER OR PET RODENTS. Cat litter can cause a condition called toxoplasmosis, which can harm your baby. Rodents’ urine or droppings can cause a virus that’s also very dangerous for your baby.
- DON’T EAT FISH WITH HIGH MERCURY LEVELS. This includes swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish.
Take Care of Your Baby Before and After Birth
| BEFORE | AFTER | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUTRITION | CHECKUPS | CARING FOR NEW MOMS | BREASTFEEDING | CHECKUPS |
| Drink lots of water, take prenatal vitamins and get regular exercise. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables but be careful not to “eat for two.” That myth can lead to health problems during pregnancy. | Regular visits to your doctor help him or her track the progress of your pregnancy. You can also get vaccines, nutrition advice, ultrasounds and screenings. | Your body goes through many changes after childbirth. Rest as much as you can, drink lots of water and keep up your strength with nutritious snacks and meals. Ask a family member to help with other children and meal preparation. | Breast milk is easy for babies to digest. It helps protect them from illness while their bodies are still fragile. Breastfeeding is good for your health, too. Classes or one-on-one guidance can help you and your newborn with this important process. | Schedule a postpartum visit with your doctor between 7 and 84 days after delivery. This is a good time to discuss any concerns you have about physical discomfort, weight gain, breastfeeding, postpartum depression or other issues. |
Physical Changes
- Keep your feet elevated when possible to prevent your legs and feet to get swollen
- Try to drink plenty water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent Postconstipation
- Make sure to go to your postpartum visit. Your doctor will have the opportunity to evaluate and monitor your recovery
Regaining a Healthy Weight and Shape
- A healthy eating plan along with regular physical fitness might be all you need to return to a healthy weight
Postpartum Depression
How do I know if I have depression?
Crying, moodiness, anxiety and stress is common in the first few weeks after childbirth. But if these feelings last longer than that or if you feel angry and unable to function, it’s time to get professional help right away.
What causes postpartum depression?
Dramatic hormone changes, lack of sleep and adjusting to having a newborn have a big effect on a new mom’s emotions. Some women are prone to getting postpartum depression.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend mental health counseling, medication or both.
The NYC Standards for Respectful Care at Birth
These standards were created to inform, educate and support people giving birth – people like you. These standards encourage you to know your human rights and be active decision-makers in your birthing experience. These standards are also helpful for providers, and can help them respect and be aware of their patients’ human rights during pregnancy, labor and childbirth. Click below for more information.
Helpful Resources:
The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and adolescents receive appropriate preventive, dental, mental health, developmental, and specialty services.