Traditionally, the focus of women has been to take care of the health, safety and well-being of everyone in the family. It becomes more evident, as time goes by, that women need to focus on their own health and well-being. Women’s health evolves over time and differs depending on which life stage they are in. Click on your life stage below for more information. The Orange County Department of Health has a Maternal Infant Community Health Collaborative Program that may be able to assist during any of these stages.
Preconception – before you give birth
Recent trends in health indicate that your health status prior to pregnancy can impact your overall reproductive health and therefore your health status during pregnancy. There are certain things you can do to increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy outcome.
For free confidential information contact our local Planned Parenthood office –https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-mid-hudson-valley or call 845-562-7800
Prenatal – when you are expecting a child
The earlier in your pregnancy you practice good health behaviors, the better for you and your baby.
Getting early and regular Prenatal care
Taking prenatal vitamins
Avoiding tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Monitoring moods and depression
Are you depressed?
Reproductive Life Planning
Contraception
Postpartum – up to 8 weeks after giving birth
The eight weeks immediately after giving birth can be an exciting time. It is also a time of tremendous change and recovery for a woman’s mind and body.
Healthcare and the 6 week checkup
Breastfeeding
Postpartum depression
Are you depressed?
Contraception
Reproductive Life Planning
Interconception – any other time up to menopause
The time between having children is probably the time most women tend to forget about taking care of their own needs, being focused on taking care of children and family obligations.
