Women's health

Get to know your primary care provider (PCP) or obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN)

As a Tufts Health RITogether member, you can get an OB/GYN checkup once a year. Your PCP can provide this checkup, or you can choose to see an OB/GYN. Your yearly checkup is a good time to ask any questions and learn more about your health.

Important screenings

Cervical cancer can often be cured when it’s found early. Fortunately, it can usually be found at a very early stage through regular Pap tests. Women ages 40 to 74 should have a regular mammogram. Ask your PCP how often you should have Pap tests and mammograms based on your health and your family history.

Prenatal WIC Visits

Call us when you are pregnant. You can get a $25 Shaw's supermarket gift card when you visit Women, Infants & Children (WIC) twice while you are pregnant.

Pregnancy

Learn what to expect before, during and after a pregnancy:

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Before your pregnancy

You should start planning for a pregnancy even before you’re expecting. Planning ahead can lessen the chances of birth defects and other pregnancy-related problems and increase the chances of you having a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Tell your PCP or OB/GYN that you would like to get pregnant when you have your yearly checkup. Your provider can help you plan. They may:

  • Ask about your family and medical history
  • Check for health issues that can affect your pregnancy or child
  • Ask about the vaccines you have had 
  • Do a Pap test
  • Ask about domestic violence
  • Ask about your use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs
  • Give you tips to help you improve your health and safety. Your provider may suggest that you wear seat belts, get more exercise, quit smoking or eat healthier foods. 
  • Talk with you about taking folic acid daily before you are pregnant
  • Talk with you about taking prenatal vitamins

During your pregnancy

Let us know when you’re pregnant. You can get many benefits while you're pregnant or just had a baby, such as a breast pump, breastfeeding services, maternity care and midwife services.

Pregnant members who attend two prenatal visits can get a $25 Shaw's supermarket gift card. You can put the gift card toward the purchase of a child’s car seat.

Who will deliver your baby?

If you haven't already, you need to choose the provider who will deliver your baby. Choose this provider as soon as possible so that he or she can take care of you and your baby during your pregnancy. You can choose any Tufts Health Plan OB/GYN, family doctor or midwife who provides prenatal care.

You can find a provider online. You can also call us at 866-738-4116 (TTY: 711). We’re open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We can help you find a doctor.

After you choose your pregnancy care provider, make sure to keep all of your scheduled appointments, even if you feel fine. Your provider can monitor your and your baby’s progress, address pregnancy-related health issues and answer any questions you have.

Important tips

How to stay healthy during pregnancy:

  • Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid foods that may harm you or your baby. For instance, avoid meat that is not fully cooked and unpasteurized dairy products.
  • Drink lots of fluids 
  • Avoid alcohol and soda, and cut down on caffeine
  • Ask for help from family, friends or your provider to ease your stress

You can learn more about having a healthy pregnancy through our Online Health Guide.

Doulas Offer Special Care for a Special Time

A doula is a professionally trained person who can give you non-medical* support before, during and after you deliver. Through a blend of in person and virtual visits, a doula will get to know you and your desires, and can:

  • Share info about pregnancy, labor and birth
  • Answer your questions
  • Advocate for you and help you get the services you need
  • Help you have a memorable birth experience
  • Coach you through caring for a baby and caring for multiple kids
  • Offer breast/chestfeeding tips, and more!

*A doula does not take the place of your provider.

After giving birth

Congratulations on having your baby! Did you know you can get:

  • A $25 supermarket gift card. To earn your gift card, have one (1) postpartum visit 21 to 56 days after you have your baby. Learn how to claim your gift card.
  • A breast pump (one per pregnancy)
  • An appointment with a visiting nurse. This nurse will come to your home to answer your questions.

How to get your breast pump:

​Call us after your 28th week of pregnancy or after you have your baby.

You can call us at 866-738-4116 (TTY: 711). We’re open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Postpartum care

At a postpartum visit, your PCP and/or OB/GYN can give you advice to help you feel better after delivery and more confident about caring for your new baby. Your provider(s) may suggest that you:

  • Get lots of rest and be flexible with your sleeping and eating routines while you and your baby adjust
  • Ease your body's soreness and discomfort with medications and cold/warm compresses
  • Pay attention to your emotional health and learn the signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Baby blues are feelings of sadness you may have after having a baby. Baby blues can happen a few days after you give birth and can last up to 2 weeks. You may experience mood swings, crying, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues are not the same as PPD. PPD is more severe and long lasting and may include the following symptoms:
    • Continuous feelings of sadness and uncontrollable crying
    • Severe sleep problems – inability to sleep or sleeping too much
    • Changes in appetite – eating too little or too much
    • Excessive irritability, anger, worry or agitation
    • Extreme lack of energy and motivation
    • Inability to get pleasure from previously enjoyed activities
    • Lack of interest in the baby, friends and family
    • Extreme feelings of guilt, worthlessness, despair or hopelessness
    • Inability to concentrate or make decision
    • Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

If you think you have signs or symptoms of PPD, call your health care provider right away. There are things you and your provider can do to help you feel better. If you’re worried about hurting yourself or your baby, call 911.

Breast/chestfeeding

Breastfeeding can be good for both you and your baby because it may:

  • Help you bond with your baby
  • Boost the baby’s immune system
  • Reduce the baby’s risk of dental decay, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), allergies, serious diarrhea, and ear and respiratory infections
  • Save you as much as $100 per month in formula costs
  • Reduce your risk of breast cancer

How long should I wait between pregnancies?

The time between pregnancies is called “pregnancy spacing”. Choosing when to have another baby is a personal decision but waiting at least 18 months gives you enough time to fully recover from one pregnancy before becoming pregnant again. Pregnancies spaced less than 12 months apart are higher risk to the mother and the baby. Discuss options with your PCP or OB/GYN before you are discharged after giving birth. Between pregnancies, you should continue with your regular health care and talk to your PCP.