Family Planning
When it comes to planning your family, you have a lot of decisions to make. When do you want to have a baby? How do you want to prevent pregnancy until the time is right? We can provide the answers, support and services you need to feel confident about your next steps.
BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. We have a reputation as a regional leader in women’s health and pregnancy care. That’s why so many people turn to us when it’s time to plan their families. Whether you’re ready to get pregnant now or you want a reliable way to prevent pregnancy, we’re here to help. Providers at our Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital family planning clinic, as well as all of our Ob/Gyns, can help you get the care you need.
With our Ob/Gyns, you can expect:
Care for complex maternal and fetal conditions: We often counsel people with health conditions that can complicate conception, pregnancy or birth control. Our Ob/Gyns, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and other experts prioritize your health and safety above all else.
Personalized approach: We understand that every person is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for family planning. We take the time to discuss your reproductive goals, lifestyle, medical history and personal preferences. We’ll recommend services that fit your needs.
Clinical research: We partner with Washington University Ob/Gyns who specialize in family planning and participate in nationally recognized clinical research. They have conducted studies related to intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants. Washington University Physicians led the landmark Contraceptive CHOICE Project, a study to remove barriers to birth control and reduce unintended pregnancy.
Continuum of care: We offer a full continuum of care for couples and individuals ready to build a family. That means you can rely on one trusted source for all your needs: preconception planning, prenatal care, labor and delivery and newborn medicine.
When you’re ready to get pregnant, preconception planning helps us make sure you’re healthy enough to conceive and carry a pregnancy. During a preconception check-up, we identify health conditions that may affect your pregnancy or your baby's health. Managing diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other preexisting issues is important when preparing for pregnancy.
Our experts also can identify any genetic risks you may have, such as a family history of certain diseases. A genetic counselor talks with you about the risks and benefits of genetic testing before trying to get pregnant. We refer you to our maternal-fetal medicine specialists to provide specialized care if you’re at risk for pregnancy complications due to genetics. Learn more about high-risk pregnancy.
Your Ob/Gyn will also discuss healthy lifestyle adjustments you can make before pregnancy, such as:
Avoiding drug abuse and illegal drugs
Eating a healthy diet
Limiting alcohol consumption
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking or using tobacco
Taking care of your mental health
Timing is everything when it comes to building your family. We can help, whether you know you want — or don’t want — kids in the future or you’re still unsure. Our specialists will help you find the safest birth control options for your needs and preferences. We can also recommend the right form of contraception for people with complex medical needs. You receive all the care you need in a nonjudgmental setting.
Our birth control options include:
Hormonal contraception: Birth control pills or implants (usually in your arm) use hormones (estrogen and progestin, or just progestin) to prevent pregnancy.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs): An IUD is a device that we insert into your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. IUDs can be hormonal or nonhormonal.
Emergency contraception: “Morning after pills” prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse if you didn’t use birth control or your birth control failed.
Female sterilization: We offer surgeries that close off (sometimes reversible) or remove your fallopian tubes (permanent), so you can’t get pregnant.
Alton Memorial Hospital
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
BJC Outpatient Center at Chesterfield
BJC Outpatient Center at Edwardsville
BJC Outpatient Center at Wentzville
Christian Hospital
Memorial Hospital Belleville
Memorial Hospital Shiloh
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
Parkland Health Center
Progress West Hospital
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Schedule your appointment
Call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule your appointment with an OB-GYN.