Women and Children’s Care
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Women’s Health is specifically focused on the physical and emotional needs that affect a woman’s overall health.
Along with reproductive health and pregnancy services, Cook County Health offers comprehensive care for every aspect of women’s overall wellness, including conditions women are most at-risk to develop.
Common Services
Obstetrics (OB)
Cook County Health provides the highest level of care for pregnant women and their children at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, a Level III Regional Perinatal Center. We have a longstanding commitment to women’s health, and our dedicated team of doctors and nurses support our patients with their expertise before, during, and after your delivery, including:
- Free Pregnancy Test
- Care for high-risk pregnancies
- Ultrasound services
- Labor and delivery
- Neonatal care
Gynecology (GYN)
A gynecologist provides the diagnosis and management of the reproductive system and disorders that may affect your reproductive health.
Many women begin seeing a gynecologist during their teenage years and are recommended to have annual check-ups. The Cook County Health team provides general gynecology services, as well as more specialized care.
- Menstruation and menopause management
- Reproductive endocrinology and hormone care
- Infertility services
- Gynecologic cancer screenings and treatment
- Family planning
- Screening and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
- Chronic gynecological conditions
Pregnancy
Cook County Health provides complete care for pregnant women from early symptoms through postpartum.
Cook County Health specializes in general services, as well as maternal-fetal medicine, or high-risk health concerns for mom and baby. John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County is a Level III Regional Perinatal Center and provides the highest level of care to pregnant women and their newborns. The labor and delivery facilities offer private and calming rooms with modern technological advances. Our commitment to women’s health is long-standing, and our broad range of expertise allows us to provide care for patients at every stage of their pregnancy and after. You can rely on us for care after your baby is born, so you can recover quickly and feel confident in your new role as a mother.
- Routine checks
- Advanced diagnostic ultrasound evaluations
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Fetal cardiac ultrasound
- Fetal heart rate monitoring
- Genetic screening and testing
- Labor & Delivery
- Medically complicated mothers or pregnancies
- Ongoing care for mothers
- Percutaneous umbilical cord sampling
- Pregnancy complications: morning sickness, heartburn, leg and back pain, gestational diabetes
Pediatric primary care
Primary care doctors, can be a pediatrician and/or Family Medicine physicians that specialize in everyday health.
Reasons to see a PCP, include:
- Immunizations
- Well-Child Checks
- School Principals
- Sick Visits
Click here to for a full list of PCP services and locations.
Mental health
According to the Office on Women’s Health, 1 in 5 women are likely to experience a type of mental health condition.
For example, women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men are. Women can experience depression during any time of their lives. However, changes in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause have been linked to depression in women. Talking to your doctor and seeking treatment can help treat your depression.
Cancers affecting women
Women can be affected by many types of cancer, but it is important to know about the cancers that most commonly impact women.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.
However, heart disease may present itself differently in women than in men and the signs of a heart attack in women are subtler and less recognizable than in men. According to the American Heart Association, women can experience chest pain, but many women never have those symptoms. Many symptoms, like shortness of breath, pain in abdomen, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, or dizziness and fainting, can mimic the flu or even acid reflux.
A woman’s risk of heart disease increases once they start menopause. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. This loss of estrogen is thought to be a major factor in why women have a greater risk of developing heart disease since it can increase blood pressure and cholesterol.
Osteoporosis
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 8 million American women develop osteoporosis.
While younger women can develop osteoporosis, in most cases women develop osteoporosis as they age and reach menopause. This is because during menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, which protects your bones. Additionally, women also live longer than men, meaning their bones gradually weaken as they age.
Osteoporosis can be genetic, and many women do not know they have it until they fracture a bone. Women 65 and older, as well as high-risk women, are recommended to have a bone density test to determine if you have any bone loss. Speak with your doctor if you are under the age of 65 and think you should have a bone density test. Osteoporosis is generally treated with medication that either prevents bone loss or builds bone strength.
How to Prevent Osteoperosis:
- Eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D
- Exercise regularly and stay active
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Quit smoking
Women, infants and children (WIC)
Women, infants and children (WIC) is a food supplemental and nutrition education program for pregnant women, new mothers and young children to promote healthy eating.
WIC is offered at many Cook County Health outpatient locations, including the Arlington Heights Health Center.
Low- and middle- income families may be eligible if they meet the income requirements. WIC also provides food coupons that are good for healthy foods such as:
- 100% Fruit juice
- Baby food
- Canned fish
- Cereal
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Infant formula
- Milk
- Peanut butter
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
Non-Discrimination Statement
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. View the full non-discrimination statement.
DeclaraciĂłn Completa de no DiscriminaciĂłn
Esta instituciĂłn es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Ver la declaraciĂłn completa de no discriminaciĂłn.
WIC is available at: Arlington Heights Health Center, North Riverside Health Center, Belmont Cragin Health Center, Cottage Grove Health Center, Robbins Health Center, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital
Why Choose Cook County Health for Women and Children’s Care?
- Experienced Providers: Our skilled team includes board-certified doctors.
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a full spectrum of services under one roof.
- Community Focused: We are dedicated to improving the health of our community.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your well-being and health goals, offering personalized care plans.
Locations
Care Close to Home
High quality care with a large network of health care centers in Cook County
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