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Obstetrics & Gynecology

Each year, approximately 18,000 babies begin their lives at one of our hospitals. That’s no surprise, because as the nation’s largest municipal health care system, we serve more than 1 million New Yorkers. Our 11 hospitals provide expert obstetric and gynecologic care including pregnancy care, contraception, abortion, miscarriage management and specialized gynecologic services.

Obstetrics | Gynecology | Breast Health

Obstetrics

NYC Health + Hospitals provides comprehensive care throughout pregnancy including prenatal, labor and delivery and postpartum. Individuals who choose to deliver their babies with us are cared for by top obstetric medical teams in comfortable birthing units with room for family members, as well as technology to protect you and your baby during the birth process. Our obstetrical services include:

  • Professional midwifery clinical services
  • Perinatal diagnostic services including ultrasound or genetic testing
  • High-risk pregnancy care
  • Neonatal intensive care units (ICU) for babies born prematurely or with complications

Breastfeeding
Mother’s milk is healthy for babies. NYC Health + Hospitals encourages breastfeeding within the first few hours of a newborn’s life for both vaginal and Cesarean birth. Breastfeeding exclusively for approximately six months after birth is associated with decreased rates of lower respiratory tract infections, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and obesity in children. Our expert Labor and Delivery teams follow the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and encourage continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about six months, as long as mutually desired by parent and child for two years or beyond. Nursing in the second year of life can help reduce infant and maternal mortality and morbidity. Parents who breastfeed their children past the one-year mark have a decreased risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer.

Our comprehensive breastfeeding program features:

  • Breastfeeding classes — available in-person, online, one-on-one and in group settings
  • Lactation consultants in postpartum units, women’s health and pediatric clinics
  • Hospital-grade electric breast pumps for parents whose newborns who must remain in the hospital
  • Free personal breast pumps for eligible parents
  • Lactation pods at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens that provide a private, comfortable, and sanitary space for parents to breastfeed their babies or pump breast milk. These are open to the public.

Midwifery Services
NYC Health + Hospitals employs nearly 100 midwives with expert knowledge and skill in caring for individuals through pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period and beyond. Midwives provide education, counseling and health care services to parents in all stages of life.

In our health system, midwives are a vital part of preventive and outpatient care programs. They work alongside physicians, nurses and other providers to coordinate care for patients. Our midwives independently attend births at select facilities, co-manage with the physician team when needed and offer general health check-ups, screenings, vaccinations and gynecologic care.


Gynecology

NYC Health + Hospitals gynecologists provide comprehensive preventive and treatment services to patients throughout their lifespan. Our services include:

  • Preventative gynecology such as pap smears, HPV vaccinations and STI screening
  • Adolescent gynecology
  • Management of gynecologic conditions including:
    • Heavy or abnormal bleeding
    • Uterine fibroids

      Fibroids are growths in the uterus that are common and may cause pain or heavier periods, or may not cause any symptoms at all. If you have fibroids that are bothersome to you, our gynecology team can diagnose and treat them. We have medication and surgery options available for this.

      To make an appointment, please call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

    • Bleeding after menopause

      If you are experiencing bleeding after menopause (i.e. postmenopausal bleeding), you should be seen by a gynecologist for further testing. You may be a candidate for office hysteroscopy (camera to look inside your uterus) that is performed in the clinic and does not require anesthesia.

      To make an appointment, talk to your provider or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

    • Ovarian cysts
    • Pelvic Pain You may experience pain in your lower abdomen or pain during sex. Common causes of pelvic pain (i.e. pain in your lower abdomen or pain during sex) include:
      • Ovarian cysts
      • Endometriosis
      • Pelvic floor muscle spasm

      At NYC Health + Hospitals, we have ultrasound specialists who will perform dedicated ultrasound of the pelvis. Our gynecologists will do a full assessment and work with you to determine the next best steps for the treatment of your pain.
      To make an appointment, talk to your provider or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

    • Vaginal discharge or itching
    • Endometriosis
    • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Comprehensive family planning services including:
    • Contraception (i.e. birth control) Family planning services allow individuals to have their desired number and spacing of children by offering contraceptive services (i.e. birth control), as well as pregnancy testing and counseling.
      We will work with you to find a birth control option that works with you, regardless of your ability to pay.
      NYC Health + Hospitals offers many types of contraception, including:
      • Combined hormonal methods of birth control (pill, patch, ring)
      • Injection (Depo-Provera™)
      • Condoms
      • Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) insertion and removal: methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period of time without requiring further action on the user’s part; they include intrauterine devices (IUDs, e.g. Mirena™, Paragard™, Liletta™, Skyla™) and implants (e.g. Nexplanon™)
      • Sterilization methods
      • Emergency contraception (e.g. Plan B™): contraceptive options that can decrease the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex
      For information about these different methods, click here.
    • Abortion NYC Health + Hospitals facilities offer abortion care (termination of pregnancy) in the first and second trimester. Depending on various criteria seen below, this can be done by medication or procedure. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment.

      To make an appointment to receive detailed counseling about your options, including financial support, please call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

      Medication abortion (Pill abortion)

      Medication can be used to end a pregnancy up to 11 completed weeks of pregnancy (77 days). In the current political climate, the legal aspect of the abortion is everchanging. We will adapt our protocols and medications as needed to comply with the law, continuing to offer safe and effective options based on research and science.

      If mifepristone and misoprostol are available,

      • Mifepristone: You take the first medicine, mifepristone, in the office with us or at home
      • Misoprostol (Cytotec™): You take a second medicine one or two days later at home. These two medications work together to safely and effectively end the pregnancy

      If only misoprostol is available,

      • You take the first dose in the office with us or at home.  You take the second dose 3 hours later and the third dose three hours after that.  This medication safely and effectively ends the pregnancy.

      During the process, you will experience strong cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding for several hours, followed by cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period. After the medication abortion, it is normal to continue to have some spotting and/or light vaginal bleeding for approximately two weeks, and sometimes up to a month.

      You will need a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later to ensure that the abortion is complete. This can be done in person or by televisit (telephone visit).

      You may ovulate as soon as two weeks after an abortion. If you would like to avoid future pregnancy, we can provide contraceptive options that are appropriate for you.

      Counseling and support options are available to help you throughout the process.

      Abortion Procedure
      Abortion procedure options depend on the length of the pregnancy (gestational age) and other health considerations. Depending upon these factors, the abortion can be completed in a single visit or require more than one visit. We will explain your options and work with you to make a plan. We will also explain what you can expect during and after treatment.

      Pain management options are available to you and may include:

      • Local anesthetic with numbing medication around your cervix,
      • Oral or injectable medications to help you relax and to help control pain
      • Moderate sedation with intravenous (IV) medication
      • Deep sedation and general anesthesia (available in the operating room)

      Immediately after the procedure, it is normal to experience strong cramping and vaginal bleeding. During your recovery period, it is normal to experience bleeding similar to a period. Depending on the type of surgical abortion you receive, you may return to most normal activities as early as the day after the procedure.

      You may ovulate as soon as two weeks after an abortion. If you would like to avoid future pregnancy, we can provide contraceptive options that are appropriate for you.

      Counseling and support options are available to help you throughout the process.

      Resources

    • Miscarriage management
      NYC Health + Hospitals facilities offer medication and procedures for management of pregnancy loss. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment.

      To make an appointment to receive detailed counseling about your options, please call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

      Expectant management
      Expectant management is when you choose to let the miscarriage progress naturally. Talk to your provider to determine if this might be an option for you. Natural progression of pregnancy loss happens within a couple of weeks of determining that the pregnancy is no longer growing. During the process, you will experience strong cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding. If expulsion doesn’t happen on its own, medication or surgical management will be needed.

      Counseling and support options are available to help you throughout the process.

      Medication management
      Medication can be used to speed the process of a miscarriage up to eleven completed weeks of pregnancy (77 days). Shortly after taking the medication, you will experience strong cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding for several hours, followed by cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period. It is normal to continue to have some spotting and/or light bleeding for approximately two weeks, but sometimes up to a month.
      You will need a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later to ensure that the miscarriage is complete. This can be done in person or by televisit (telephone visit). Medical management of miscarriage is approximately 80-90% effective.

      Counseling and support options are available to help you throughout the process.

      Surgical management
      Miscarriage management can can be accomplished by a procedure called suction dilation and curettage (D&C) or dilation and evacuation (D&E). During this procedure, your provider will dilate (open) your cervix and remove tissue from the inside of your uterus.
      Procedure options depend on the length of the pregnancy (gestational age) and other health considerations. Depending upon these factors, the procedure can be completed in a single visit or require more than one visit. We will explain your options and work with you to make a plan. We will also explain what you can expect during and after treatment.

      Pain management options are available to you and may include:

      • Local anesthetic with numbing medication around your cervix
      • Oral or injectable medications to help you relax and to help control pain
      • Moderate sedation with intravenous (IV) medication
      • Deep sedation and general anesthesia (available in the operating room)

      Immediately after the procedure, it is normal to experience strong cramping and vaginal bleeding. During your recovery period, it is normal to experience bleeding similar to a heavy period. Depending on the type of procedure you receive, you may return to most normal activities as early as the day after the procedure.

      Counseling and support options are available to help you throughout the process.

      Recovery
      In most cases, physical recovery from miscarriage takes a few hours to a couple of days. In the meantime, call your provider if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, or abdominal pain.

      You may ovulate as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage. If you would like to avoid pregnancy, we can provide contraceptive options that are appropriate for you.

      Resources
      For more information, click here, here, and here.

  • Reproductive endocrinology and fertility
  • Urogynecology (female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery)
  • Gynecologic surgery
    In the event that surgery is needed, our gynecology team provides personalized surgical care with the option of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. They perform laparoscopic myomectomy (removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, advanced hysteroscopy, and other surgeries. Minimally invasive surgery allows you to recover more quickly and has other known benefits, including decreased risk of infection.

    To make an appointment, talk to your provider or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

  • Gynecologic oncology
    NYC Health + Hospitals facilities have dedicated gynecologic cancer specialists who can help diagnose and treat gynecologic cancer, including cancer of the:

    • Uterus
    • Cervix
    • Fallopian tubes
    • Vagina
    • Vulva

    Treatment options depend on the type of cancer. You may be a candidate for surgery to remove the cancer. You may also be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. Our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and social services are here to help you navigate through this difficult time. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, then ask your doctor to be referred to a gynecologic cancer specialist or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.


Baby-Friendly Hospitals
All 11 of our acute care hospitals have been designated “Baby-Friendly” by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for providing new parents with the information, confidence and skills they need to successfully breastfeed their babies.

Nationally Recognized Safe Sleep Hospitals
All NYC Health + Hospitals facilities promote safe sleep practices for new mothers and families with infants.

Safe Sleep practices help reduce the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In order to create a safe sleep environment:

  • Supervised skin-to-skin contact is recommended for all mothers and infants immediately following birth and continued for at least an hour, regardless of feeding or delivery (as soon as mother is medically stable, awake, and able to respond to her newborn). Once mother starts to get sleepy, return baby to bassinet.
  • Always place a baby on his or her back to sleep for naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep (for the infant’s first year). Room sharing, not bed sharing. Always place the baby in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable crib for sleep.
  • Use a firm sleep surface covered by a fitted sheet; a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recommended.
  • Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
  • Sitting devices like bouncy seats, swings, infant carriers, or strollers should not be used for routine sleep.
  • Keep soft objects such as pillows, blankets, toys, and bumpers out of your baby’s sleep area.
  • Do not use wedges and positioners.
  • Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow smoking around your baby.
  • Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.
  • Breastfeed your baby.
  • Follow your health care provider’s guidance on vaccinations and regular health checkups for your baby.

Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep Certification

Founded in 1998 by Judith A. Bannon, Cribs for Kids is a national infant safe-sleep education program that helps to reduce the risk of injury and death of infants due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia, or undetermined causes in unsafe sleeping environments. Visit cribsforkids.org for more information.

Cribs for Kids also certifies hospitals that have made a commitment to safe sleep practices and educating the public about safe sleep. Visit Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification for more information.

Ten of our hospitals have earned National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification by Cribs for Kids.


Establish Care with NYC Health + Hospitals

The hospital locations below are patient care sites that offer obstetrics and gynecology services (including the number to call for appointments). You can also use our doctor search to find care and explore additional health insurance information.

Bronx
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
1400 Pelham Parkway South
Building 8, 3rd Floor
Bronx, NY 10461
Call for appointment: 718-918-5700

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
Women’s Health Center
234 East 149th Street, First Floor, A2
Bronx, NY 10451
Call for appointment: 718-579-4900

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
Women’s Health Center
3424 Kossuth Avenue
Suite 2D-01
Bronx, NY 10467
Call for appointment: 718-519-3310

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Belvis
545 East 142nd Street
Bronx, NY 10454
Call for appointment: 718-579-1795

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania
1225 Gerard Avenue, 3rd Floor
Bronx, NY 10452
Call for appointment: 718-960-2781 or 718-960-2616


Brooklyn
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island
2601 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Call for appointment: 1-844-872-6639

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland
100 North Portland Avenue, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Call for appointment: 718-388-5889

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York
2094 Pitkin Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Call for appointment: 718-388-5889

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
451 Clarkson Avenue
E-Building, 4th Floor and 6th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11203
Call for appointment: 718-388-5889

NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
The Women’s Health Pavilion
760 Broadway, 8th Floor 300 Block
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Call for appointment: 718-388-5889


Manhattan
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
462 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Call for appointment: 212-562-5555

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
Ronald H. Brown Building
Women’s Health Services
137th Street, 2nd Floor
506 Lenox Avenue
New York, NY 10037
Call for appointment: 212-939-8400

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
Women’s Health Center
1901 First Avenue, OPD Building, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10029
Call for appointment: 212-423-7000

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur
227 Madison Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10002
Call for appointment: 212-238-7897

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Sydenham
264 West 118th Street, First Floor
New York, NY 10026
Call for appointment: 212-932-6500


Queens
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
The Women’s Pavilion
78-20 41st Avenue
Elmhurst, NY 11373
Call for appointment: 718-334-5346

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens
82-68 164th Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
Call for appointment: 718-883-3131


Staten Island
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Vanderbilt
165 Vanderbilt Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10304
Call for appointment: 844-692-4692