Specialties & Services

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. 

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Why choose us for family planning?

BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine 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 WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital complex family planning clinic, as well as all of our OB-GYNs, can help you get the care you need. 

With our providers, you can expect:  

  • Care for complex maternal 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 WashU Medicine 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. WashU Medicine 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.  

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Our highly trained team of specialists offers advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care. 

Family planning testing and treatments

What is preconception planning?

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

What birth control options are available? 

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. 

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