General Health Care

Did you know that certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) are experts in women's health services beyond pregnancy and birth. By choosing a CNM or CM for your care, you will have access to a wide range of health care services in addition to expert maternity care. CNMs and CMs provide woman-centered care throughout the lifetime, which makes them ideal choices as women's health care providers.

Health Promotion

Midwives recognize that women have different needs at each phase of life. Whether you are going through your teens, choosing a birth control method, or have other special health needs, you might be surprised by what your midwife has to offer.

As your partner in health, your midwife will work with you to support healthy habits and prevent illness. In addition to providing typical exams for women (such as Pap tests and breast exams), CNMs and CMs also provide general health exams to assess your overall health. During your yearly check-up, your midwife will keep a record of your health history to track what's normal for your body in terms of weight, blood pressure, lab work, and other health measures. Your midwife can identify any health issues that may come up and suggest how to address them.

Disease Prevention

Some women are at risk for certain health problems, such as bone loss, breast cancer, heart disease, depression, or other diseases. Every woman is different. Talk to your CNM or CM about your lifestyle and family health history. CNMs and CMs have the education and experience to recognize common risk factors for health problems, work with you to identify ways to prevent certain diseases, and include other experts in your care when needed.

Your CNM or CM can also provide information about regular health screening, testing, and vaccines you might need. Your midwife will work with you to make informed decisions about your health throughout life.

Resources

The rewards of a healthy lifestyle are big: a healthy lifestyle will help you sleep better, reduce your pain, and increase your energy. Articles and Internet resources can often be confusing. Your midwife will partner with you as you take action to improve and look after your health through the different phases of life.

Taking Care of Your Health provides information to help plan your health care, including schedules for suggested health checks, tests, and shots for those who may be at average risk for most diseases.

Click here to learn more about the role of CNMs and CMs in providing women's health care services.