Women Veterans Health Care

Post-pregnancy Health Care

VA takes a comprehensive approach to care after pregnancy to help you reach your wellness and recovery goals.

After pregnancy, we encourage you to continue visits with your health care team to assess your physical and mental wellbeing, including emotional wellness, sexual health, sleep and fatigue, physical recovery from birth (such as pelvic floor recovery), and management of chronic disease or conditions that may have developed during pregnancy.

Why is health care after pregnancy important?

Regular visits with your VA health care team or talking with your Maternity Care Coordinator provides care for a variety of needs, including physical and mental health wellness.

At VA, the health care you receive after pregnancy is just as important as your prenatal care. VA understands that pregnancy and birth can be both exciting and stressful. You may have developed health conditions (like high blood pressure) that you didn't have before pregnancy, that need follow up after delivery. In the months after giving birth or experiencing pregnancy loss, you may feel a tremendous amount of change and responsibility, all while dealing with your body's physical recovery.

What services does VA provide for health care after pregnancy?

During and after pregnancy, you have access to physical and mental health care at VA, including:

• Connection to primary care and physical recovery from birth
• Maternity Care Coordinators to help you access care
• Mental health check-ins and counseling
• Pregnancy/infant loss resources
• Connection to support groups and community resources
• Substance use support
• Breastfeeding and lactation resources
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Sexual health services

Pregnancy loss support

Not every pregnancy journey is a smooth one. Speak to your health care team or Maternity Care Coordinator about how VA can support you in case of miscarriage or stillbirth. You have access to mental health support through VA.

Mental wellbeing

Many people experience postpartum depression and/or anxiety after pregnancy. Some women Veterans find some aspects of pregnancy difficult because of increased trauma reminders. VA can help you with your mental health before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Accessing VA health care after pregnancy

You have access to VA health care after pregnancy, including in cases of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Every VA facility has a Women Veteran Program Manager (WVPM) who is specifically dedicated to helping you navigate your health care.

Additionally, you may contact the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN to learn more about your options or ask questions about care after your pregnancy loss.

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already

Find your local VA and make an appointment

Women Veterans Health Care Videos

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Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters

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The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

• Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
• Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

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