Why choose Ochsner Health for Women’s Services?

Ochsner Health brings unmatched expertise to women's health, offering compassionate care tailored to every stage of life. From routine wellness checkups to pregnancy and menopause, Ochsner Health's dedicated team is here to support you with exceptional medical expertise and personalized attention.

With over 80 skilled OB/GYN doctors, Ochsner's experts in Women’s Services are here to care for you across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, Kenner, West Bank, Laplace, Luling, Chalmette, Houma, Shreveport, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Raceland, Morgan City, Louisiana; Bay St. Louis, Marion, Meridian, Newton, Philadelphia, Quitman and Union, Mississippi; and Gilbertown, Alabama. No matter where you live, Ochsner Health's trusted specialists are close by, ready to provide the quality care you deserve.

Ochsner Health is more than a healthcare provider. Ochsner is your partner in health, empowering women to thrive with confidence and peace of mind.

Ochsner Medical Center, including Ochsner Baptist and Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank, is ranked #32 in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology by U.S. News & World Report.

Who is on the Women's Health team at Ochsner?

Ochsner's women’s services group is comprised of experts from various specialties, including:

• OB/GYNs: Ochsner Health's team of experienced obstetricians and gynecologists offers care for patients of all ages, including preventative care and screenings, wellness exams, menopause care and pregnancy care.

• Gynecologic oncologists: Ochsner offers the latest treatments for gynecological cancers, including uterine, ovarian, vaginal and cervical cancers.

• Gynecologic surgeons: Ochsner Health offers advanced surgical options, including robotic and minimally invasive procedures, for a variety of women’s health issues.

• Certified nurse midwives: Certified nurse midwives provide services at several of Ochsner's locations.

• Maternal fetal medicine specialists: Ochsner's nationally renowned team of specialists provides exceptional care for high-risk pregnancies.

• Female pelvic health specialists: Ochsner's skilled pelvic health team, including urogynecologists (physicians specializing in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders) and specialized physical therapists, focuses on treating issues that impact a woman's pelvic organ function. These issues include organ prolapse or sagging, bladder and bowel problems and weakened pelvic muscles.

Specialists work closely together to develop individualized care plans based on the needs of each patient. Compassionate nurse navigators can answer your questions and help you schedule appointments. 

What other women’s services are available at Ochsner?

The Women’s Services team provides patients with easy access to other specialties and services, including:

• Behavioral health screenings: Behavioral health specialists screen for and treat postpartum depression and other mental health needs for women.

• Women's cardiology care: Ochsner Health has a dedicated team for women's cardiology care. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in America. The team at Ochsner are experts in addressing heart health concerns specific to women.

• Genetic testing: Ochsner's gynecologic oncology team offers and coordinates genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancers and testing for those patients with gynecologic cancer. Maternal fetal medicine specialists also offer prenatal genetic screening and testing for congenital conditions and other hereditary disorders.

• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): NICUs are available at several of Ochsner facilities, and Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion in New Orleans offers a Level 4 Regional NICU, which is the highest designation in Louisiana. If your baby needs a higher level of care than what is available at your delivery hospital, the baby can be transferred to Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion for Louisiana’s most specialized neonatal care.

What is Ochsner Connected MOM, a digital medicine program?

Connected MOM is a program available through Ochsner digital medicine that helps expecting mothers monitor their blood pressure throughout pregnancy to catch potential issues sooner.

The Connected MOM program stands for Connected Maternity Online Monitoring. It provides members with a wireless blood pressure cuff to submit readings to their Ochsner Health OB/GYN team from home.

Learn about the Connected MOM program and speak to your Ochsner obstetric care provider to enroll for extra peace of mind during your pregnancy.

What awards and accolades has Ochsner received?

Ochsner continues to be recognized nationally for excellence in care. Several Ochsner birthing facilities have also earned the Birth Ready and Birth Ready+ Designations and Gift and Gift+ Designations from the Louisiana Department of Health, recognizing Ochsner's commitment to science-based care that promotes dignified, equitable and safe birth for all. Many birthing facilities have also earned a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade of A.

Ochsner Medical Center (inclusive of Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus and Ochsner Baptist), Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – St. Mary Medical Center all earned the High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) rating from U.S. News & World Report. This is the highest rating award for maternity care, reserved for the top third of hospitals evaluated by U.S. News & World Report.

Ochsner Medical Center, including Ochsner Baptist and Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank, is ranked #32 in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology by U.S. News & World Report.

FAQs

How often should a woman have a wellness exam?

Every woman should make sure to have a wellness exam once a year. These exams are key to staying healthy. They provide important information to help you take better care of yourself and catch any problems early on.

What does a women's wellness exam consist of?

Well-woman exams are important and usually include three key checks: a Pap smear, a pelvic exam and a breast exam. These exams help find early signs of cancer or other health issues earlier. During your visit, you can talk to your doctor about any other health worries you might have.

What exactly does a Pap smear check for?

The Pap smear performed with a pelvic exam is an essential procedure for the early detection of cervical cancer. Ochsner Health recommends that women over 30 do a combined screening process that includes the Pap test and testing for HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a common virus that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact and can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.

What happens during a Pap smear?

When doing a Pap test, the doctor uses a speculum, which is a plastic or metal tool that is used to gently look inside the vagina. This allows the doctor to closely examine the cervix and collect cells and mucus from the cervix and its surrounding area. These samples are then sent off to a lab for a closer look.

How important are women’s services later in life?

Ochsner Health's Women’s Services specialists provide personalized care to women of all ages, including those experiencing menopause. An Ochsner OB/GYN can help you manage symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain. They can also help to lower the chance of developing conditions associated with menopause, like heart disease and osteoporosis.

What are the stages of menopause?

Menopause occurs in three stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Menopause begins when a woman has not had a menstrual period for one year. The average age for menopause to start is 51. Once the ovaries stop releasing eggs, the woman has entered menopause.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a time when a woman's body begins to make less estrogen and starts getting ready for menopause. During this time, a woman can still get pregnant, but she might have irregular periods and experience hot flashes and other symptoms. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman’s 40s, but it can begin in the 30s or even earlier.

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the last stage of menopause. At this stage, a woman hasn't had a period for several years. Her hormone levels stay low, and she can't get pregnant or have a monthly period anymore. During postmenopause, women have a higher chance of getting osteoporosis, heart disease, mental health issues and changes in vaginal health.

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All patient experience ratings and comments are submitted by Ochsner Health patients through post-care surveys. Only surveys administered by Ochsner Health are displayed, and reviews are confidential to ensure privacy. Not all reviews submitted from patients included a comment.

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Obstetrics and Gynecology Ranked #32 in the Nation

Ochsner Medical Center's Obstetrics and Gynecology service line ranked #32 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, an achievement led by the teams at Ochsner Baptist and Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank.

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An Extension of Your Blood Pressure & Diabetes Care

Over 60,000 patients have used the Ochsner Digital Medicine program to manage blood pressure and diabetes between appointments — because what happens between visits matters. With an expert care team monitoring your blood pressure and blood sugar readings and adjusting medications, you’ll have support that fits into your daily routine — no in-person visits required.

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