Reproductive Health

Reproductive health includes the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its processes and functions. Reproductive health includes topics such as family planning, contraception, healthy pregnancy and childbirth, reducing teen and unintended pregnancies, and infertility.

Our program at Schuyler County Public Health focuses on promoting healthy pregnancies and childbirth, family planning, and preventing unintended pregnancies. We also work with community partners to provide education and identify needs in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What steps can I take to have a healthy pregnancy? 

One of the keys to a healthy pregnancy is planning for it. When planned, the pregnant person can be better prepared and start prenatal care early. Other steps to take to help you have a healthy pregnancy include: 

  • Taking a multivitamin every day that has 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid. 
    • Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects of the heart and brain. But it only helps if the mother takes it before pregnancy and in the first three months of pregnancy. 
  • Avoid smoking. 
    • If you smoke, stop smoking during pregnancy for the health of you and your baby. Ask others at home and at work to stop smoking around you or in your home to cut down on second-hand smoke. 
  • Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
    • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the most common birth defects. Every case is preventable by not drinking alcohol during pregnancy. 
    • Illegal substances can harm you or your baby during pregnancy and lead to long term effects. Talk with your doctor about any substances you use or are around for the healthiest pregnancy and baby. 
  • Have a pre-pregnancy health check-up with a health care provider.  
    • Women with chronic health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure and women who take medicines or herbs especially need pre-pregnancy care. Talking with your doctor about what is safe for pregnancy will help make sure you and baby stay healthy. 
  • Talk to your health care provider about the possible risk of lead poisoning. 
    • If lead gets into your body, it could harm you and your unborn baby and lead to potential developmental delays for your child.

Find more tips for a healthy pregnancy at: Health Pregnancy Fact Sheet 

Where can I get information about contraceptive options? 

There are many contraceptive / birth control options available. It is important to find one that works best for you. Learn more about the different birth control options available on the Birth Control Methods Chart for information on how effective they are at preventing pregnancy, if they impact menstruation (periods), potential side effects, and other considerations. 

Where can I get condoms? 

Condoms are available to purchase at many pharmacies, groceries, and convenience stores. We also offer condoms at no cost as part of safer sex kits that are available to community members. If you are interested in a safer sex kit, please call our office at 607-535-8140.  

What are the foundations for a healthy relationship? 

The foundations of a healthy relationship include boundaries, communication, trust, and consent.  For more information about these foundations and what a healthy relationship looks like, visit What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like? 

If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, you can call, text, or chat the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. Chat, text, and calls are completely confidential and staffed by professionals who can help. They are available 7 days per week, 24 hours per day.  

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Looking for resources or to learn more about the program?

Call our office at 607-535-8140. 

You can also check out the following resources: