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Definition of reproductive health by the World Health Organization (WHO)

“Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes. Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.”

  • Reproductive health includes a woman’s, a man’s and a child’s health. It includes preconception health, pregnancy health, delivery, and postpartum health.
  • Reproductive health includes ensuring that a woman becomes pregnant when she wants to, and that she completes pregnancy in a healthy state and delivers a healthy baby.
  • Reproductive health includes preconception health as an important aspect of reproductive health to ensure the optimization of a woman’s and men’s health during their reproductive years, the time when they have a child.
  • Reproductive health includes improving fertility so that a couple can get pregnant when they plan to and have a healthy pregnancy
  • Reproductive health means a woman who has a baby survives the pregnancy in her best health.
  • Reproductive health includes contraception to ensure the prevention of an undesired pregnancy. 

babyMed is your reproductive health coach