Women's Services

Offering innovative technology, leading-edge medical knowledge, and personalized care, the Sara Lee Center for Women's Health at Forsyth Medical Center provides comprehensive services to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of women of all ages.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

Could your family's health history put you at risk for certain diseases? Learn about your family history by downloading our FREE family tree.

My Family Tree

Take Control!

Always running to the bathroom? Learn more about incontinence and simple steps that you can take to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Learn More

Incontinence

Did you know that one in four women over the age of 18 suffers from urinary incontinence?

At the Sara Lee Center for Women's Health we know women. And we know that millions of women suffer from urinary incontinence, leaking when they run, sneeze or laugh. Constantly feeling that they need to go to the bathroom. Feeling pressure, heaviness or a weakening of the pelvic muscles. That's why the Sara Lee Center for Women's Health created the Continence and Pelvic Floor Care Program.  Learn More

Sign up to receive The Parent Review,    a weekly e-newsletter with information and tips to help you prepare for pregnancy, delivery and parenthood. Click here to register.

 

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Amniocentesis Biopsy Bone Density Testing (DEXA Scan) Breast Ultrasound (Breast Sonogram) Breastfeeding Class Breastfeeding Services (Lactation Consults) Cesarean Birth Childbirth Preparation Classes Diagnostic Mammogram Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonogram) Digital Mammography Dilation and Curettage Endometrial Ablation Endometrial Biopsy Endometriosis Treatment Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Fine Needle Aspiration Gift Shop Gynecological Care and Exams High-Risk Obstetrical Care Hysterectomy Hysteroscopy Infant Massage Classes Infant Safety and CPR Class Infertility Treatment Laboratory Services Laparoscopic Surgery Lumpectomy Mammogram Mastectomy Maternal Nutrition Counseling Maternity Classes Maternity Pre-Registration Maternity Tour Menopausal Care Needle Localizations Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Newborn Care Nutrition Counseling OB Anesthesia Obstetrics Online Nursery Pelvic Floor Repair Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Post-Menopausal Care Screening Mammogram Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Sibling Class/Tour Ultrasound Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Women's Rehabilitation Services X-ray Yoga for Childbirth
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

A unit for treating premature and critically ill newborns. Neonatologists (physicians who specialize in the care of premature and sick babies) work closely with a team of specially trained registered nurses, respiratory therapists, medial social workers and other neonatal professionals.

Pelvic Floor Repair

Surgical repair of the pelvic floor, which refers to the pelvic diaphragm, the sphincter mechanism of the lower urinary tract, the upper and lower vaginal supports, and the internal and external anal sphincters. It is a network of muscles, ligaments and other tissues that hold up the pelvic organs (vagina, rectum, uterus and bladder). When this system is torn or weakens, the organs may shift, bulge and push outward or against each other. As a result, women may suffer from urinary or fecal incontinence or obstruction, vaginal prolapse, vaginal pain, sexual dysfunction, and other problems.

Bone Density Testing (DEXA Scan)

A bone density test, or DEXA Scan,  is a noninvasive, evaluation procedure that uses x-rays to measure bone mass or the weight of the skeleton. The amount of bone in the skeleton determines how strong it is. Bone densitometry is often used to measure bone mass in the spine, hips and arms, as these are the areas most likely to fracture when bone mass is low.

Gift Shop

An on-site gift shop is available.

Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and curettage (also called D & C) is  a minor operation in which the cervix is dilated (expanded) so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument).

Women's Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation programs and services designed specifically for women.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, also called sonography, is a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Mammogram

A form of x-ray of the breast that can identify tissue abnormalities, including cancerous growths. Mammograms can detect breast cancer as much as two years before a lump can be felt.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

This procedure involves locating the few lymph nodes near the site of cancer that would receive lymph fluid drainage from the tumor itself. If any tumor cells have moved from the original area involved, those lymph nodes would most likely hold them. These lymph nodes are found using a radioactive tracer and blue dye.

Needle Localizations

A special examination for localizing questionable masses that cannot be felt but are seen on mammogram films. The radiologist places a needle with a wire into the area of abnormality. The needle remains in the breast once it is in the area of interest.  The patient then goes to the operating room for the biopsy procedure. The needle is used as a guide by the surgeon to ensure that the correct area of abnormality is removed.

Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonogram)

Diagnostic ultrasound (sonography) is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of body tissues. Information obtained from these images can be utilized along with other patient data in order to arrive at a medical diagnosis.

Obstetrics

The branch of medicine dealing with childbirth and care of the mother.

Newborn Care

Treatment received by a newborn child from the date of birth until 30 days following discharge from the hospital.

Yoga for Childbirth

Enhance awareness of and confidence in pregnancy, labor and birth through yoga. Learn and practice postures, breath work, meditation, and visualization that are both beneficial and enjoyable for the rest of pregnancy and during labor.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

This term describes the delivery of an infant through the birth canal for women who had previously given birth by Cesarean section.

Sibling Class/Tour

A special class and facility tour designed for the siblings of a new baby.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

Online Nursery

An online nursery allows family and friends to access a secured Web site and view the baby's first official photos.

OB Anesthesia

There are many options available to laboring mothers to help manage the pain including:

  • Analgesics: medications to relieve pain
  •  
    Non-medicated measures: special techniques including relaxation, touch, imagery, meditation, and breathing
  • Anesthesia: medications that cause loss of sensation and block the pain such as epidural anesthesia, local block, spinal anesthesia, and general anesthesia

Menopausal Care

Care for women who have reached the time in their life in which the menstrual cycle ends.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery (also known as minimally invasive surgery) is performed through multiple small incisions (1/4" to 1/2" long) using specially designed surgical instruments and viewed through a laparoscope, or surgical telescope.

Infant Massage Classes

A certified infant massage instructor will teach you the latest massage techniques for your baby.

Infant Safety and CPR Class

Teaches parents infant safety, CPR techniques and provides hands-on practice with a model.

 

High-Risk Obstetrical Care

A full range of high-risk obstetrical services for both the high-risk pregnant patient and fetal complications.

Post-Menopausal Care

Specialized care to address the different health concerns women have after menopause, such as hormonal changes, cardiovascular risks, and osteoporosis.

Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

Electronic fetal heart monitoring is done during pregnancy, labor, and delivery to keep track of the heart rate of your baby (fetus) and the strength and duration of the contractions of your uterus. Your baby's heart rate is a good way to tell whether your baby is doing well or may have some problems. Two types of monitoring, external and internal, can be done.

Endometriosis Treatment

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus. When this tissue grows somewhere else in the body it is called endometriosis. These abnormal growths may cause mild to severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation. Endometriosis may also be associated with infertility. Treatment for endometriosis can be either medical or surgical. Various oral and injectable hormones are available to help slow the growth of endometriosis. Although significant improvement results from initial treatment in some patients, others have recurring symptoms and persistent disease. Recent studies demonstrate that endometriosis can be managed equally well with laparoscopic removal.

Endometrial Ablation

A surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus. Unlike a hysterectomy, it does not remove the uterus. Endometrial ablation may stop all menstrual bleeding in some women. However, some women still have light menstrual bleeding or spotting after endometrial ablation. A few women have regular menstrual periods after the procedure. Women who have endometrial ablation still need to use some form of birth control even though, in most cases, pregnancy is not likely after the procedure.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal test in which cells surrounding a fetus are removed in order to examine the chromosomes.

 

Gynecological Care and Exams

The medical specialty dealing with health of the female reproductive system.

Digital Mammography

The latest advancement in the early detection of breast cancer, new digital capabilities will enable the technologist to immediately view mammogram images on the screen, thereby reducing the amount of time spent in the imaging suite and the need for retakes.

Nutrition Counseling

Developing a heart-healthy eating plan can help you reduce your cholesterol and maintain a healthy body weight, both of which are important in the prevention of heart disease. Nutrition counseling provides individual consultations with a nutritionist designed to create a healthy eating plan that is right for you. The nutritionist will review your blood lipid profile, discuss your current eating patterns and provide you with educational materials on foods that will lower your cardiovascular disease risk.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is the visual examination of the canal of the cervix and interior of the uterus using a thin, lighted, flexible tube called a hysteroscope. The device is inserted through the vagina.

Breast Ultrasound (Breast Sonogram)

Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the breasts and look for tumors. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts. The examination is often used along with mammography.

Fine Needle Aspiration

For a fine needle aspiration biopsy,  a very thin needle is placed into the lump or suspicious area to remove a small sample of fluid and/or tissue. No incision is necessary. A fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to help to differentiate a cyst from a lump.

Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is  a procedure in which a sample of tissue is obtained through a tube that is inserted into the uterus.

Infertility Treatment

Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Types of treatments for women may include: ovulation medications, intrauterine insemination, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology (ART). There also is a range of treatment options currently available for male factor infertility. Treatment may include: assisted reproductive technologies (ART), drug therapy, or surgery.

Breastfeeding Services (Lactation Consults)

For those mothers who choose to breastfeed, a board-certified lactation consultant makes rounds to rooms, consults with you on positioning and provides any other breastfeeding assistance that you may need. They are also available after you leave the hospital.

Breastfeeding Class

This class will teach you everything you need to know about getting a good start with breastfeeding. Learn how to read your baby's cues, determine if breastfeeding is going well, how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk and how to identify and manage breastfeeding challenges. Expectant mothers are urged to bring their partner, support person or family member. Classes are taught by a board-certified lactation consultant.

Maternity Pre-Registration

It is important that you pre-register to deliver your baby. It is best to complete this pre-registration at least four months before your due date.

Maternity Classes

A variety of classes designed to prepare women and their partner for the birth of a child.

Maternity Tour

You and your family are welcome to tour our hospital facilities. These free tours are offered both evenings and weekends.

Childbirth Preparation Classes

This class helps the expectant mom and support person learn what to expect during labor and delivery, signs of early labor, Lamaze relaxation and breathing techniques, Ceasarean birth and pain management choices. Important information is given on infant care, safety and adjusting to parenthood.

Cesarean Birth

Cesarean delivery (also called a cesarean section or C-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is performed when it is determined to be a safer method than a vaginal delivery for the mother, baby, or both.

Maternal Nutrition Counseling

This is for expectant mothers who want more information or guidance about their diet and nutrition. Appointments are made with our registered dietitian and special counseling is available for women with special needs. This includes women who are expecting multiples, or have a vegetarian diet.

Lumpectomy

A type of breast-conserving surgery that may be used as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed. However, the breast itself remains intact.

Screening Mammogram

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer.

X-ray

An x-ray is a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical tool and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman's age.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is surgery to remove portions or all of the breast.

Forsyth Medical Center Sara Lee Center for Women's Health Thomasville Medical Center Winston-Salem Health Care Gynecology
Winston-Salem Health Care Gynecology

250 Charlois Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 718-1000

Thomasville Medical Center

207 Old Lexington Road
Thomasville, NC 27360
(336) 472-2000

Sara Lee Center for Women's Health

Located at Forsyth Medical Center:
3333 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 718-3780

Forsyth Medical Center

3333 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
336-718-5000