The Directorate of Women’s Health is charged with the responsibility of implementing policies that specifically target and bring about improvement to women’s healthcare issues.
For information, click here to access the article available on the Ministry of Labour's website.
For information, click here to access the article available on the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago's website.
This series of articles is penned by Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh, Director of Women’s Health, and is based on frequently asked questions and comments from women throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
The information contained in these articles is not meant to replace advice from your healthcare provider. When it comes to personalized health information, your qualified healthcare professional is the best person to consult, rather than self-diagnosis and recommendations from the internet.
Medical research, treatment and technology are always evolving and every effort was taken to provide up-to-date advice at the time of preparing this article.
Please click on an article below for additional information on Women's Health Issues:
Just like the risks for the general public, most well women will have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, about one in five women may get severe symptoms and require care in a High-Dependency or Intensive Care Unit...
Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts an added risk to persons with Sickel Cell Disease (SCD) as crises and other symptoms occur more frequently. Persons living with SCD should discuss the planning of pregnancy with their health care professionals...
Click to to learn more about Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy
Understanding Prematurity: World Prematurity Day, November 17
World Premature Day is observed on November 17 each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, according for about 1 in 10 of all babies worldwide...
Breast Cancer in Trinidad and Tobago
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In Trinidad and Tobago, the incidence is 37 per 100,000 population. The mortality rate has been more or less unchanged since 2000 at 23 per 100,000. About 1 in 9 women over their lifetime will develop breast cancer.
Click to to learn more about Breast Cancer in Trinidad and Tobago
Heart Conditions and Pregnancy
Every year in Trinidad and Tobago several women who have heart conditions become very ill in pregnancy. If you are living with a heart condition, this information will be useful if you are currently pregnant or thinking about having a baby...
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Pregnancy
Screening for STIs is offered to our pregnant population and their affected partners in the Trinidad and Tobago public healthcare system as part of the routine antenatal care. The two main screening test offered are for Syphilis and HIV...
Click to to learn more about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Pregnancy
Benefits of Breastfeeding to the Baby
Breastfeeding offers mothers the best opportunity to provide the ideal nutrition for their babies. There are several benefits associated with breastfeeding which is encouraged from the first hour of life...
Click to to learn more about Benefits of Breastfeeding to the Baby
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended fora period of six months and then continued up to two years and beyond. During this time, the mother can experience physical, psychosocial, physiological and economical benefits...
Click to to learn more about Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers
Early Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)
If you lose your baby in the first 3 months of pregnancy, it is called an early miscarriage. The symptoms and signs of an early miscarriage include vaginal bleeding and sometimes pain. In some cases there may not be any signs and an ultrasound scan is required...
Click to to learn more about Early Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)
Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix (neck of the womb) using the colposcope. It allows a trained gynaecologist to have a closer look at your cervix in order to assess if there are any abnormal changes in the cells...
Frequently Asked Questions on Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is currently the second most common form of cancer amongst women of all ages in Trinidad and Tobago. Regrettably, it is one of the most common cancers seen in Trinbagonian women less than 50 years of age....
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium is found elsewhere in the body. The most common sites of these ‘deposits’ are usually in the pelvis around the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes...
Treatment of the Symptoms of Menopause
If you are considering treatment for the symptoms of menopause then this article is targeted to you. It may also be helpful if you are a relative or friend of someone who wishes to have treatment for the symptoms of menopause.
Women's Health Article(2019-02): "The pregnancy risks associated with being overweight or obese"
"This article is meant for the general public including women who are considering becoming pregnant and are overweight or obese."
Click to learn more about The pregnancy risks associated with being overweight or obese.
Women's Health Article(2019-01): "Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pregnancy"
"A thrombosis is a blood clot in a blood vessel (an artery or a vein). The term venous thrombosis refers to the instance when a clot occurs in a vein."
Click to learn more about Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pregnancy.
Women's Health Article(2018-13): "Induction of Labour"
"The term induction of labour means to bring on labour in a woman, who is not in labour."
Women's Health Article(2018-12): "High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy"
"Chronic hypertension refers to a high BP that started before pregnancy or is sometimes detected during your visits during early pregnancy (less than 20 weeks)."
Women's Health Article(2018-11): "Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP)"
"NVP is a common symptom affecting many women in pregnancy to some extent. It is often called morning sickness."
Click to learn more about Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP)
Women's Health Article(2018-10): "Dilation and Curettage (D&C)"
"Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the cervix may need to expanded (dilated)."
Women's Health Article (2018-09): "Hysterectomy (Part II)"
"The usual operating time is between 1 to 2 hours, but can vary. You will spend a few hours in the operating theatre department, including the time spent in the recovery (observation) area."
Women's Health Article (2018-08): "Hysterectomy (Part I)"
"Fibriods are very common in our population. Some estimates indicate that as high as 80% of women in their late 30s and above have had fibroids."
Women's Health Article (2018-07): "Uterine Fibroids"
"Fibriods are very common in our population. Some estimates indicate that as high as 80% of women in their late 30s and above have had fibroids."
Women's Health Article (2018-06): "The Flu and Pregnancy"
"In Trinidad and Tobago, in 2015 and early 2016, several pregnant women died because of complications from the flu virus."
Women's Health Article (2018-05): "Routine Antenatal Care (Part III)"
"For higher risk patients and for those who will likely require a planned delivery such as another caesarean section, it is a good idea to be seen several weeks before your given due date."
Women's Health Article (2018-04): "Routine Antenatal Care (Part II)"
"You should have your things prepared including your hospital bag of yours and baby's requirements. [...] Especially in the late part of pregnancy, always keep your health records and bag close at hand."
Women's Health Article (2018-03): "Rountine Antenatal Care (Part I)"
"Unfortunately, many women fail to attend antenatal care early enough or regularly, despite the ease of access. The women at greatest risk are the ones who tend to default from the system."
"The outpatient services at the hospital function on a referral basis. [...] You can access the outpatient services by first obtaining a referral from your local health centre or private doctor."
Click to learn more about Accessing Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Services (Part II)
"More than 15,000 babies are successfully delivered at public hospitals on an annual basis. The RHAs also attend to thousands of women in the outpatient clinics, the emergency departments, the admission wards, laboratory tests, radiology services, cancer treatment, and surgeries."
Click to learn more about Accessing Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Services (Part I)
Women's Health Article (Dec 2017): "Diabetes in Pregnancy"
"There is an alarming rate of potential Diabetes Mellitus in our country with high rates of obesity and even more worrying is that as many as one in five women may be entering pregnancy with impaired glucose tolerance levels. Afro-Caribbean and East Indian origins are at a higher risk for NCDs including DM..."
Women's Health Article (Nov 2017): "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)"
"One of the most common issues faced by women of reproductive age in Trinidad and Tobago is polycystic ovary syndrome and its implications on short and long-term health. Not everyone diagnosed with PCOS will have significant symptoms as some patients have minimal or no symptoms. However, there may be implications to your health as this condition can be related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes..."
Please click below to access Clinical Guidelines developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago:
National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy - August 5th, 2020
Sexual Reproductive Health not only affects an individual, but impacts on intimate relationships, families, communities, and the nation overall as we strive for sustainable development. Individuals need to have access to information, comprehensive services, treatment and various reproductive health commodities so that they can make decisions regarding the number of children they may choose to have and/or how to remain healthy and protect themselves from various illnesses. The information and services provided are to be aligned to the current and future needs of the population and free from any stigma or discrimination.
Click for National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy - August 5th, 2020.
National Breastfeeding Policy - August 5th, 2020
The purpose of this Policy is to promote exclusive breastfeeding by ensuring compliance among health professionals, mothers and families, and civil society with a focus on the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding programmes and initiatives as part of a life course approach to the overall development of the child, with emphasis on the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
National Neonatal Transfer Protocol
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
The Management of Maternal Collapse: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Click for The Management of Maternal Collapse - Clinical Guideline.
Syphilis in pregnancy: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Haemoglobinpathies in pregnancy: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Click for Haemoglobinpathies in pregnancy - Clinical Guideline.
The Management of Shoulder Dystocia: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Click for The Management of Shoulder Dystocia - Clinical Guideline.
Hypertension in Pregnancy: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Major Obstetric Hemorrhage: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Ultrasound Examination in Pregnancy: Clinical Guideline
This Clinical Guideline was developed by the Directorate of Women’s Health, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago. The Directorate is a unit in the office of the Chief Medical Officer. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Click for the Ultrasound Examination in Pregnancy - Clinical Guideline.
Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy: Clinical Guideline
This guideline seeks to standardize the delivery of Obstetric services at both public and private health care facilities. It was developed based on the Ministry’s principles of accessibility, equity, affordability, efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
Click for the Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy - Clinical Guideline.
Maternal & Child Health Manual (2015)
This comprehensive manual has been developed for use by relevant health care providers, with the objective to improve access to high quality MCH services for all.
SOP Manual for Obstetrics and Midwifery Services
This manual was developed in accordance with the Accreditation Standards Manual for the Health Sector with the involvement of health care practitioners from the public and private health sector wherever obstetric and midwifery services are offered.
Click for the SOP Manual for Obstetrics and Midwifery Services .
