About reproductive health in Armenia

Reproductive health refers to the complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system at all stages of life — not just the absence of disease or infirmity.

If you receive a positive pregnancy test result, it is important to contact a family doctor or private medical center to begin prenatal registration. You will then be referred to a gynecologist for necessary laboratory and instrumental examinations. The entire course of your pregnancy, as well as the postpartum period, will be monitored by an obstetrician-gynecologist. It is highly recommended to seek medical care and begin supervision as early as possible, ideally in the first weeks of pregnancy.

After the first visit following the confirmation of pregnancy, the pregnant woman is officially registered. Obstetric and gynecological care and services are provided by an obstetrician-gynecologist and a midwife at the women's consultation center. In rural areas, care may also be provided by a family doctor, midwife, or trained nurse. Other specialists may be involved as needed based on medical indications, and the process of conducting laboratory and instrumental diagnostic examinations will also be organized.

All pregnant women, women in labor, and women in childbirth who are citizens of the Republic of Armenia are entitled to free obstetric hospital medical care guaranteed by the state. When seeking care at obstetric medical organizations, women must present a passport or other identity document, except in emergency situations where the pregnant woman, woman in labor, or woman in childbirth does not have these documents. In such cases, the documents must be provided before discharge. The absence of an identity document cannot be used as a reason to refuse admission to obstetric medical organizations.

The mother's breasts begin producing colostrum, which not only nourishes the baby but also provides protection against various diseases. Breastfeeding is essential for giving children the best possible start in life. UNICEF and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, starting within the first hour after birth. Breast milk is always at the ideal temperature, ready to use at any time, and provides the right amount of nutrition the baby needs.

The best start to a child's life is to spend as much time as possible with their mother during the first three months. In addition to prolonged contact with the mother, the newborn should be fed at least 8 times a day, have their clothes changed when they get dirty, and sleep as much as needed. To raise a healthy child, it is essential for the mother to be healthy as well. She must also be attentive to her own needs. It’s important for mothers to reflect on their feelings and needs, and to prioritize personal care. After all, the needs of a new mother are complex and require even more attention and care.

Modern contraceptives available in Armenia, listed from most effective to least effective, include condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal pills, injectable contraceptives, and spermicides. Emergency contraceptive pills are also available for women who have had unprotected sex for any reason and do not want to become pregnant.

Abortion is allowed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy upon the woman's written request. Between 12 and 22 weeks, it can only be performed if there are medical or social reasons, with the woman's written consent. After 22 weeks, abortion is prohibited except in cases where there are specific medical indications provided by a doctor.

Surrogacy is the process in which a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, who will become the child's parents after birth. Surrogacy programs are primarily used by married couples who have explored all available infertility treatment options without success.