Mothers’ Health

Posted on May 08, 2017

With the new responsibilities of motherhood, whether it is to have the energy to run after your youngling or just be there longer to support them when they are older, women of various ages find ways to stay healthy.

 

It doesn’t make a difference that you are on your 20s, 30s or 40s, staying well begins with a health check from a physician you trust. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG Committee Opinion August, 2012) refer to this as the well-woman visit

 

I bet everyone gets their car serviced regularly every certain miles ran or yearly checked before it breaks down.  If so, then shouldn’t your body be treated the same way?  The goal of the well-woman visit is having a health check preferably annually to update or make a medical history (if it’s your first time) which will help identify and examine your health issues, as well as, your risk factors; have laboratory tests requested, if needed; follow up any problems identified; and allow your doctor to advise you on how to improve your health. 

 

Another advantage of the regular well-woman visit is that it allows you to build a relationship with your doctor, hence you will feel more comfortable talking to her openly.  For the Pinay mother, who is often times very conservative, breast and pelvic examinations would be easier to perform by her doctor because of the gained trust.

 

If you intend to get pregnant, it is ideal to have a preconception health check, preferably three months prior to pregnancy at any age.  This allows your obstetrician enough time to counsel you regarding diet, weight, food supplements and activities that would help reduce problems during pregnancy and better recovery after birth. 

 

Oftentimes, I am asked what age is the best time to conceive. Based on statistics, around 25-34 years of age would be ideal.  Women in their early 20s have a higher chance of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure with protein in the urine) compared to women in their late 20s and early 30s.  Fertility tends to decrease slowly after age 30.  Most studies report that those aged 35 years and above are more likely to have miscarriage and have difficulty in conceiving.  Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome increase as well.  Furthermore, diabetes is likely to develop more in mothers above 35 years old.   Therefore it is important to have a pre-pregnancy health check at any age, take Folic acid 5mg daily and have early and regular prenatal check-ups.

 

For mothers who want to stay healthy after delivery and you’re in your 20s, it is advisable to have counseling regarding contraception and reproductive planning.  Fertility is good in your 20s, hence the likelihood of pregnancy is higher.  It is prudent to space pregnancy to allow your body to recover from the changes that had occurred during gestation. Breast and pelvic examinations are recommended as baseline studies in order to determine changes that could occur as you age, like breast and cervical masses; and presence of sexually transmitted diseases.  ACOG has recommended Papanicolao smears done every 3 years if alone or every 5 years if with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to screen for pre-cancer cervical cells.

 

Maintaining a normal weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure for your age is the goal, hence adequate physical activity and a well-balanced diet is recommended.  It is essential to start taking calcium rich food and supplements for bone health.

 

For mothers in their 30s, screening for diabetes, checking lipid profile and hemoglobin levels are suggested.  If you have a family history of thyroid diseases and colorectal cancer, this is the best age to start testing for baseline studies. Like the mothers in their 20s, maintaining normal weight, BMI and blood pressure for the age through adequate physical activities and a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin C, B-complex and iron is advised.  Follow up studies on the breast and pelvic organs are advocated as well.

 

When women get to their 40s, additional studies include eye and skin examinations every 2 years to check for glaucoma and skin cancer, respectively; mammogram besides the self-breast exams will be required.  Co-testing with Pap smear and HPV testing every 5 years are performed.  Diabetes testing and Lipid profile assessment every 3-5 years and more regular if overt disease is present. Some recommend bone density scans.

 

Like women in their 20s and 30s, regular activity and good diet cannot be emphasized enough, especially as one grows older with slower metabolism.

 

Regarding immunizations, make sure your doctor is aware if you’re pregnant or not since some vaccines are contraindicated to pregnant and lactating women.  If you are 26 years old and below, it has been recommended that you have the cervical cancer vaccines.  However, it should not replace regular cervical evaluation with Pap smear and HPV testing. Regardless of age, Influenza vaccine annually; Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine for those not previously immunized and varicella vaccine one series for those without evidence of immunity are advised. 

 

The St. Luke’s Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is a group of highly qualified and competent professionals dedicated to women’s healthcare, affording female patients the best quality of care in relation to their reproductive health.  The Department has been practicing the international standard for best practices, breastfeeding and rooming-in and continually works hand in hand with the Wellness Center to formulate health packages that cater to all women of various ages to ensure their well-being.  

 

As a final note, at any age, don’t forget to have regular yearly dental check ups. Poor dental health can affect not only your teeth but could also lead to infections and malnutrition.  Finally, in order for you not to forget your regular well-woman visit, I suggest you do it on your birth month.  You not only celebrate your natal day but your wellness, too.  Therefore, early detection of diseases, as well as, lifestyle change to decrease risks for illnesses, are valuable in maintaining your good health at any age.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Dr. Elisa Patricia May Malvar-Cornelio is an active OB-Gyne consultant of St. Luke's-Global City. She is a Fellow of Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecology, subspecializing in Maternal and Fetal Medicine; and OB-Gyne ultrasound. She is also a Breastfeeding Specialist and  co-developer of the first Filipino app on pregnancy,  www.motherbabyandme.com.