Women's Health

Start today to take action for a healthier you

Follow these general health tips and get regular check-ups with your doctor and OBGYN. If you have high risk factors for breast cancer, heart disease, or other health conditions, talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Cancer Prevention

Get regular Pap tests and mammograms. If you smoke, make a plan to quit. Keeping yourself healthy is a great gift for you and for your family.

Immunizations

Be sure your preventive shots are all up to date.

Menstrual Health

Talk to your doctor if you have irregular periods or miss a period.

Pregnant, or think you might be?

If you are 2 weeks late—don’t wait. See a doctor for a pregnancy test. Free and low-cost prenatal services are available to you, call 1-877-886-4297.

This is important whether this is your first pregnancy or you are pregnant again. The earlier a woman starts prenatal care, the healthier she and her baby will be. Visit Go Before You Show for more information.

Strengthen Your Bones

Eat foods high in calcium (low-fat yogurt or milk, spinach, leafy vegetables). You also need Vitamin D (found in milk and other dairy products) for healthy bones. Check the labels of food you buy, and see if calcium and Vitamin D are added. Choose "calcium enriched" or "Vitamin D fortified" items for healthier bones.

Protect Yourself

To prevent pregnancy and infections, always use a condom if you are having sex. This should be used in addition to primary method of birth control (e.g., "the pill" or injections, etc).

Respect yourself

Avoid having sex with multiple partners. Multiple partners greatly increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Check 'em out

Ask your partner about past exposures to STIs. If your partner had a recent exposure to STIs, avoid having sex with this person.

Talk to your doctor

Call your doctor if you think you have been exposed to an STI.

Pregnant, or think you might be?

If you are 2 weeks late—don’t wait. See a doctor for a pregnancy test. Free and low-cost prenatal services are available to you, call 1-877-886-4297.

This is important whether this is your first pregnancy or you are pregnant again. The earlier a woman starts prenatal care, the healthier she and her baby will be. Visit Go Before You Show for more information.

Whether you’re pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about things you can do to keep healthy, and to have a healthy baby. These include a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Stop smoking

Stop smoking if you know you are pregnant. Also, don’t drink alcohol or use drugs. Tobacco, alcohol and drug use while pregnant can seriously hurt your baby. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines. Some prescribed medicines can also hurt your baby. Usually there are other medicines your doctor can use, just while you are pregnant, to treat your condition, and that are safe for your baby.

Diet

Your body will need certain extra vitamins and nutrients during your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about changes you might want to make to your diet while you are pregnant.

Exercise

Exercise is important throughout your life—and when you are pregnant. Your doctor can give you tips on the types of Exercise you should do during each month of your pregnancy.

Check out our classes for pregnant women and new mothers.

Learn about our Go Before You Show campaign with the San Mateo County Health System.

Learn about breast health and get a consultation.

Learn about breathing and relaxation techniques; pain management options; the role of the coach; hospital procedures; and what to expect before, during and after delivery.

This program helps pregnant women find a doctor and learn more about pregnancy and community resources. If you are pregnant, it is very important that you get early and regular prenatal care.

This is a nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children from birth to age 5.

You can call this help line to ask for advice about breast-feeding, and receive support. This is a free service.

Bring your newborn and join other women for breastfeeding support and guidance.

This is a class for parents of infants and toddlers, with guest speakers to discussing the following topics: parenting, child care, child safety and first aid.

For new parents and couples expecting a child. Learn about nursing positions, milk supply, weaning and working while nursing.

For parents and babies up to 9 months old. Learn about infant safety, feeding, parenting skills and new challenges.

This class covers child growth and development, discipline, safety and parenting skills.

• Healthy Women
• GoBeforeYouShowSanMateo.com
• OBGYN.net
• WebMD
• Womenshealth.gov