Monitoring vaccinations and medications is also essential during pregnancy, as everything a mother consumes or injects can reach the baby through the placenta
Dr Lynda Nazareth, MD Pathology, Consultant Pathologist, Metropolis Healthcare Limited shares menarche and reproduction
Maintaining good health is crucial for women not only for themselves but also for their families. It’s important for women to begin monitoring their health from adolescence, including tracking their menstrual cycle.
Keeping track of the periods provides valuable information about overall health. A dedicated menstrual calendar can help monitor regularity, duration, and blood flow, along with any associated pain, cramps, or emotional changes. Significant variations warrant a consultation with the healthcare provider.
They may recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and DHT, which all play a role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
For couples planning a family, fertility evaluations are recommended if pregnancy isn’t achieved within twelve months. Both partners should undergo testing to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Female fertility evaluations typically involve an ultrasound to assess the health of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, along with blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances and ovarian reserve (egg count).
Prenatal testing is important during pregnancy to identify potential genetic disorders in the developing baby. This often includes hormonal and genetic tests.
Additionally, determining whether parents carry genes for hereditary conditions is vital, especially if they have a history of affected children or are carriers themselves.
Monitoring vaccinations and medications is also essential during pregnancy, as everything a mother consumes or injects can reach the baby through the placenta.
The postpartum phase, following childbirth, is a critical time for physical and emotional healing. Approximately 15% of individual’s experience postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of self-care during this period.
Adequate rest, sleep, and a balanced diet are important for recovery. Gentle exercises, postpartum checkups, good personal hygiene (perineal and breast care), and bonding time with the baby are also essential. Additionally, adjusting to new routines and prioritizing self-time is vital for a smooth transition into motherhood.
