What do you think of when you hear ‘women’s health’?

You might be thinking of hormonal replacement therapy and the benefits a boost in estrogen can offer both your mood and physical wellness. You might be thinking of a healthy pregnancy weight gain chart and the ways it can keep track of your progress. When it comes to your health there’s no such thing as settling for less. You deserve a healthcare regimen that’s rigorous and proactive. This means finding a provider that’s invested in every step of the way, no matter how large or seemingly small. Before you reach out to a medical professional, consider learning more about your options.

From designing a custom healthy pregnancy weight gain chart to learning about the process of giving birth, you’ve got knowledge and you’ve got options.

Did You Know?

There are some interesting details you might not know about when it comes to women’s and children’s health. The United States sees four million babies born every year. The function of the personal health provider is become more necessary than ever as more medical issues rise to the surface and require a specialized eye. It’s also important to schedule more frequent visits to your doctor in light of rising health issues. Over 10% of the population today has diabetes and it’s estimated out of out of eight women in the country will develop invasive breast cancer.

The Development Of The Fetus

Pregnancy is a long and careful process. It doesn’t help having misconceptions about what your body will go through. Contrary to popular belief, most women are not actually pregnant for exactly nine months. A healthy pregnancy can vary by five weeks or so around the 40-week due date. In fact, a recent study confirmed less than 5% of women will actually deliver on the 40-week due date. During the first trimester the uterus is around the size of an orange. By the third trimester it will expand to the size of a watermelon. The labor dilation and effacement chart is just one of many resources you’ll use in this time.

How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy

There’s a reason you should be crafting your own healthy pregnancy weight gain chart. Your body has quite a few changes to go through before your child is brought into the world, many of which can seem alarming or even difficult to track. Your hormones will go through significant fluctuations, leading to appetite changes, weight changes, mood swings, difficulty sleeping and swelling of the joints, among others. Even breastfeeding, or a lack thereof, can change how you feel. The American Academy Of Pediatrics (or AAP) recommends infants be exclusively breastfed during the first six months.

Pap Smears, Screenings And Preventative Measures

Taking care of your health means getting preventative care to keep you in the clear. A pap smear is recommended once every three years once you reach adulthood, which can also be paired with an HPV test or screening. Cancer screenings are particularly necessary, as some of the warning signs can easily slip past your notice and leave you in a worse position down the road. Checking yourself for lumps, sensitivity or discoloration in the comfort of your own home is a good habit you should develop in the meantime. Cancer caught early is much easier to counteract than cancer caught late.

Choosing The Right Healthcare Provider

One of the best resources you can tap into is a regular healthcare provider that can walk alongside you every step of the way. They can keep track of your vaccinations, physical exams and pap smears to take some of the weight off your shoulders, especially if you already have other factors taking up your attention. Crafting a healthy pregnancy weight gain chart and related materials like a weekly fetal development chart can help take some of the mystery out of the process. Any questions you have about ongoing symptoms or surprise developments can also be answered swiftly, rather than attempting guesswork online.

Women’s health is rarely just one or two things. How can a healthcare provider give you more perspective?