30s and Motherhood

Women's Health

  3. 30s and Motherhood

As you enter your 30s, life is probably much different than your teens and 20s. Learn why it's more vital than ever you begin taking your health seriously.

You may not be as footloose and fancy free as you were in your twenties, but you are no doubt still young! By the time you have hit this decade, you may have more responsibilities in your life including young children and maybe even a demanding job. Now more than ever, you must truly begin to take care of your health. Not only is it important for yourself but for all the others that rely on you!

Birth Control

Birth Control

  • The Pill – can be taken from 30 to 34, but not recommended after age 35.
  • Condom – Inexpensive but not recommended as only form of birth control
  • Vaginal Ring – Used for three weeks at a time.
  • Diaphragm – Must be fitted at doctor's office
  • IUD – Excellent choice if in your thirties and have already had children. Good for 10 years and 99% effective.
  • Patch – Good for one week at a time.
  • Implant – A choice if you have already had your children because it lasts up to 3 years and is nearly 100% effective.
  • Sterilization – If you know you are finished having children or do not want any, this is a great choice for your or your partner.
Gynecological Health

Gynecological

  • The American Thyroid Association states that it is very important to get your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels checked in your 30s. This hormone is associated with weight changes.
  • The 30s or later is the time of life when 25% of women get pregnant according to the CDC. If you begin having trouble conceiving, talk to your OB/GYN about possible infertility testing.
  • A pap smear in your 30s can be conducted every 3 years provided you have had 3 consecutive normal ones.
  • A Pelvic exam should be conducted yearly in your 30s.
  • Get tested for STI's if you are having multiple partners in your 30s.
General Health

General Health

  • A Full check up is necessary once a year in your 30s.
  • It is important to have good sleeping habits, especially with all the demands in your life. If you are having any issues sleeping, please discuss with your physician.
  • An HIV test needs to be done at least once. Preferably you did this in your 20s, but if you haven't, you should schedule a test as soon as possible.
  • Continue a good exercise routine and healthy eating patterns that hopefully have already been established.
Dental Health

Dental Health

  • A yearly dental cleaning is recommended. Twice a year is even better.
Pregnancy

Pregnancy

  • Generally in your thirties, most women feel more psychologically ready for pregnancy than when they were in their twenties.
  • More likely to have a C-Section in your thirties than your twenties.
  • Various risks go up in your thirties including a 1 in 200 chance of a chromosome abnormality after 35. Risk for gestational diabetesrise past mid-thirties.
Eye and Ear Health

Eye & Ear Health

  • A hearing test should be conducted at least once in your 30s for precautionary measures.
  • An eye exam at least once in your 30s but more often if your physician feels it is necessary. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, once a year is recommended.
Skin Health

Skin Health

  • Hopefully you have been using sunscreen throughout your teens and twenties. However, if you have not, it is never too late to start. Protect your skin from the violent rays of the sun.
  • Check yourself regularly for any discoloration or swelling of moles and bumps.
  • A once a year visit to the dermatologist is recommended for precautionary purposes.
Heart Health

Heart Health

  • Your blood pressure should be checked at least every 2 years.
  • Your total cholesterol panel should be checked in your 30s.
Immunizations

Immunizations

  • A yearly flu shot is suggested by most physicians.
  • A tetanus booster vaccine is required every 10 years. Therefore, you should have one sometime in your 30s.
  • HPV Vaccine
  • Meningococcal vaccine is often recommended if you are a college student or in the military.
Breast Health

Breast Health

  • Self Breast exams are vital at this stage of your life as well.
  • Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years. No need for a mammogram in your thirties unless you have a history of breast cancer in your family or your physician feels it is necessary.

The 30s can be a very life changing decade especially if you begin having a family of your own. It is vital to take preventative healthcare measures at this stage. You will begin to learn more about your body and hopefully start noticing when things may not be appearing normal. When you are in doubt, please ask your physician. The 30s is a great time in your life to establish health check routines and set health goals in your life that make YOU a healthier YOU!