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.
Go Before You Show.
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.
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 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.