The Motherhood Health Timeline

From pregnancy and childbirth to the demands of raising children, navigating midlife and ageing, the journey of motherhood takes women through profound physical and emotional changes at each stage. And through all of this, many mothers instinctively put everyone else first, often at the expense of their own health. Yet staying healthy - both to be there for their families and to model positive health behaviours for their children - is one of the most important things mothers can do.

Here, Dr Vicky Carre explores the motherhood health timeline and how women can support their health along the way

Pre-pregnancy and early adulthood: Laying the foundations

A healthy pregnancy starts long before conception. It begins in the teenage years, enabling young women to develop a positive outlook for both their physical and mental wellbeing and to feel empowered to take control of their sexual health. Expanding access to a wide range of contraceptive options means we should increasingly aim for every pregnancy to be planned. Meanwhile, vaccination against HPV means that cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated for future generations.

Pre-conception health advice includes not smoking or vaping, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and focusing on good nutrition. Folic acid - a type of B vitamin - is particularly important, playing a crucial role in early development of the baby’s nervous system, and yet many young women have deficient levels. So, women planning pregnancy are advised to take folic acid supplements, ideally before conception.

Any woman planning a pregnancy should speak to her doctor, but this is especially true if there are existing medical conditions or use of regular medications. Control of underlying conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy should be optimised prior to pregnancy.

Pregnancy: Supporting the body through major change

Pregnancy is one of the most demanding things the human body can undergo. Historically it carried significant risks, but modern antenatal care - with sophisticated screening tests, scanning and careful monitoring - has dramatically improved outcomes for both mother and baby.

However, so many aspects of maintaining a healthy pregnancy come down to simple everyday choices. Good nutrition, appropriate vitamin supplementation with targeted antenatal supplements and staying physically active through the pregnancy all play an important role.

I often think of pregnancy as a kind of “stress test” for the body, revealing future health risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, women who develop gestational diabetes have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Similarly, those who experience pre-eclampsia have an increased long-term risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease. For that reason, any pregnancy complications should be seen as an opportunity to intervene early and discuss long-term strategies with your doctor.

Post-natal recovery: Recovery and rebuild

In the period after childbirth the mother is often overlooked, with most of the focus understandably on the baby. But it is a critical time for recovery. Nutrition should focus on restoring iron levels and ensuring adequate nutrients and calories - especially for mothers who are breastfeeding.

Pelvic floor health and mental health support are two key topics. The post-natal period is emotionally demanding and physically exhausting. New mums should make use of advice from our amazing teams of midwives and health visitors with regards to these areas.

Just as important is avoiding the pressure to “bounce back” too quickly. The body needs time to heal and rebuild.

The busy young-kids years: Juggling everything

For many mothers, the years of raising young children are defined by constant juggling - work, family life, school runs and everything in between. Health can easily fall down the priority list.

The key here is sustainable habits: balanced meals, regular physical activity and avoiding the trap of relying on ultra-processed convenience foods. These choices benefit not only mothers but the whole family, helping children develop healthy habits early in life.

Regular check-ins with your GP or practice nurse are important to ensure you are up to date with cervical screening, have effective contraception if needed, and are looking after all aspects of your health.

Perimenopause: The turning point

Perimenopause represents an important shift in women’s health priorities. I think the key focus at this stage is the heart and the muscles.

Hormonal changes during menopause increase cardiovascular risk, so be sure to have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

Muscles need attention because with age and hormonal change comes the risk of sarcopenia - the gradual loss of muscle mass - which leads to the start of frailty. This makes strength training, weight-bearing exercise and core work particularly valuable. Nutritionally, a diet rich in protein supports muscle and strength, while foods containing phytoestrogens - such as soya products including soy milk, tofu and edamame beans - may offer additional benefits.

Risk of many cancers starts to rise so be vigilant to any changes in the body and seek attention sooner rather than later. Breast cancer is still one of the more common malignancies which increases with age and so regular mammography screening begins at age 50.

 Some women sail through the perimenopause, but others are badly affected by symptoms such as sweats, joint pains, fatigue and “brain fog”. Many women consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after discussing the benefits and risks with their doctor, so make sure to have a chat with a supportive GP.

The grandmother years: Wellbeing and wisdom

And here let’s talk about the bones and the brain. Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) becomes a major concern - a hip fracture in older age can be a life-changing event. Maintaining bone mass through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, alongside regular weight-bearing exercise, is essential. Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for some groups - ask your GP if you think you might be at risk.

Keeping the brain active is equally important. Mental stimulation, social connection and a diet rich in antioxidants are proven to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This stage of life is when you can make time for reflection - enjoying grandchildren and seeing the impact of the care, guidance and love that you have invested over the years being passed down through the generations.

Motherhood asks extraordinary things of the body over a lifetime. This Mother’s Day is a good reminder that caring for mothers means encouraging them to care for themselves too. Because when mothers stay happy and healthy, families thrive too.