Teen pregnancy rates in the US have declined drastically over the last 25 years, says Marla Ahlgrimm, a women’s health expert and author of The HRT Solution. In 2015, the number of live births to high-school age mothers was 249,078, which represents a birth rate of 22 in 1000 in this age group; in 1991, that number was 62 in 1,000.

Marla Ahlgrimm says the exact reasons for the sharp drop in teen pregnancy is not clear, though a cultural shift toward delaying sexual activity and widespread availability of birth control may have contributed.

A racial divide

Teen pregnancy rates vary between ethnicities, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Hispanic girls were the most likely to conceive between the ages of 15 and 19 (41 in 1000) followed by African American girls (39 in 1000). Caucasian females had lower numbers (18 in 1000) with young Asian women experiencing the lowest number of teenage pregnancies (9 in 1000). Socioeconomic factors, including access to education, family stability, and income all play a role in the occurrence of teen pregnancies. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that girls in the foster care system are more than twice as likely to have a baby as their peers in a family environment.

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HIV is a virus that affects the T-cells of the body, which work to fight disease. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women with HIV are more prone to cervical cancer and severe pelvic inflammatory disease.

Transmission

HIV is a virus spread most commonly through unprotected sexual intercourse. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that people who use intravenous drugs may contract the virus if they share a needle with an HIV+ user. In women, HIV is typically contracted during unprotected vaginal sex.
Symptoms

HIV develops in three stages before culminating in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), says Marla Ahlgrimm. Once the virus enters the body it takes approximately two months for symptoms of the primary infection to emerge. These include fever, swollen lymph glands, rash, sore throat, and headache. Beyond the primary infection, swollen lymph nodes are usually the only symptom of the clinical latent infection stage. Marla Ahlgrimm describes the signs of an early symptomatic HIV infection as similar to the primary infection with the inclusion of extreme fatigue, persistent oral yeast infections, shingles, diarrhea, and unintentional weight loss.

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A normal pregnancy results when a fertilized egg develops inside the uterus. When that fails to happen, the pregnancy is referred to as ectopic. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, an ectopic pregnancy is not viable and poses an immediate risk to the life of the mother.

Most ectopic pregnancies take place in the fallopian tubes; however, they may occur in an ovary or, rarely, on another organ. Signs of ectopic pregnancy can mimic other conditions, asserts Marla Ahlgrimm. Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain of any kind, weakness, fainting, or shoulder pain are all signs of a possible ectopic pregnancy in women of childbearing age. These symptoms may arise before pregnancy is even suspected.

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Being pregnant doesn’t mean you are simply “eating for two.” The moment you become pregnant, you are  drinking, breathing, exercising, and living for yourself and another precious life, asserts Marla Ahlgrimm. It’s vital to the health of your baby to carefully consider what you do to your body. Everything you take in, from asparagus to alcohol, goes directly to your unborn baby.

Smoking

Smoking can affect the reproductive system before conception. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that smoking can make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant. During pregnancy, the toxins in cigarette smoke can cause problems with the placenta, premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Smoking during and after pregnancy has been found to be a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a cleft palate or cleft lip. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that electronic cigarettes are not a safe alternative during pregnancy. The liquid in e-cigs contains nicotine and other harmful ingredients.

Alcohol

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there is no safe amount of alcohol that a woman can consume while pregnant or trying to get pregnant. She stresses there is also no safe time during the pregnancy to drink. Wine, beer, and liquor are all dangerous to an unborn baby. When a mother drinks, the alcohol passes through her blood into the umbilical cord and then on to the baby. Drinking during pregnancy puts the child at a greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. There are a number of disabilities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, one of the most well-known disorders affecting infants of alcoholic mothers. A few of these include:

• Small head size
• Hyperactive behavior
• Attention deficit disorder
• Impaired memory skills
• Significant learning disabilities
• Small stature
• Language delays

Drugs

Marla Ahlgrimm stresses that there are no known illegal drugs that are safe to use while pregnant. As well, many over-the-counter and prescription medications pose a high risk to an unborn baby and mother. Cocaine, for instance, can cross the placenta and may cause placental abruption and fetal or maternal death.

There are a number of medical exams that should be performed regularly in order to keep you at your peak health, explains Marla Ahlgrimm. Maintaining a relationship with your doctor and other health care providers is important in achieving your overall health goals.

Dental exam

Your dentist is a vital professional who can help you maintain overall good health, says Marla Ahlgrimm. He or she can help you detect certain health conditions that present with symptoms in the mouth. See your dentist twice a year.

Eye exam

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in detecting and treating conditions of the eye. This includes vision problems, but also more serious issues such as glaucoma.

Immunizations

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, most women should get a flu shot every year. Other vaccinations, including pneumonia, may be discussed on an individual basis. Most adults have been vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, but can benefit from a tetanus-diphtheria booster every decade. Once you reach the age of 60, Marla Ahlgrimm suggests talking to your doctor about the shingles and herpes zoster vaccine.

Physical exam

A quick visit to your doctor once a year can provide you with major insight regarding your health, says Marla Ahlgrimm. During an annual exam, your doctor may check blood pressure, cholesterol, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). You will be asked about your diet and exercise routine and your alcohol and tobacco use. Your doctor may also talk to you about stress, depression, and anxiety.

Breast exam/mammogram

Once you reach the age of 40, your doctor may recommend a mammogram. This is a painless test that can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.

Pelvic exam/Pap smear

Women of childbearing age should consider having a Pap smear every three years and an HPV test every five. This may be done by your primary care physician or a gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Women take note: your doctor isn’t someone you should only visit when you’re ill. Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s important to maintain a relationship with your healthcare provider and have regular well check visits to detect or prevent health problems.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that annual well visits screen for health complications, ensure vaccinations are up to date, assess risk of future medical issues, and establish a relationship with your care provider. The latter is important so that he or she is familiar with your baseline of health in case of an accident or illness.

A few of the more common health screenings are:

Blood pressure

You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. Your blood pressure is written as two numbers – the systolic number on the top and diastolic on the bottom. Ideal blood pressure is approximately 120/80. Consistent numbers much higher or lower than that may be cause for concern, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Cholesterol

Women over 20 with pre-existing conditions that put them at a greater risk of coronary heart disease should request a cholesterol screening every five years.

Diabetes

Diabetic testing should take place for women over age 44 every three years, explains Marla Ahlgrimm. Women with a BMI over 25 are at a higher risk of diabetes; a BMI of greater than 23 may be cause for concern for those of Asian descent. Diabetics are at a greater risk of circulatory issues of the lower extremities, heart attacks, and a host of other health problems.

Colon cancer

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that menopause-age women may begin colon cancer screenings annually. Women under the age of 50 should test sooner if they have a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colon cancer screening is a simple fecal test that may be combined with sigmoidoscopy every five years and colonoscopy every decade.