Washington, DC -- With Mother's Day approaching, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reminds women to take the time to focus on themselves. As partners in women's health, ob-gyns are aware of how women often tend their children, parents, significant others, and even pets while taking a "back burner" attitude when it comes to their own wellness.

"So often, mothers put everyone else's needs before their own, but that can be extremely harmful—physically and emotionally—especially when skipping routine doctor's appointments leads to missing an illness when it is most treatable," said incoming ACOG President Douglas H. Kirkpatrick, MD. "Mother's Day is an excellent time to shift those priorities and put yourself first."

Regular face-to-face visits strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and allow women to ask questions and address health concerns. ACOG recommends that most women 18 and older see their doctor every year for a well-woman check-up. The visit consists of a general examination (height, weight, and blood pressure), a clinical breast exam to check for breast masses or abnormalities, and a pelvic exam to assess reproductive health. The pelvic examination may also include a Pap test. Blood, urine, and STD tests may be ordered if necessary.

The annual exam provides an opportunity for ob-gyns and women to discuss other health problems that may need management, such as abnormal discharge, vaginal itching, sexual dysfunction, or obesity. Routine visits can help women stay up to date on age-appropriate screenings, such as tests for colon and breast cancer. Ob-gyns can also counsel patients on the benefits of healthy eating, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and effective stress management.

In addition to general gynecologic care, women can talk to doctors about age-appropriate vaccinations and immunization. Many childbearing-age women are candidates for vaccines to protect them from flu, hepatitis A and B, measles-mumps-rubella, and meningitis. Women over 50 should consider getting the pneumonia vaccine, and women 60 and older who have had chickenpox should be vaccinated against shingles. All women should get a tetanus-diptheria-pertussis booster shot every 10 years.

"It can sometimes feel like a lot of work to keep up on doctor's appointments, but the benefits of prevention far outweigh the risks of a late diagnosis or avoidable illness," Dr. Kirkpatrick said. "Women can use Mother's Day as a reminder to schedule their well-woman exam each year and establish a pattern of personal health care. Your good health matters, and it's one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and your family."

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