Moms Enjoy Long-term Health Benefits Following a Healthy Pregnancy

Last Updated 5/3/2022Posted in News, General Blog


Reduced risk for some future health issues as compared to non-childbearing women

May 2, 2022
STATESVILLE, N.C. – Beyond the many joys delivering a child can bring, a healthy pregnancy can also bring long-term benefits to mom’s health. A woman’s body undergoes significant transformations during pregnancy and some of those ultimately become protections over time.

Benefits following a healthy delivery include a reduction in risks for cancers of the reproductive system, including ovarian and uterine cancers. Hormonal balance changes during pregnancy, shifting toward more progesterone to oppose estrogen levels. The reduced levels of estrogen mean that women who have delivered a child have a lower risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to women who have not.

“Supporting mom’s health during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum is critical for long-term health,” said Jamila Wade, M.D., MBA, FACOG. “We want to identify and address any issues timely to support delivery of a healthy baby and set up mom’s future health.”

If a woman’s first pregnancy happens before the age of 30, her risk of developing breast cancer after menopause decreases. Women who have children before the age of 20 also have a lower lifetime risk of breast cancer. Mothers with five full-term pregnancies are about 50% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who have not delivered a child.

Breastfeeding can also lower breast cancer risk and decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who breastfeed are also less likely to develop heart disease or die from cardiovascular disease than women who do not breastfeed. Breastfeeding at least one child may also reduce the risk for stroke in post-menopausal women. Having a baby, particularly more than one pregnancy, and breastfeeding for 15 months or longer also cuts the risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis and reduces the risk of autoimmune disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Women who breastfed also performed better on cognitive tests after age 50 compared to women who did not breastfeed.

--MORE--

Dr. Jamila Wade points out that numerous factors influence each person’s risk for any medical condition, including age, family history and lifestyle choices and these likely have more impact on a woman’s long-term health than her delivery history.

Maintaining a relationship with a primary care physician, working closely with your OB/GYN before, during and after pregnancy and keeping up with regular screenings for breast and other cancers are the best ways to support your overall health. For help finding a physician, visit davismedicalgroup.com.

Davis Regional Medical Center offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. To sign up, please visit davisregional.com

About Davis Regional Medical Center

Founded in 1920, Davis Regional is a 144-bed, acute care hospital serving Statesville and the surrounding counties. With more than 300 physicians on staff in a variety of specialty areas, Davis Regional offers a wide range of health care services. The hospital is located at I-40, Exit 154, east of Statesville. Learn more at www.DavisRegional.com. Dr. Jamila Wade is a memb

 

Exclusive Industry Networking Event Connects Statesville... The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce their upcoming Industry Specific Networking Event , which brings tog...
Empowering Women to Lead: A Resounding Success at the “A... The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce proudly reflects on the resounding success of the 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Conference: ...
Understanding the Latest Tariffs and Their Impact on Bus... The Trump administration has recently implemented a series of tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as new restrict...
Hospital Chaplaincy – Behind the CurtainfA hospital chaplain’s role is to provide spiritual care and guidance to patients and staff, but their vocation extends far beyond couns...
Chamber Connection on Caffeine
Apr 08, 2025
8:30 AM EDT
403 N. Main St.
Troutman, NC 28166
Read More 
Chamber Connection Eat-n-Meet
Apr 15, 2025
12:00 PM EDT
544 Turnersburg Hwy.
Statesville, NC 28625
Read More 
Sip, Savor & Lead: A Journey Through Values & Leadership
Apr 16, 2025
6:00 PM EDT
230 W. Broad St.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More 
Industry Insider: Home & Building Professionals
Apr 30, 2025
5:30 PM EDT
300 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More