5 Health Checks Every Mom Should Be Booking (Yes, You Too!)

By Charis Torrance

Between school runs, deadlines, and endless snack duty, it’s easy for moms to push their own wellbeing aside. But as Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, reminds us:
“Regular screenings are not a luxury, they’re a necessity. The earlier we detect potential problems, the better the outcomes.”

Taking these small steps can make all the difference – for you, and for the family who counts on you.

1. Pap Smear & HPV Testing

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a leading cause of death among women. Quick, affordable screening saves lives.

• Ages 25–65: HPV test every five years is the gold standard.
• Alternative: Pap smear every three years.

It’s over before you can say “speculum” – and gives peace of mind that’s priceless.

2. Breast Exams & Mammograms

Self-checks are great, but they’re not enough. Clinical exams and mammograms catch what hands can’t.

• Monthly: Self-exam in the shower.
• Over 40: Chat to your GP about starting mammograms, especially if breast cancer runs in the family.

3. Blood Pressure, Cholesterol & Glucose Tests

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women worldwide – and it rarely shows early warning signs.

• Start checking from age 35 (sooner if there’s family history).
• Simple tests can detect hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes before they become life-threatening.

4. Reproductive & Hormonal Health

Periods out of balance? Mood swings? Constant fatigue? These may be signs of PCOS, thyroid issues, or perimenopause.

• A check-in with your GP can help you manage symptoms and plan treatment.
• For moms entering perimenopause, early hormonal support can make daily life far smoother.

5. Mental Health Check-Ins

Your emotional health matters as much as your physical. Between societal pressure to “have it all together” and the exhaustion of motherhood, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

• Don’t dismiss feelings of sadness, irritability, or burnout.
• A conversation with a professional could be the most important appointment you ever make.

These five checks are simple, accessible, and life-saving. So when you’re next booking appointments for the family, make sure one’s for you too. Because the best version of mom is the healthy, cared-for one.