pregnancy
Pregnancy advice is everywhere, but the real dangers often stay hidden. Here’ s why spotting them early changes everything.
Pregnancy may come with an avalanche of advice – some welcome, some unsolicited and some that sounds like it’ s been passed down through generations of very confident aunties. But beyond the well-known warnings, there’ s a whole set of lesser-known risks that deserve attention. According to Dr Mohamed Ghodhbani, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Netcare Park Lane Hospital, many of these issues“ can be identified early, avoided or managed with a visit to your gynaecologist and obstetrician before you fall pregnant.”
Start before the bump
One of the biggest hidden risks? Letting pregnancy take you by surprise.“ Unplanned pregnancies can lead to unintended risks, particularly as the mother might not immediately realise she is pregnant,” says Dr Ghodhbani. Early exposure to alcohol, smoking or certain medications can occur before a woman even knows she’ s expecting.
That’ s why pre-conception check-ups are so valuable. They help identify medical conditions like asymptomatic urinary infections and offer the chance to address lifestyle changes. Dr Ghodhbani explains:“ When women start with a pre-conception check-up, it provides an opportunity to optimise the body’ s readiness for pregnancy by improving eating habits and starting on supplements.” These appointments also create a safe space and a one-on-one consultation allows women to talk freely about topics they might not feel comfortable discussing in front of their partner.
When society complicates pregnancy
Social pressures, financial limitations and cultural beliefs all play a role in whether risks are recognised early. Dr Ghodhbani notes that stigmatisation can prevent women from disclosing important information, such as substance use or mental health struggles. He warns that“ intimate partner violence or domestic violence” is another serious risk that cannot be overlooked.
Economic barriers, from the cost of nutritious food to transport for appointments, can affect outcomes, as could cultural reasons for hiding a pregnancy during the early weeks. When it comes to substances, Dr Ghodhbani is clear:“ Smoking and recreational and illicit drugs can greatly increase the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, congenital malformations and neonatal withdrawal.” Alcohol, he adds,“ is associated with neurodevelopmental issues and foetal alcohol spectrum disorders.”
Oral health is another curveball. Pregnant women are susceptible to dental issues and, as he reminds us,“ maternal oral health is a predictor of the infant’ s oral health.”
Spotting the subtle signs
Some warning signs during pregnancy are so mild they’ re easy to shrug off. But ignoring them can delay care. According to Dr Ghodhbani, poor attendance at antenatal visits( or the opposite, repeated visits due to worry) should alert clinicians
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