pregnancy
to look deeper.“ We must consider the whole person, including their social, psychiatric and financial circumstances,” he says.
He urges expectant mothers to speak up if they notice changes. Excessive tiredness, not gaining enough weight, feeling unwell, or recurring urinary and genital infections all warrant attention.
The mental health blind spot
Despite growing awareness, mental health during pregnancy still gets sidelined.“ Mental health disorders are sometimes considered taboo, or not prioritised as they should be,” Dr Ghodhbani cautions.
The mother’ s wellbeing directly influences bonding, antenatal care and long-term infant development.“ Without treatment, mental illness can increase the risk of unplanned and unwanted subsequent pregnancies,” he explains. Women also need to tell their mental health practitioner that they might be pregnant, as“ some medications might be unsafe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.” �
So what can we do?
Raising awareness of pre-conception consultations, for both women and men, is one of the most effective steps. Dr Ghodhbani believes that frontline clinicians“ can help to identify patients who might need preconception consultations at an early stage of family planning.”
Technology can help too, as long as the information is reliable. He supports“ the use of social media, mobile phone apps and other innovative technology-based interventions” while cautioning that misinformation is rife.
Healthy habits remain the foundation: a balanced diet, exercise, folic acid supplements, dental check-ups, immunisations and stopping smoking and alcohol. And don’ t forget screenings!“[ The treatment of ] Sexually transmitted diseases and other infections should be prioritised, especially before conception,” he says.
In the end, awareness is everything. As Dr Ghodhbani puts it:“ As a society, we need to be more aware of the taboo, the untold and the less common risk factors associated with pregnancy.”
With knowledge and support, those hidden risks don’ t have to stay hidden, and both mom and baby will be protected.