Pregnant and … Anxious?

Pregnancy brings out a whirlwind of emotions: you are excited yet concerned, happy yet scared. Toss in advice from wellmeaning family and friends and it is natural for you to become anxious and even confused.

To shed some light, we conducted an interview with Assoc Prof Dr Tan Ay Eeng, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and member of Positive Parenting’s expert panel, to get her take on some of the more common worries you might have:

Pregnant women’s biggest question is whether their baby will be normal and healthy. Should they be concerned?

Your doctor will review your medical history and examine you before answering this. However, the chances of the baby being abnormal are very small. Most abnormalities end in an early miscarriage. Pre-pregnancy health screening and medical consultation help to identify risk factors of having an abnormal baby. Once you are pregnant, efficient and regular ante-natal visits ensure early detection and prompt treatment, should your baby be unhealthy. Reduce the risk by taking good care of yourself during pregnancy.

They also worry if their baby will be okay during labour. Are their fears justified?

Some parents worry about the umbilical cord getting tangled around baby’s neck during labour and causing asphyxia.While cases have been reported in the media, do not be too concerned as they are extremely rare. During labour, your baby’s heartbeat and liquor colour will be observed regularly for evidence of ‘foetal distress’. If necessary, you may require an emergency Caesarean section to speed up the delivery before baby turns worse.

What about supplements and traditional herbs? Can they continue taking them?

Folic acid and iron supplements are recommended for pregnant women. However, take only what is advised by your doctor. As for traditional herbs, unless there is proper research of their effects on pregnancy, you will be taking them at your own risk. This is especially true during the first three months of pregnancy as this is the time most of your baby’s vital organs are formed. Some herbs may slow down blood clotting and should be avoided towards the last month of pregnancy, lest it may cause excessive bleeding during labour or C-section.

Some women are even told that their tummy shape is weird! Should they be worried?

Do not worry about your tummy shape or appearance as it does not indicate your baby’s weight or well-being. This can only be determined after your doctor has examined you. Ultrasound scans may provide added information about your baby.