The Singapore Parenting Festival’s medical expert and speaker, Dr. Wong Boh Boi, was thrilled to have the opportunity to share comprehensive information on pregnancy last April 25, 2023. She shared relevant information about factors surrounding pregnancy and how the journey can be of ease for both parents; answering the question "Am I pregnant?".
Check out the key highlights of her talk below:
Mental, physical, and emotional health during pregnancy
Signs of pregnancy:
- Late or missed period
- Exhaustion & nausea
- Mood swings
- Tender breasts
- Food cravings
- Slight bleeding or spottings
Mental health in pregnancy: including uncertainty and possible complications
During the presentation, Dr. Wong discussed the various challenges that pregnant women may face starting from the question "Am I pregnant?", which involves mental health concerns surrounding uncertainty and possible complications.
Mental uncertainty surrounding pregnancy outcomes can cause anxiety and fear in expectant mothers.
Dr. Wong shared that concerns relating to breastfeeding and preparations for delivery were common among mothers, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues during prenatal care.
Physical discomfort related to pregnancy
During the pregnancy journey, physical discomfort is a common concern for many expectant mothers, as mentioned in Dr. Wong’s presentation.
The physical changes that occur during pregnancy can lead to discomfort in various parts of the body, such as the back, hips, and legs, due to the added weight and pressure.
Additionally, morning sickness, heartburn, and fatigue can further contribute to physical discomfort.
As a result, healthcare providers often recommend methods to alleviate such symptoms, including exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest.
Emotional well-being: fear, anxiety, and mood swings
During Dr. Wong’s discussion on pregnancy and childbirth, emotional well-being is greatly emphasised as a critical aspect of a healthy pregnancy.
According to her, pregnancy can evoke various emotions, including fear, anxiety, and mood swings, which can be challenging for mothers and their partners.
Fathers, in particular, have shared their concerns about mood swings during prenatal care.
Am I pregnant? What about the role of the father?
As an expectant mother, there are many concerns that come with the task of carrying a baby.
From morning sickness to potential complications, pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. However, there is one aspect that often goes overlooked: the role of the father.
Not only can a supportive partner help to ease some of the strain, but they also play a crucial part in the pregnancy journey. In fact, inquiring about ways to involve the husband is a common query.
Encourage the mother and be a motivator throughout her pregnancy journey
Encouraging and motivating a mother throughout her pregnancy journey is crucial for her physical and emotional well-being.
As a husband or the baby daddy, you play a vital role in ensuring that your wife or baby mommy feels supported and confident as she goes through this journey.
Being a motivator can involve cheering her along, lending an ear to her concerns, and simply being present when she needs you.
In addition to emotional support, there are simple ways to take care of the mother's physical health, like learning how to perform a simple massage to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and applying acupressure to help her cope with any discomfort, given examples by Dr. Wong.
Learn techniques to help the mother such as massage and acupressure points
In order to help take care of the mother during her pregnancy journey, it can be beneficial to learn techniques such as massage and acupressure points.
In the class, tips are often given on how to care for the mother in simple ways, such as massaging certain areas of the body.
Specifically, massage on the arms can be important because the mother will need to carry the baby often and if not done correctly, it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Be aware of potential risks such as carpal tunnel syndrome that can arise from incorrect technique while carrying the baby
It is crucial for husbands to understand their role in supporting their partners during pregnancy. This can involve being a motivator and a light protector and providing simple ways to take care of the mother.
However, it is important to be aware of potential risks that can arise from incorrect techniques while carrying the baby. For example, carrying the baby incorrectly can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Am I pregnant? Is it just my responsibility?
Starting prenatal care during the first trimester is beneficial
It is highly beneficial to begin prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Starting between the first pregnancy and second trimesters, around 20 weeks, is ideal. It allows for ample time to learn and practice what is necessary before the baby arrives.
Classes are available for both theory and practical application to prepare parents for the real baby.
It is common for mothers to worry about changes to their bodies during pregnancy, including weight distribution.
However, it is important to note that a weight distribution of approximately 3.2 to 3.6 is necessary for the baby's growth and well-being.
Without this weight distribution, the mature milk that arrives in about 10 days may not be quite as full and the baby may not receive the necessary fats for growth.
Parents can benefit from learning both theory and practical skills before the baby arrives
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Wong’s discussion is that parents can benefit from learning both theoretical and practical skills before the baby arrives.
It's recommended to start learning during the first pregnancy and the second trimester, which typically provides ample time for revision, practice, and implementation before the arrival of the baby.
Classes that offer both theoretical and practical lessons can be particularly valuable, enabling parents to apply what they learn in real-life situations.
By learning both theory and practical techniques, parents can be better prepared to address the needs of their babies as they arise.
Which is better for giving birth: natural childbirth or c-section?
“I’m an advocate of natural childbirth,” says Dr. Wong.
Natural childbirth has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. When a mother gives birth naturally, she creates a natural immunity for her baby, as explained by Dr. Wong.
This is the primary reason why it is recommended to opt for natural childbirth.
While it may bring discomfort and pain, there are techniques that can be learned to cope with them naturally, such as breathing techniques.
Medications can also be prescribed by a doctor to help with the pain, with Epiduo being a popular option.
Additionally, natural childbirth can alleviate fear as it provides a better understanding of the birthing process.
The positioning of the baby in the pelvic area and the contractions work together to help the baby descend further.
This process can be further understood through attending natural childbirth classes, which can benefit both mother and baby in the long run.
In terms of the pain…
There are techniques available to cope with them. In fact, natural breathing techniques can be learned in a certain class. If necessary, medication can also be prescribed by doctors to help manage pain during childbirth.
Additionally, the fear of vaginal birth can be alleviated by understanding the mechanics of childbirth - the baby moves down through the pelvic canal, with each contraction pushing them further down until they are born.
By providing these coping techniques and understanding the process of childbirth, mothers can feel confident and supported in their choice to pursue natural childbirth.
The process of baby's descent during labour
One common fear many mothers have when opting for vaginal birth is how the baby will come through the birth canal.
The baby's descent into the birth canal occurs after 38 weeks of pregnancy, and with each contraction, the baby moves further down through the mother's pelvis.
Gradually, the baby's descent continues until it is time to be born. By advocating for natural childbirth, mothers can have a more holistic and natural birthing experience that promotes the well-being of both mother and baby.
Last message from Dr. Wong
“The last take-home message out there is just to support yourself and build your confidence. Have a good pregnancy journey!,” said Dr. Wong.