EXPERTS SPEAK

“Prolonged duration of stress can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery or miscarriage, and low birth weight and developmental delays in the baby. Stress can also cause anxiety and depression, and has been found to contribute to postpartum depression,” says Dr Gauri Agarwal, a gynaecologist.

Clinical psychologist, Kamna Chhiber says: “One must take care of their mental well-being to be able to enjoy this phase,” adding, expectant moms need to accept the emotional experiences, “including feeling anxious and low”.