Dr Dharsh’s Dos and Don’ts During Pregnancy

Here are the OBGYN’s top tips to get you through pregnancy safely, and sanely.

DO keep your wits about you at all times!

“Read widely, but be smart about what information you accept and what sounds off. Engage your obstetrician if any information seems questionable. It’s important that you DON’T fall for wellmeaning advice that can throw you off kilter and question all your life choices!”

DO give baby the best antenatal care

“Your uterus and placenta are doing all the work, but mama needs to ensure they get all the nourishment and care needed to help support the growing baby. Give your little one the best possible care with vitamins and clean organic food.”

DO focus on your physical and mental health

“Keep yourself in good physical and mental condition by eating healthily, getting plenty of safe outdoor exercise and keeping up with social activities.”

DO start creating your “village” now

“Reach out to friends who are mums of little ones already, arrange for grandparents to get ready to fly over to Singapore around the expected due date, and start interviewing nurturing helpers and confinement nannies who can help you navigate life with a newborn,” says Dr Dharsh. “It truly takes a village to raise a child, and you will be surprised at how everyone is willing to help, if only you prep them and ask.”

DON’T overplan your labour and delivery

“It’s important not to fall into the trap of overplanning for your labour and delivery with extensive birth plans you’ve found online. This only sucks you into a spiral of an incredulous amount of information and choices that you honestly may not have any control over on the big day. Instead, focus on being mindful that mum’s and baby’s health comes foremost and that, sometimes, nature takes a different path to what we were expecting or wanting – and that is perfectly fine as long as everybody is safe and healthy!”

DO plan for what to expect after the baby is here

“I’m always surprised at how couples get caught up in the whole pregnancy experience and the birthing issues surrounding labour, yet nobody tells them that the biggest fireworks happen when the baby actually arrives!” says Dr Dharsh. She suggests talking to grandparents, doulas, lactation consultants and friends who seem to have it all together. “Ask them about breastfeeding, co-sleeping, growth spurts, how to calm a crying baby (key word: swaddle!) and everything else.”

She also recommends reading up on the postpartum phase more than any other phase. “This is the time when baby needs you the most. The uterus and placenta are no longer there to provide nourishment and protection for the little one; now, it’s all on mum and dad to help her thrive in this world.”

DON’T let COVID concerns consume you

“Stay safe and advised, but do not overdo it! Never give in to fear or anxiety,” says Dr Dharsh. “Instead, continue to enjoy your pregnancy in the COVID-endemic world we are heading towards. As long as mama is vaccinated and keeping safe, there is nothing to worry about.”

If you do get COVID while pregnant, don’t panic. “Our infectious disease and respiratory doctors are absolutely amazing at handling such cases. We have excellent data so far of vaccinated mums with COVID-19 coming through this well, healthy and thriving, along with a baby who now has antibodies!”

Kierauniv International Clinic For Women

#11-48 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,

38 Irrawaddy Road

6694 0755 | drdharsh.com