From conception through the first days of life, early care plays a vital role in shaping a child’s long-term health and development. According to Dr Sharmina Kamal Binti Shamsul Kamal, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), preparation for a healthy pregnancy should ideally begin even before conception.
She explained that women are encouraged to undergo pre-pregnancy medical check-ups to identify conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or other underlying health issues that could affect both mother and baby if left unmanaged. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among young Malaysians, early screening has become increasingly important. Dr Sharmina also highlighted the need to review existing medications to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.
She stressed that folic acid supplementation should begin even before a positive pregnancy test, as the baby’s neural tube develops very early during pregnancy. Taking folic acid before conception offers the best protection against serious neural tube defects and supports healthier development for both mother and child.
During pregnancy, each trimester represents a different stage of growth and development. The first trimester is particularly crucial as the baby’s organs begin forming, while the second and third trimesters focus on growth, maturation and bonding as babies begin responding to sounds and movement.
Dr Sharmina noted that nutrition is often underestimated during pregnancy, despite its importance in supporting both maternal and foetal health. A lack of essential nutrients in the mother’s diet may directly affect the baby’s development. She advised expectant mothers to avoid smoking and alcohol, limit caffeine intake and maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
Among Malaysian mothers, iron, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are commonly observed. Iron deficiency may lead to anaemia, causing fatigue and increasing the risk of poor foetal growth, while inadequate calcium and vitamin D levels can weaken bone health during and after pregnancy. However, Dr Sharmina emphasised that supplements should only be taken under medical supervision, while a balanced diet consisting of protein, leafy greens, whole grains and dairy or fortified alternatives remains essential.
Antenatal visits, she explained, should not be viewed merely as routine appointments. These consultations are important for monitoring the progress of pregnancy, identifying complications early and ensuring the baby is developing normally. Early scans help confirm viability and establish accurate pregnancy dating, while regular reviews throughout pregnancy allow doctors to monitor the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid closely.
Conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can often be detected before symptoms become severe, making regular follow-ups critical for both maternal and foetal wellbeing.
During festive periods, Dr Sharmina encouraged mothers to continue enjoying celebrations while practising moderation and maintaining healthy habits. She advised prioritising balanced meals, avoiding alcohol, ensuring food is properly cooked and getting sufficient rest. Adequate sleep, hydration and pacing of activities are equally important to help mothers remain healthy throughout pregnancy.
Following childbirth, the first few hours are especially important for both mother and baby. Dr Sharmina strongly encourages immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery, as it helps stabilise the baby’s blood sugar levels, supports breastfeeding and strengthens emotional bonding between mother and child.
She also highlighted the emotional adjustments many mothers experience after childbirth. Temporary postpartum blues are common, affecting an estimated 60 to 80 per cent of mothers within the first two weeks after delivery. However, persistent sadness, emotional withdrawal or worsening symptoms may indicate postpartum depression and should receive prompt medical attention.
Physical recovery after birth should also be monitored carefully. Symptoms such as increasing pain, fever, poor wound healing or foul-smelling discharge require immediate medical evaluation to prevent complications.
During the confinement period, proper nourishment remains essential for healing and breast milk production. Dr Sharmina advised mothers to consume adequate protein, iron and fluids, warning that restricting water intake may increase dehydration, reduce milk supply and raise the risk of blood clots.
She also encouraged gentle movement during recovery, noting that light activity improves blood circulation and reduces complications associated with prolonged immobility. Family support plays an important role during this stage, particularly by helping with household responsibilities so parents can focus on recovery and bonding with their newborn.
Breastfeeding, she added, offers significant health benefits for babies and mothers alike, although many women face challenges due to misinformation or lack of support. Early milk production is naturally limited, making frequent feeding necessary to stimulate supply. Education, workplace understanding and family encouragement are therefore essential in helping mothers succeed with breastfeeding.
As families gather to welcome a newborn, simple precautions such as proper handwashing and limiting close contact when babies are still very young can help reduce the risk of infections while preserving meaningful family connections.
Dr Sharmina concluded that with informed choices, proper medical care and strong family support, mothers can navigate pregnancy and early motherhood with greater confidence while giving their children the healthiest possible start in life.
