How to have a safe pregnancy

In an interview with Arabstoday, Egyptian gynaecology and obstetrics consultant Dr Galal el-Battouti gives our readers some guidelines for pregnant women on how to have a safe and easy pregnancy and ensure a natural and safe delivery. "Pregnant women are advised to relax, to sleep on their back and to take midday naps as well as sleeping for eight uninterrupted hours at night. They must avoid strange positions, such as squatting or otherwise pressing on the abdomen. They should also avoid lifting heavy objects. We recommend that pregnant women wear loose, cotton clothes, especially undergarments to absorb her body's moisture. Low-heeled shoes and some walking, especially in the final months, are also important. With regards to nutrition, pregnant women should cut back on spicy as well as stodgy foods, to avoid the sensation of a heavy stomach. They should also cut back on caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee, and consume a lot of dairy products, such as milk and cheese. Eggs, red meats, fish and clean greens are also important. We advise that pregnant women eat six light meals instead of three. If she is on the heavy side, she should cut back on rice, pasta, potatoes and carbohydrates. We advise pregnant women to put in a skincare regime into place using moisturisers to stop stretch marks from forming. They should also eat vegetables that are good for the skin and contain high levels of vitamins B and C. Apples, oranges and lemons are also good for the skin. They should prepare their breasts for nursing by doing special exercises, especially in the last months of the pregnancy, using cocoa butter and olive oil while doing the exercises. The mother's mental state is very important because the foetus is affected by it. If the mother is under severe mental pressure, this can sometimes lead to birth defects or for the placenta to separate from the uterus [placenta abruption]. The mother's mental stability regulates the foetus' organs, heartbeat, liver and kidney function and the reception of oxygen and nutrients via the placenta. A pregnant woman may suffer from tension and anxiety sometimes, especially as the delivery date nears, but these tension and anxiety should not be too high or else it could trigger postpartum depression."