Nurturing life: Ensuring healthy beginnings for a hopeful future
Every year on April 7, the world unites to observe World Health Day, raising awareness about crucial health issues. In 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) spotlights the theme 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', emphasising the importance of maternal and newborn care.
With nearly 295,000 women losing their lives annually from pregnancy-related complications and 2.4 million newborns lost within their first month, access to quality healthcare is vital. However, with better awareness, timely medical intervention, and quality healthcare, these numbers can be significantly reduced. From preconception to postpartum care, ensuring safe, informed, and compassionate support for mothers and babies lays the foundation for a healthier future. This World Health Day, let's work together to bridge gaps in care, empower families with knowledge, and create healthier beginnings for brighter tomorrows.
Dr Anitha Sophia Biju, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), says: 'Bringing a new life into the world starts with preparing your body and mind for pregnancy."
She further adds by saying: "Preconception care helps identify health factors that may impact fertility, ensuring a smooth journey ahead."
"From nutritional support to lifestyle changes and medical screenings, early planning boosts your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you're trying naturally or exploring fertility treatments, personalised care can guide you in making informed choices. Consulting a specialist early helps address concerns, optimise reproductive health, and set the foundation for a safe and joyful pregnancy. Because every great journey starts with the right first step."
The First Trimester Guide: Managing Symptoms, Nutrition & Scans
"The first trimester is a time of excitement and change, but it also comes with challenges like nausea, fatigue, and hormonal shifts," says Dr Nilusha Vadhwania, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Speciality Clinic, International City (France Cluster).
She further explains: "Proper nutrition, including folic acid and iron, plays a vital role in foetal development. Regular check-ups and early ultrasounds help track your baby's growth and detect any potential concerns. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and light exercise can ease discomfort. Understanding what's happening inside your body allows you to embrace these changes with confidence. With expert guidance, you can navigate the first trimester smoothly, ensuring a strong start for both you and your little one."
Your Baby's First Check-In: Why Early Screenings Matter
Dr Indira Venkataraman, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Clinic, Al Muteena (Deira), says "Early screenings during pregnancy are crucial for monitoring foetal health and identifying any developmental concerns."
"Tests like ultrasound scans, genetic screenings, and blood work help detect conditions early, allowing for timely interventions if needed. These screenings also provide reassurance, giving parents insight into their baby's well-being. Regular check-ups track growth, organ development, and overall progress, ensuring that both mother and baby receive the best care. By staying proactive with prenatal screenings, you take an essential step toward a smooth pregnancy and a healthy delivery, giving your little one the best possible start in life."
Postpartum Recovery: Understanding Your Body After Birth
Dr Namitha Abhilash, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Clinic, Al Butina (Sharjah), says: "The postpartum period is a time of healing and adjustment, both physically and emotionally. Your body undergoes significant changes, from hormonal shifts to recovery from childbirth. Whether you had a natural birth, or a C-section, rest, nutrition, and hydration are key to recovery."
She further adds by saying: "Postnatal check-ups help monitor healing, mental health, and any complications such as postpartum depression. Breastfeeding support, pelvic floor exercises, and self-care are essential for regaining strength. Remember, recovery looks different for everyone, and seeking guidance when needed ensures a smoother transition into motherhood. Prioritising postpartum care helps both mother and baby thrive."
High-Risk Pregnancies: When Extra Care Makes All the Difference
Dr Sejal Devendra Surti, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, says: "Not all pregnancies follow a straightforward path - some require additional monitoring and specialised care."
She further adds: "High-risk pregnancies may arise due to maternal conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a history of complications."
"Advanced screenings, regular ultrasounds, and close medical supervision ensure both mother and baby's safety. A personalised care plan, guided by expert obstetricians, can help manage risks and prevent complications. From lifestyle adjustments to advanced medical interventions, proactive care makes a significant difference. With the right support, women facing high-risk pregnancies can experience safe, well-managed deliveries and embrace motherhood with confidence."
Natural Birth vs. C-Section: Making the Best Decision for You & Your Baby
Dr Khushbu Bashir, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, says: "Every birth journey is unique, and the choice between natural birth and a C-section is often guided by medical considerations."
She further explains: "While natural birth is typically preferred for its benefits, such as quicker recovery and fewer surgical risks, a C-section may be necessary for the safety of the mother and baby in cases of complications. Factors like baby's position, multiple pregnancies, or prior surgeries may influence the decision. The priority is always a safe delivery, and consulting with an experienced obstetrician helps ensure the best possible outcome, balancing natural birthing methods with medical intervention when needed."
The Golden Hour: How Skin-to-Skin Contact Boosts Baby's Health
"The first hour after birth, known as the 'Golden Hour,' is a magical time for bonding," says Dr Chitra Gopalakrishnan, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Hospital, Qusais.
"Skin-to-skin contact regulates a newborn's temperature, stabilises breathing, and encourages breastfeeding. This intimate moment also triggers the release of oxytocin, strengthening the mother-baby bond."
"Studies show that early contact enhances immune function, reduces stress, and promotes emotional well-being for both mother and child. Hospitals now encourage uninterrupted skin-to-skin time, allowing babies to transition smoothly from womb to world. Prioritising this golden hour sets the stage for a healthy and loving start to life."
Beyond Birth: Why Postnatal Care is the Key to a Healthy Future
Dr Shuchita Meherishi, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, says: "Postnatal care is often overlooked, but it's vital for both mother and baby's well-being. Regular check-ups help monitor recovery, manage breastfeeding challenges, and detect postpartum depression early."
"Mothers need support in healing from childbirth, adjusting to new routines, and regaining physical strength. Proper guidance on nutrition, sleep, and emotional health ensures a smoother transition into parenthood. Newborn check-ups assess growth, reflexes, and overall development. Investing in postnatal care ensures long-term health for both mother and baby, reinforcing that care doesn't end at delivery - it's just the beginning of a lifelong journey."
Aster Nurture: Caring for Mothers, Nurturing Futures
At Aster Hospitals & Clinics, we believe that every mother and baby deserve the best start in life. Through Aster Nurture, our dedicated maternity and newborn care programme, we provide comprehensive support from pregnancy to postpartum recovery. With advanced medical expertise, personalised care plans, and compassionate guidance, we ensure safe deliveries, informed choices, and a smooth transition into parenthood. From prenatal screenings to postnatal wellness, our focus is on empowering families with the right knowledge and care. Because at Aster, we don't just deliver babies - we nurture healthier beginnings and brighter futures. Because every woman deserves compassionate, comprehensive, and convenient care - so she can focus on living her best life.
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