Latest news with #AmericanCollegeofObstetriciansandGynaecologists
IOL News
06-08-2025
- Health
- IOL News
The rising threat of unqualified influencers to women and families
Dr Bavi Vythilingum Image: Supplied WOMEN'S physical and emotional wellbeing forms the cornerstone of healthy communities. Despite significant advances in medical science, a troubling global trend is emerging that threatens this foundation and undermines the professional care many women rely on. Why women's health matters to all of us Women's health is everybody's health, and when women and girls are well supported, mental wellbeing improves across families and society. When a mother, partner, or daughter is struggling, it has a ripple effect on the whole family's happiness and stability. Women experience additional mental health burdens at every stage of life that men cannot fully empathise with, and traditionally girls and women have had to bear significant struggles in silence. Today, we have empirical evidence of the abrupt hormonal and physical changes that occur when girls start menstruating, during pregnancy, through the childbearing years to perimenopause, menopause and into our senior years. These transitional phases may lead to times of heightened mental health risk which need to be managed for affected women. The dangers of misinformation in women's healthcare A global tidal wave of unqualified and biased misinformation is undermining evidence-based treatment options available to women. This is no longer restricted to the fringe views of influencers on social media, as recently demonstrated in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel on the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. With South African women already at higher risk than our global counterparts for perinatal depression, it is especially concerning that the views of people with no medical background are going viral. Rising populist sentiments are displacing informed medical perspectives in the United States and are receiving attention from unsuspecting women here at home too. As the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) pointed out in response to the FDA panel's views on the use of SSRIs during pregnancy, it is dangerous to minimise the importance of mental health for women in pregnancy and postpartum – and indeed at any stage of life. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The crucial role of medical expertise Every woman has the right to make an informed decision about whether medication is right for her, and the risks and benefits of psychiatric medicines must always be discussed with the prescribing clinician. It is disconcerting, however, when people take the advice of social media influencers and conspiracy theorists over established medical science when their lives and the wellbeing of their children may be at stake. As just one example, perinatal depression can have devastating consequences for both mother and baby, including emotional suffering, difficulty bonding with her baby and, at its worst, thoughts or acts of self-harm and suicide. In terms of the baby's health, depression during pregnancy is associated with risks of high blood pressure, preterm delivery, and babies not growing and developing as well as they should. Untreated postnatal depression is one of the biggest risk factors for mental illness in the affected mother's children, particularly as they become young adults, and can have marked effects on the development of the child. Dr Bavi Vythilingum – psychiatrist practising at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth. The views expressed are her own and does not necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Pregnancy Tips: Say Goodbye To Postpartum Belly Fat With These Exercise
Pregnancy transforms your body in miraculous ways, but shedding postpartum belly fat can be one of the most challenging parts of recovery. Many new mothers feel pressure to 'bounce back,' but it's important to approach postnatal fitness with patience, care, and knowledge. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), most women can begin light physical activity within a few weeks of a normal delivery. These exercises not only support belly fat loss but also strengthen the core, improve posture, and boost energy levels. Here's a safe, realistic guide to help you gradually reclaim your pre-pregnancy strength. Gentle exercises that help burn fat safely Begin with doctor-approved, low-impact movements that promote healing and core engagement without straining your recovering body. Here are the best exercises to target postpartum belly fat. 1. Pelvic tilts This simple move strengthens abdominal muscles without putting pressure on the back. Lie on your back with knees bent. Tighten your core and tilt your pelvis upward slightly. Hold for 5 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times. It's excellent in the early stages after birth. 2. Walking Start with 10-15 minute walks and increase duration gradually. Walking helps improve circulation, supports fat loss, and relieves stress. It's also a great bonding activity with your baby if you bring a stroller. 3. Kegel exercises These help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus and bladder. Contract the muscles you would use to stop urine flow, hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times, 3-4 times a day. 4. Bridge pose Lie down on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips slowly, engaging your core and glutes. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower down. This tones the lower belly, hips, and buttocks. 5. Modified planks Kneel on all fours and drop to your forearms. Extend your legs behind you or stay on your knees for support. Engage your core and hold for 10-30 seconds. Increase the duration as you grow stronger. 6. Seated ball squeezes Sit upright on a chair, place a pillow or soft ball between your knees, and squeeze. This targets your inner thighs and lower abs while also activating the pelvic floor. 7. Postnatal yoga Yoga can be a soothing and strengthening way to ease back into movement. Poses like Cat-Cow, Child's Pose, and Cobra help with spinal mobility, core strength, and mental relaxation. 8. Deep belly breathing Inhale deeply and allow your belly to expand. Exhale slowly while contracting your abdominal muscles. This can be done right after delivery and is great for reconnecting with your core muscles. Losing postpartum belly fat is not about rushing, but about restoring strength, stability, and confidence. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) reminds, physical activity must be safe and tailored to individual recovery. Listen to your body, get medical clearance, and stay consistent. With time and care, your postpartum journey can be both empowering and sustainable. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
