Pregnancy is a significant phase in a woman's life, marking the beginning of a new life and bringing substantial physical and emotional changes. In the latest episode of RS Marzoeki Mahdi’s podcast, Dr. Beta Andewi, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, highlighted the importance of physical and mental health support during pregnancy. RS Marzoeki Mahdi is one of the hospitals in Indonesia pioneering the Perinatal Mental Health Care (PMHC) program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at monitoring and supporting the mental health of pregnant women.

1. The Importance of Mental and Physical Health

According to Dr. Beta, pregnancy is not only a physical journey but also a psychological challenge. Mothers who can maintain their mental and physical health during pregnancy have a greater chance of having a smooth delivery. The PMHC program at RS Marzoeki Mahdi takes a multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatry, nutritionists, and midwives to ensure comprehensive support for pregnant women. The program, adapted from King’s College London, monitors the mental condition of pregnant women from 20 weeks of pregnancy until the child reaches one year old, helping reduce the risk of mental disorders such as depression or anxiety during and after pregnancy.

2. Regular Antenatal Care (ANC) Checkups

Dr. Beta explained that antenatal care (ANC) checkups are crucial to ensuring the healthy development of the fetus. Ideally, pregnant women should undergo checkups at least once during the first trimester, twice during the second trimester, and three times during the third trimester. At RS Marzoeki Mahdi, every pregnant woman undergoing checkups receives a maternal and child health book, serving as a guide to monitor the health status of both the mother and the fetus.

3. Balanced Nutrition and Diet

Adequate and balanced nutrition is a crucial element of pregnancy. Dr. Beta highlighted the importance of consuming protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and diverse, nutritious, yet affordable foods such as milkfish, catfish, or gourami. Pregnant women are also advised to eat small but frequent meals, with three main meals and three healthy snacks per day. This eating pattern helps meet the energy needs of both the mother and fetus while preventing health issues like gestational diabetes.

4. Physical Activity and Exercise

Despite many myths about pregnant women avoiding movement, Dr. Beta emphasized the importance of light physical activities such as walking or swimming to maintain fitness. Regular physical activity helps control weight and reduces the risk of complications such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Pregnant women only need to adjust the type and intensity of activities according to their physical condition. For example, if the placenta is low-lying, physical activity needs to be limited to avoid the risk of bleeding.

5. Mental Health and Social Support

Mental health is a vital aspect of the pregnancy journey. Dr. Beta pointed out that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect a mother’s mood, potentially causing anxiety or excessive stress. To address this, RS Marzoeki Mahdi provides counseling services and peer groups for pregnant women who feel anxious or need additional support. The presence of supportive family members and partners also plays a significant role in maintaining the emotional stability of pregnant women, reducing the risk of postpartum mental disorders such as baby blues or postpartum depression.

6. Innovations in Maternal and Child Health Services

RS Marzoeki Mahdi also offers additional services such as 4D ultrasounds and pain-minimizing methods for cesarean sections. The 4D ultrasound allows parents to see the baby’s face in greater detail, while the new cesarean techniques help mothers recover faster and enable movement within six hours post-surgery. These innovations aim to provide a safe and comfortable experience for pregnant women during childbirth.

Conclusion

A healthy pregnancy results from multidisciplinary support encompassing physical health, mental health, and social support. Through the PMHC program, RS Marzoeki Mahdi provides comprehensive assistance, making pregnancy a joyful, safe, and healthy journey for both mother and baby.