MalaysianUpdates

Category: Women’s Health

  • Laying the Foundation for a Healthy Pregnancy and Baby

    Laying the Foundation for a Healthy Pregnancy and Baby

    From conception through the first days of life, early care plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s lifelong health. 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 a positive pregnancy test.

    She explained that women are encouraged to undergo pre-pregnancy medical check-ups to detect conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or other underlying health issues that may affect pregnancy outcomes if left unmanaged. With the rising prevalence of these conditions among young Malaysians, early screening has become increasingly important. She also emphasised the need to review medications beforehand to ensure they are safe for use during pregnancy.

    Dr Sharmina further highlighted the importance of folic acid supplementation, noting that it should be started even before conception. This is because the baby’s neural tube develops very early in pregnancy, and early supplementation offers the best protection against serious neural tube defects.

    During pregnancy, each trimester represents important stages of development. The first trimester is the most delicate as the baby’s organs begin forming, while the second and third trimesters focus on growth, maturation and bonding as the baby becomes more responsive to sound and movement. She noted that nutrition plays a vital role throughout pregnancy, as deficiencies in the mother can directly affect the baby’s development.

    She advised expectant mothers to avoid smoking and alcohol, limit caffeine intake and maintain a balanced diet. In Malaysia, iron, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are commonly seen among pregnant women. Iron deficiency may lead to anaemia, causing fatigue and increasing the risk of poor foetal growth, while calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can affect bone health during and after pregnancy. However, supplements should only be taken under medical supervision, alongside a nutritious diet rich in protein, leafy greens, whole grains and dairy or fortified alternatives.

    Antenatal visits, she stressed, are far more than routine check-ups. These appointments are essential for monitoring pregnancy progress, detecting complications early and ensuring the baby’s healthy development. Early scans help confirm pregnancy viability and establish accurate dating, while regular follow-ups allow doctors to closely monitor the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. Conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can often be identified before symptoms become severe.

    During festive periods, Dr Sharmina encouraged mothers to practise moderation rather than restriction. She advised enjoying celebrations while maintaining balanced meals, avoiding alcohol, ensuring food is properly cooked and getting sufficient rest. Adequate sleep, hydration and proper pacing of activities are important for maternal wellbeing.

    After delivery, the first hours are especially important for both mother and baby. She recommended immediate skin-to-skin contact, which helps stabilise the baby’s blood sugar, supports breastfeeding and strengthens early bonding.

    Emotionally, many mothers may experience temporary postpartum blues, affecting around 60 to 80 per cent of women in the first two weeks after birth. However, persistent sadness, withdrawal or worsening symptoms may indicate postpartum depression and should be assessed by a medical professional. Physical recovery also requires attention, particularly if there is increasing pain, fever, poor wound healing or abnormal discharge.

    During confinement, proper nutrition remains essential for recovery and breastfeeding. Adequate intake of protein, iron and fluids supports healing, while restricting water may lead to dehydration, reduced milk supply and increased risk of blood clots. Gentle movement is encouraged to improve circulation, while prolonged immobility should be avoided. Family support is equally important, especially in helping reduce household responsibilities so parents can focus on recovery and bonding with their newborn.

    Breastfeeding provides significant benefits, although many mothers face challenges due to limited support or misinformation. Early milk production is naturally small, requiring frequent feeding to establish supply. Education, workplace support and family encouragement play a key role in helping mothers succeed.

    As families come together to welcome a newborn, simple measures such as proper hand hygiene and limiting close contact when the baby is very young can help reduce infection risks while maintaining meaningful family bonding.

    Dr Sharmina concluded that with informed decisions, appropriate medical care and strong family support, mothers can experience a healthier pregnancy journey and give their children the best possible start in life.

  • The Hidden Kidney Threat That Often Goes Unnoticed in Women

    The Hidden Kidney Threat That Often Goes Unnoticed in Women

    Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often referred to as a “quiet disease” because it progresses silently until significant damage has occurred. Globally, women develop CKD at a slightly higher rate than men—11.8% versus 10.4%—and in Malaysia, this gender gap persists, with a prevalence of 14% in women compared to 12% in men. Dr. Rosnawati Binti Yahya, Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplantation Physician at Sunway Medical Centre, explains that this difference is not always obvious in everyday clinical practice, as most CKD cases are driven by metabolic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which affect both genders similarly.

    Indeed, metabolic conditions remain the leading cause of CKD, accounting for up to 86% of cases in kidney centres. In Malaysia, diabetes and hypertension are responsible for 56% and 30% of kidney failures, respectively, damaging kidneys silently over years without obvious signs. This often results in delayed diagnosis, with many patients only discovering CKD when kidney function is critically impaired and dialysis becomes necessary. Dr. Rosnawati stresses the importance of early screening, as the first three stages of CKD are typically asymptomatic.

    Women are also more susceptible to autoimmune-related kidney conditions, such as lupus nephritis, a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE affects women far more than men, with a female-to-male ratio of 9:1, and can lead to severe kidney damage. Compounding the risk, CKD symptoms are often subtle and easily misinterpreted. Persistent fatigue, lethargy, frequent nighttime urination, and swelling in the legs or face may be dismissed as hormonal changes, stress, or ageing. Blood tests, particularly creatinine levels, may also mislead women due to lower muscle mass, potentially masking early kidney issues.

    Certain life stages increase women’s long-term kidney risk. Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes raise the likelihood of hypertension and proteinuria later in life, while menopause reduces oestrogen protection, accelerating kidney decline. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) further heighten risk through insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, contributing to diabetes and high blood pressure early in life. Dr. Rosnawati recommends annual monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, emphasizing that normal results at one stage of life do not eliminate future risk.

    Early detection is key. Simple tests—a kidney function blood test, a urine protein test (albumin-to-creatinine ratio), and regular blood pressure checks—can identify CKD before irreversible damage occurs. Protein in urine is one of the earliest warning signs, yet many standard dipstick tests miss it. Early diagnosis enables timely intervention, slowing kidney decline significantly. As Dr. Rosnawati explains, even reducing kidney decline from 10% per year to 2% could prevent many patients from ever needing dialysis.

    CKD develops quietly, often without warning. Women, who often care for others, must prioritize their own health. Regular screenings and early intervention are essential, even when no symptoms are present. “Even if you feel fine, get checked. If your blood tests are ‘normal’ but something still feels off, ask your doctor about your kidneys,” urges Dr. Rosnawati. By understanding risks, monitoring key health indicators, and taking preventive measures, women can protect their kidney health and ensure long-term wellbeing.

    Dr Rosnawati