KARACHI, Sept 10: A holistic approach is required to attend to the needs of expectant mothers with equal attention towards their psychological and emotional well-being, said experts at a seminar held at the PMA House on Monday.

The seminar organised by the Pakistan Medical Association and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Pakistan was addressed by Prof Shershah Syed, Dr Samina Mateen from the United Kingdom and others.

Dr Shershah in his presentation on “epilepsy in pregnancy” said that the neurological disorder was easily manageable through medication, but a close coordination was required between gynaecologist and neurologist in respect of medication because like some drugs, some medicines prescribed to manage epilepsy could be harmful for the unborn baby. “This must not be interpreted as a suggestion to stop the medication, but extreme care is required to help pregnant women patients against a stressful situation.

“Stress triggers difficult physical as well as neurological conditions and all people, particularly expectant mothers, must be helped to avoid stress,” he added.

Dr Mateen in her presentation on “depression in pregnant women” said that massive changes in pregnant women’s body system increased their vulnerability to depression as well mood disorders. —APP