Bahrain-based experts are urging expectant mothers experiencing heightened anxiety and stress to adopt simple, effective coping strategies to safeguard their well-being and that of their unborn babies.
Over the past two weeks, several pregnant women have reported increased emotional distress following the Iranian air strikes, leaving many feeling unsettled and overwhelmed.
However, medical and psychological professionals emphasise that, with proper support systems and practical stress‑management techniques, these challenges can be successfully navigated.
Dr Anne-Laure Renard, a licenced psychologist practising in the kingdom, advised pregnant women to be kind to themselves.
“Having a routine gives a sense of control,” Dr Renard told the GDN.
“Listen to your body. Do some gentle exercises and follow a balanced diet based on your doctor’s advice.
“Speaking about your concerns to a friend who will listen without judgement or dismissing your worries will help. Meditation and prayer can also have a calming effect on your nervous system,” she added.
Pregnancy brings physical and emotional changes and several studies indicate that low to moderate stress is also common. However, chronic stress can be harmful for both mother and child.
Royal Medical Services Military Hospital consultant psychiatrist Dr Haya Al Noaimi said that depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period (perinatal) can significantly impact a newborn, ‘causing developmental, behavioural, and emotional challenges’.
KIMSHEALTH medical centre Muharraq specialist obstetric and gynaecologist Dr Shaista Sariwal warned against psychological effects of loud noises caused by explosions and sirens.
“One of my patients panicked on hearing the sirens and started spotting (bleeding). Another one’s heartbeat went up, leading to the baby’s heart beating fast. We were able to calm them down and they are fine now,” Dr Sariwal recounted.
A Pakistani expatriate from Diyar Al Muharraq, who wished to be identified as Zahra, noted that she has been experiencing nausea and panic attacks, which intensify whenever she hears sirens, or emergency phone alerts.
“I have not been able to sleep in darkness. I often wake up throughout the night, which leaves me extremely tired in the morning and affects my ability to work,” added the 21 year old, who is nearing the end of her first trimester. The sales support professional, who works in the IT sector, has been unable to get permission to work from home, which has not made it easier.
Filipino expatriate Jaylica Belo from Galali has also been struggling with sleepless nights. Whilst being seven months pregnant, she is taking care of her two older children, aged eight and 11, and studying to become a nursing assistant.
“When the siren sounds, I stop whatever I am doing and run to the bedroom with my children and pray. When I panic, I feel my baby moving fast. My oldest is terrified of the sirens too so, I have to stay calm for my children,” added the 42-year-old, highlighting her coping mechanism.
Ms Belo’s experience also reflects the dilemma of many parents, who have to deal with their own fears while putting up a brave face to emotionally protect their children.
Among them is British expatriate and homemaker Nima Yusuf from Juffair.
“The sirens and phone alerts in particular have affected my baby’s sleep and feeding times,” explained the former teacher and mother of a three-month-old.
Ms Yusuf and her family recently travelled to Saudi Arabia and are currently considering temporarily returning to the UK.
A young Bahraini couple from Malkiya, that did not want to be identified, also confirmed that sleep deprivation has been a major challenge for their newborn, who wakes up several times due to the phone alerts.
Newborn babies and infants have also been struggling to adapt to the situation, particularly due to the loud noises caused by interceptions and sirens.
According to Al Hilal Premier Hospital specialist paediatrician Dr Shrikanth R, noise levels of 45 to 60 decibel are considered safe for newborns, while infants should not be exposed to levels exceeding 75 to 80 dB.
“Harm can be caused by either sudden loud and intermittent exposure or prolonged exposure. Noise induced hearing loss is a major issue. Children have smaller ear canals that are more susceptible to damage,” he said.
The expert advised using hearing protection such as protective earmuffs and developmentally appropriate hearing screening after discussing with the paediatrician.
Tips for pregnant women by Dr Sariwal:
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Eat on time.
- If you lose sleep at night, ensure you make up for it during the day.
- If you’re living in a highly affected area, it’s best to move somewhere safer until things get better.
- Reduce the volume on your phone so the notifications are not too jarring
Dr Al Noaimi’s stress management strategies:
- Build a support network.
- Engage in prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Prioritise healthy eating, rest, and light exercise.
- Reduce media consumption and set boundaries.
- Reach out for therapy or counselling if needed.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))