Sidra Medicine shares perinatal mental health advice for pregnant women and new mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, to mark the country’s observance of Maternal Mental Health Day this 6 May. 

Dr Felice Watt, Division Chief of Adult Psychiatry for Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine said they noticed increased levels of anxiety in many pregnant and postpartum women as well as their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that anxiety is a normal response to a difficult, stressful or threatening situation, and there are some basic things that we can all do to maintain our mental and physical well-being especially during these times.

In addition to proper hand washing and social and physical distancing measures, it’s important that pregnant women and new mothers get adequate sleep, eat well and exercise regularly. The support of family members is also critical.

World Maternal Mental Health Day is observed in Qatar on 6 May, and to mark the occasion, the Women’s Well-being Clinic at Sidra Medicine prepared a leaflet offering guidance to pregnant and new mothers, in support of their emotional well-being.

These advice from Sidra Medicine will help women manage their anxiety during pregnancy and after giving birth:

CONNECT

Talk to your doctor or midwife via face-to-face or telephone consultation and ask how you can contact them if you feel anxious or worried about yourself or your baby’s health. Ask if they can refer you for mental health support.

Talk with your family and friends over the phone and through video calls. Make time each day to connect with someone you love and who you know is supportive.

Stay away from disturbing social media and TV programmes and request your friends and family to avoid sending you unpleasant messages.

PREPARE AND PLAN 

Some women find it helpful to divide their day into parts: rest, enjoyable activities, work and exercise. Set a certain time of the day for each part. Prepare a plan in case you need to visit the hospital urgently

  • Keep important phone numbers (ambulance service, family) ready and easy to call and let them know they are on your list.
  • Once the baby is born, keep the numbers of paediatricians and family doctors accessible.

REDUCE ANXIOUS THOUGHTS 

Talk to someone. Not necessarily about your worries. Talk about anything that will help you take your mind off things.

Choose an enjoyable activity and allow yourself to be creative – read, solve puzzles, play with your children, cook a new recipe, do craft work, or write a diary.

If you feel overwhelmed, find ways to comfort yourself and remember the things that bring joy to your life. Listen to soothing music, watch an enjoyable movie or show, try slow breathing, prayer, reading your holy book or other books with wise words.

Some pregnancy and/or childbirth-related rituals may not be possible due to the social isolation requirements. Try to find safe and memorable ways to celebrate the birth of the new baby at home. These small activities will help the mother feel connected even if her parents or husband or relatives cannot be with her.

Sidra Medicine also advices pregnant women to follow the instructions from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and call the hotline number 16000 if they have any COVID-19 related questions or concerns.

MOPH has designated certain hospitals to treat and care for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 including pregnant women who have contracted the virus. Please note that Sidra Medicine is not a COVID-19 hospital site and will not admit suspected or COVID-19 positive patients.

For updates and more information, visit sidra.org

Mental Health Services in Qatar