It is no hidden truth that pregnancy can change a woman’s body in many ways. What many people do not realize is that not only does carry a child mean life-long body alterations, but this fragile state can also push them to have long term health consequences as well. Surprisingly, doctors have not been taking these complications seriously. According to a report published in the journal, 17% percent of women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes and high blood pressure received proper health screening within the year after they gave birth. The women who were considered at-risk from the screenings, less than half of them received the necessary three-year screening done. The study concluded that this was a major setback from the doctor’s end as they deemed these important health complications unworthy of being pursued properly for the women’s health.

Many people do not know that while a woman’s body does adjust to have a child grow inside it, the compromise affects their vital organs, meaning they are immuno-compromised, their hearts are pumping blood for their own body as well as the fetus growing which means their blood pressure is quite high, as well as everything in their bodies go into overdrive. Not only is their immune system, meant for one person, prepping for two, but also their heart, their digestive system etc. Many times, pregnant women develop gestational diabetes which means their body cannot produce enough insulin for the body. The study thus brings up a very important conversation regarding women’s healthcare and the lack of infrastructure meant to support new moms and women who have gone through pregnancy already.

Insufficient Post-Pregnancy Screening

After a difficult pregnancy, doctors should check a woman's health to see if she's at risk for heart problems. But sadly, this often doesn't happen. Many women who had diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy don't get the tests they need. This means things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels aren't checked like they should be. This is a problem because these tests can find early signs of heart disease. If these signs are missed, women might not get the help they need to stay healthy. This lack of screening puts women’s long term health in jeopardy.

It's really important for women to know that pregnancy complications can affect their heart health. They need to talk to their doctors about getting checked. Knowing their risks helps women make good choices. They can eat healthier, exercise more, and take other steps to protect their hearts. Doctors also need to do their part. They should follow the guidelines and make sure women get the tests they need. By working together, women and doctors can help prevent heart problems. The goal is for every woman to understand her risks and take control of her health.

What Are Some Recommendations For Pregnant Women and Moms?

To see how often women get checked after pregnancy, researchers looked at the records of many women. They found that most women with pregnancy complications didn't get all the tests they needed. This means many women are missing out on important health checks. The study also found that family doctors are the ones who usually order these tests. So, it's important to help family doctors do a better job of screening women. Health complications during pregnancy may be common, but that does not mean they should be ignored. Doctors should help new moms know what are some common health issues that can happen due to pregnancy. According to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, these are the common complications during pregnancy you should know of.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: Narrowed arteries increase pressure, hindering placental blood flow, impacting fetal growth, and raising risks of preterm labor and preeclampsia.

Gestational Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy disrupt insulin use, causing high blood sugar. Management prevents complications like preeclampsia and large infants.

Infections During Pregnancy: Infections, including STIs, pose risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, birth defects, and newborn illness. Prevention and early treatment are crucial.

Preeclampsia Risks: This serious condition, with unknown causes, increases risks of preterm delivery and maternal death, especially in first pregnancies and with existing health issues.

Preterm Labor Dangers: Birth before 37 weeks raises infant health risks due to incomplete development. Progesterone can help prevent preterm births in high-risk women.

Depression and Anxiety in Pregnancy: Common conditions affecting maternal and child health, requiring recognition and treatment. Early intervention is key to positive outcomes.

Pregnancy Loss and Stillbirth: Miscarriage before 20 weeks and stillbirth after 20 weeks can result from various factors, including infections and chromosomal abnormalities.

Other Pregnancy Complications: Severe nausea (hyperemesis gravidarum) and iron-deficiency anemia can cause significant health issues, requiring medical intervention and management.

Sources

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.072067

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/complications

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339

Motherhood is as much a transformation as it is a tenderness. Yet whereas most parents anticipate sleepless nights and diaper changes, fewer appreciate how the first 1000 days, from conception to a child's second birthday, shape a baby's health and well-being for the rest of their life.

According to Dr. Kushal Agrawal, HOD, Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, “The first 1000 days represent a critical window where the brain develops faster than at any other time. Over 80% of brain development occurs by the time the child turns two. What happens during this phase quite literally shapes a child’s cognitive potential, immunity, and emotional well-being.”

This in-depth guide is based on scientific knowledge and pediatric experience to assist mothers, carers, and families in maximizing these critical 1000 days.

Why the First 1000 Days Matter Most?

The initial 1000 days—from conception up to a child's second birthday—are marked by dramatic physical, mental, and emotional development. In these years, brain cells create trillions of connections. Nutrition, love, and physical care at this time determine a child's ability to learn, their immune system, and even their resistance to chronic diseases much later in life.

As Dr. Agrawal puts it, "It's not just about having a healthy baby. It's about laying down the template for future health, behavior, and learning capacity. Every contact, every vitamin, and every cuddle matters."

Before Pregnancy

The process starts even before getting pregnant. Pregnancy planning is not merely a way of life—it's a medical necessity.

"Women intending to conceive should start with a complete medical check-up to tackle underlying health conditions," Dr. Agrawal suggests. "Start folic acid supplements at least three months before. It helps decrease neural tube defects and aids in early fetal growth."

Follow a balanced diet with plenty of iron, calcium, and folate. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and all recreational drugs several months prior to conception. Being at a healthy pre-pregnancy weight and having properly controlled chronic illnesses such as diabetes or thyroid disease can avoid complications for both mother and child.

During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a period of increased responsibility. Your baby is completely reliant on you for nutrition and emotional support.

Monthly antenatal visits are essential to monitor fetal growth and detect complications early. Hydration is equally necessary—10–12 glasses of pure water daily. Freshly prepared, nutrient-dense foods in small, frequent servings.

Light exercise like walking or prenatal yoga improves circulation and mood, while good rest—at least 8 hours of unbroken sleep—facilitates fetal growth.

Don't underestimate the power of emotional well-being," Dr. Agrawal says. "High levels of maternal stress can impact the baby's temperament and risk of developmental delays. Participate in stress-lowering activities such as reading, music, or guided meditation."

Post-Birth

The initial hour after birth—often referred to as the "Golden Hour"—is critical. Get breastfeeding started within this timeframe to transfer antibodies and build a robust immune foundation.

Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months—no formula, no water. "Breastmilk is a complete meal. It provides antibodies, essential fats, and immune-boosting enzymes," says Dr. Agrawal.

Daily skin-to-skin contact, talking, smiling, and singing to the baby promote bonding and stimulate early brain development. Vaccines should be given on time, and frequent pediatric checkups are not negotiable.

6 Months to 2 Years

At six months, introduce soft foods made at home in addition to continued breastfeeding. Gradually add a range of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and pulses. Processed foods, salt, sugar, and honey are to be avoided, as they can injure developing organs.

Be sure to keep feeding hygienic. "Encourage self-feeding, let your baby play with textures, and promote movement—crawling, walking, climbing stairs holding someone who can support them. All of these aid in physical and mental development," says Dr. Agrawal.

Restrict screen time. Instead, promote face-to-face interaction with storytelling, playtime, and exploration.

Why Role of the Family Is More Than Shared Responsibility?

Motherhood is not an isolated experience. Fathers, grandparents, and extended family members all help shape the baby's early life.

A supportive family can decrease maternal stress and improve mental health. Share tasks—from diaper changes to soothing at night—and make sure the mother is getting plenty of rest and healthy meals.

"A smoke-free, peaceful home environment enhances not just physical health but also emotional security for mother and baby," Dr. Agrawal stresses.

The first 1000 days are not merely about checking boxes off a list—they are about thoughtful care, emotional connection, and conscious parenting.

What you do today—what you feed, how you sleep, how you communicate with your baby can have a profound impact on your child's cognitive skills, emotional maturity, and physical well-being. As Dr. Agrawal says, "These aren't just days. They are opportunities. Let's make each one count."

Dr Kushal Agrawal is HOD of Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics at KVR Hospital, Kashipur in India

Among the many rare conditions which are life-threatening, Dr Sermed Mezher, a doctor based in London, a medicine physician and a content creator shared a video explaining 'one of the worst pregnancy complications'.

He says, "There's been a very public case of a 33-year-old woman, who sadly passed away from an exceptionally rare complication of pregnancy recently."

What Are The Facts?

It is called an amniotic fluid embolism, or AFE, which is a rare, but extremely dangerous childbirth complication, he explains. It happens when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream, triggering a severe and sudden immune response. This can lead to rapid cardiovascular collapse, respiratory failure, and life-threatening bleeding due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), he explains.

He says that it is most difficult to manage this complications during delivery, "as it is when part of the actual amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby or some fetal cells actually get into the maternal bloodstream and spreads to the rest of the body." It causes the whole systems inflammatory allergic reaction.

Why Is It So Difficult To Manage?

He shares that it is because, at this stage multiple systems can start failing at the same time. It leads to cardio respiratory collapse, oxygen levels start plummeting, blood pressure starts falling, and also causes excessive bleeding of something called DIC.

DIC is where clotting factors are all being used up in the blood, and the patient can have seizures at the same time.

He, however does mention that it is an incredibly rare complication, which affects only 1 in 40 to 50,000 pregnancies, between 11 and 43% of mothers not making it through the complication.

What Is AFE?

As per the National Library of Medicine, it is a rare but serious condition with high mortality and morbidity rates and is the second leading cause of peripartum maternal death. It occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream.

Cardiovascular collapse is often the first sign of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). It is typically followed by activation of the clotting and fibrinolytic systems, which may lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Since no specific test exists, AFE is diagnosed based on clinical assessment.

What May Increase Your Chance of AFE?

• Advanced maternal age (being older than 35 during pregnancy)
• Expecting multiples (twins, triplets or more)
• Fetal distress (changes to the fetal heart rate)
• Issues with the placenta like placental abruption
• Preeclampsia or eclampsia
• Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
• Cervical tears
• Labor induction medications or procedures
• Having a C-section delivery
• Operative assisted deliveries (forceps delivery or vacuum extraction)

Are There Any Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of AFE develop suddenly and quickly, and often they are similar to that of other ordinary complication of pregnancy, which makes it difficult to detect the condition.

However, these could be the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in your lungs)
• Abnormal heart rate
• Bleeding from your uterus, C-section incision or IV (intravenous) sites
• Fetal distress
• Agitation, confusion or sudden anxiety
• Chills

Have you ever looked at your mom and wondered, how does she do it all? From managing the morning chaos, handling work deadlines, remembering every birthday, to ensuring there’s always food on the table—mothers seem like they have some kind of superpower. And on Mother’s Day, while we shower them with love, flowers, and breakfast in bed, it’s also worth asking: at what cost does she wear this invisible cape?

Behind the warm hugs and tireless dedication lies a reality that’s often overlooked—the silent burnout that builds from trying to live up to the impossible expectations of being a “supermom.” While the world applauds her multitasking skills, very few pause to ask how she’s actually doing. Are we celebrating mothers for who they truly are, or for how well they perform under relentless pressure?

This Mother’s Day, let’s talk about the health impact of this “supermom syndrome” that’s romanticized in culture but often harmful in reality. Let’s explore how setting boundaries isn’t about stepping back, but stepping into a healthier, more sustainable version of motherhood. Because honoring mothers means more than a single day of appreciation—it means empowering them to reclaim their well-being every day.

In many homes around the world—and particularly in culturally rooted societies like India—the image of a “supermom” is not just admired, it’s expected. She is the orchestrator of meals, emotions, and milestones, all while excelling at work and showing up with poise and grace. But behind this high-functioning façade lies a serious health concern. Burnout.

“Motherhood is beautiful, but it isn’t a performance,” says Dr. Tonmoy Sharma, psychiatrist and global mental health expert. “When mothers are forced to meet unrealistic expectations day after day, they begin to internalize that they’re never doing enough—and this leads to chronic stress and exhaustion, which we now recognize as maternal burnout.”

The Health Toll of Being a Supermom

The silent pressure to ‘do it all’ is all too familiar. Mothers often find themselves navigating a never-ending checklist—well-fed children, a clean house, a successful career, cultural obligations, and emotional caregiving—while silently ignoring their own needs. Unlike dramatic breakdowns, burnout among mothers often manifests subtly.

“It doesn’t always look like a breakdown,” explains Dr. Sharma. “Sometimes, it’s emotional numbness, irritability, or a persistent sense of guilt. These are signs that the brain is overwhelmed, and the nervous system is under constant pressure.”

Long-term exposure to this stress cycle is linked to a higher risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and sleep disorders. Emotionally, it disconnects mothers from their children and partners, and ironically, undermines the very caregiving they work so hard to provide.

Cultural Conditioning and the Pressure to Overgive

In traditional Indian households, the mother’s identity is often intertwined with sacrifice. She is applauded for putting her family before herself, even when it means suppressing her exhaustion or mental health.

“Culturally, Indian mothers are conditioned to see overexertion as devotion. But we’re now seeing how this norm is unsustainable—and even harmful,” says Dr. Sharma.

This culture of martyrdom leaves little room for vulnerability or self-care, and many mothers suffer in silence. Asking for help is stigmatized. Rest is viewed as laziness. Saying ‘no’ is considered defiance.

Why Saying ‘No’ is Saying Yes to Health?

One of the most powerful steps a mother can take toward her mental and physical well-being is learning to set healthy boundaries. And it begins with understanding that saying “no” doesn’t equate to failure—it signifies awareness.

“Setting boundaries doesn’t mean abandoning your family. It means showing up for them in a way that is more sustainable and emotionally healthy,” notes Dr. Sharma.

That might mean communicating your needs more clearly, declining obligations when your energy is depleted, or asking for help with household responsibilities. Small actions—like taking 15 minutes in the morning for a cup of tea or letting someone else take the lead on bedtime—can begin to shift the dynamic.

How to Start Healing from Burnout?

Self-care isn’t just a trend—it’s a mental health strategy. And for mothers battling burnout, it’s crucial. Start small. Give yourself permission to leave tasks undone. Prioritize sleep. Take walks. Journal your thoughts. Most importantly, connect with someone who will listen without judgment.

“Mothers need to know that their worth isn’t based on how much they do for others. Protecting your mental health teaches your children that self-worth and well-being go hand in hand,” says Dr. Sharma.

Beyond individual strategies, the solution lies in societal and familial shifts. That includes partners sharing the invisible labor of parenting, communities that encourage rest without guilt, and workplaces that understand the invisible workload carried by mothers.

“The idea that mothers must carry it all is outdated and damaging,” Dr. Sharma adds. “What we need are healthier systems that value emotional safety, shared responsibility, and genuine support.”

If you’re reading this with a knot in your stomach, exhausted from trying to do it all—take a breath. You’re not weak, you’re not falling short. You’re just a person navigating one of life’s most complex roles.

Being a strong mother doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself entirely. It means knowing when to pause, reset, and say, “I need help.” That’s not failure—that’s resilience. As Dr. Sharma concludes, “Real strength is about honoring your limits, not erasing them.”

Dr. Tonmoy Sharma is a Psychiatrist and CEO & Founder at Merlin Health in India