In a statement, the ministry said the four websites were among 10 that had been flagged in complaints raised on social media.

It said investigations and follow-up actions are ongoing for the remaining six websites.

The ministry said it will continue to monitor the online advertising and promotion of tobacco products, as well as the sale of vape products.

“As of April 30, a total of 2,595 investigation papers had been opened for various offences under Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Act,” it said in a statement.

Sections 7 to 10 of the Act prohibit the advertising, promotion, sponsorship and sale of tobacco and vape products.

The ministry said that as of April 30, it had conducted 34,903 enforcement operations and inspected 683,704 premises nationwide since the Act came into force.

Enforcement officers fined 233,831 offenders and opened investigation papers in 4,226 other cases.

The ministry settled 204 cases in court while 398 others are still undergoing legal proceedings. Fines totalling RM1,189,100 were collected from offenders.

On May 30, NGO Al-Sirath Malaysia claimed that “mushroom-flavoured” vape products, believed to contain dangerous psychoactive substances, were easily accessible, including to children as young as 10, based on cases it had detected.

It urged the authorities to strengthen enforcement efforts to protect future generations, warning that weak monitoring had allowed synthetic drugs to spread through both physical stores and online platforms.

Concerns over the spread of these dangerous vape products have grown following a case last week where a teenage girl slashed her throat and wrists while allegedly under the influence of a “mushroom-flavoured” vape.

Source: FMT

KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ Healthcare) said the procedure was led by consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Ng Kim Fong, together with the hospital’s cardiac electrophysiology team, using FARAPULSE PFA technology.

It added that, unlike conventional ablation methods that use thermal energy, the technology delivers controlled electrical pulses to selectively target abnormal heart tissue while minimising impact on surrounding structures.

“As a minimally invasive approach, PFA may offer clinical advantages for suitable patients, including reduced discomfort, shorter procedure and recovery times, and the potential to reduce certain procedural risks,” it said in a statement today.

The technology, performed by a resident specialist, also reflects continued progress in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders and expands access to advanced heart rhythm treatment under the KPJ Health System (KPJHS), particularly for patients with complex conditions.

The hospital also became the first private hospital in the region to perform a procedure using the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (S-ICD), thereby strengthening its specialised cardiac services.

The S-ICD is a device used to monitor heart rhythm and deliver therapy in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias. Unlike conventional systems, it is implanted under the skin with no leads placed inside the heart or blood vessels.

Meanwhile, KPJ Healthcare president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the milestone reflected the continued strengthening of specialised cardiac services at the hospital, particularly the expansion of access to advanced heart rhythm treatment within the southern region.

He said the introduction of procedures such as FARAPULSE PFA reflected how hospitals within its network are continuing to strengthen subspecialty capabilities and adopt newer treatment approaches that support more precise and less invasive care for patients.

“Guided by our ‘Care for Life’ aspiration, we remain committed to ensuring communities can access advanced specialist treatment close to home while continuing to strengthen clinical excellence across our hospitals,” he said.

Dr Ng, meanwhile, said the PFA supports a more targeted approach in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, whereby the technology enables procedures to be performed with greater precision, while reducing unnecessary impact on surrounding heart tissue.

“As cardiac electrophysiology continues to evolve, these approaches help expand treatment options and support safer, less invasive care for suitable patients,” he said.

As the only private hospital in Kluang equipped with a Catheterisation Laboratory, KPJ Kluang has performed nearly 1,450 cardiac procedures, marking the hospital’s growing experience in cardiovascular interventions and its role in expanding access to specialised cardiac care within the region.

These milestones also support efforts to reduce the need for patients to travel to major urban centres for advanced cardiac treatment and follow-up care.

Source: Bernama

Amirudin said health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad gave the green light for the site after it was proposed at a May 14 meeting involving federal and state agencies as well as the relevant local authority.

“The site accepted by the health ministry will meet the needs of Petaling Jaya residents, especially in terms of access, capacity, land costs and distance from local residents.

“The Petaling Jaya Hospital will adopt a vertical design concept, similar to Ampang Hospital, allowing it to be built on a smaller plot of land while optimising costs for the health ministry,” he said in a statement.

Although the site was not officially named, Malaysiakini reported that a 6ha plot in Taman Medan — currently used as a sports complex — has been identified as the likely location.

Amirudin said the ministry would conduct a site visit this week, joined by the relevant state and district officers.

“The Selangor government will facilitate and expedite the arrangements for the land,” he said, adding that the new hospital would benefit residents in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Puchong.

The Petaling Jaya parliamentary constituency is one of the densest urban areas in the country, with a population of 362,290 according to the 2020 census.

Currently, residents in Petaling Jaya rely on nearby government hospitals, including Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Shah Alam Hospital, Sungai Buloh Hospital and the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang, all located outside the city’s administrative area.

Amirudin said the state government had been actively looking for a suitable site for a Petaling Jaya public hospital since 2018.

He also said the state government had been working closely with the health ministry to address issues of access and congestion at government hospitals throughout Selangor.

He said the Cyberjaya Hospital and Tanjong Karang Hospital were built in 2022 with a bed capacity of 288 and 150, respectively.

Meanwhile, the 312-bed Kapar Hospital will be completed at the end of this year and will alleviate congestion at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang and Shah Alam Hospital, Amirudin added.

Photo: University of Nottingham

Weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth decay, infections, and tooth loss. It has also been linked to conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel does not naturally regenerate once it is lost. Current treatments, including fluoride varnishes and remineralization products, only manage the effects of enamel damage rather than restoring it.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering have developed a bioinspired material that could help regenerate damaged enamel, strengthen healthy teeth, and prevent future decay. The study, conducted with an international team of researchers, was published in Nature Communications.

The protein-based gel is fluoride-free and can be applied in the same way dentists use standard fluoride treatments. According to the researchers, the material mimics the natural proteins involved in enamel formation during infancy.

When applied to teeth, the gel forms a thin protective layer that fills small holes and cracks. It then acts as a scaffold, drawing calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to promote the controlled growth of new minerals through a process called epitaxial mineralization. This process allows the new mineral layer to integrate with existing tooth tissue while restoring the structure and properties of healthy enamel.

Researchers also found that the material can be applied to exposed dentine, where it forms an enamel-like layer. According to the study, this may help treat tooth sensitivity and improve the bonding of dental restorations.

Dr Abshar Hasan, a Postdoctoral Fellow and leading author of the study said dental enamel has a unique structure that protects teeth from physical, chemical, and thermal damage throughout life. He added that the new material promotes organized crystal growth on damaged enamel and exposed dentine, helping recover the architecture of natural healthy enamel.

The Health Ministry (MoH), in a statement today, said that although neighbouring countries had reported a recent rise in cases, Malaysia recorded a 12.6 per cent drop in infections to 9,682 cases up to Epidemiological Week (EW) 19/2026, compared with the same period last year.

It said there was a slight week-on-week increase of 0.7 per cent (575 cases compared with EW18/2026), but the overall situation remained under control.

“The vast majority of reported cases involve only mild symptoms that do not require hospital treatment, and no Covid-19-related deaths have been recorded thus far this year,” it said.

MoH said ongoing genomic sequencing had detected several new subvariants circulating in the community, but none showed signs of triggering a severe wave of infections.

It added that the ministry would continue to strengthen screening at international entry points in collaboration with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), to ensure early detection and response to any imported risks.

Covid-19 is now being managed as a common respiratory infection such as influenza, the ministry said, adding that the public should continue practising preventive measures, including good hygiene, mask-wearing when symptomatic or in crowded places, and vaccination.

Vaccination, it said, was strongly encouraged for high-risk groups including senior citizens, those with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, with services available at selected government clinics nationwide.

Recently, Singapore reported a rise in Covid-19 cases, recording 12,700 infections for the week of May 10 to 16, up from 8,000 in the previous week.

Resource persons: Dr Tan Teik Hin, Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician and Dr Wong Mei Wan, Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC)

Thyroid cancer, one of the most treatable cancers, remains under-discussed in Malaysia. According to The Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, it ranks as the 8th most common cancer among women, with an incidence rate of 4.2 per 100,000 populations. Women are more affected than men, a trend that researchers believe may be influenced by hormonal factors, particularly estrogen. While laboratory studies suggest estrogen may stimulate thyroid cell growth, large-scale population studies have not found a clear link between estrogen levels and increased thyroid cancer risk.

The thyroid gland, butterfly-shaped and often overlooked, sits at the base of the neck, quietly regulating metabolism, energy, and temperature. But when cancer strikes this small organ, symptoms are often subtle until they’re not.

Often dubbed a silent disease, thyroid cancer can develop without obvious symptoms. In many cases, a persistent neck lump or subtle voice changes are the first signs. While awareness has improved and more cases are now caught early through routine health screenings, confusion between thyroid cancer and common thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, goiter, and cancer continues to delay timely action.

Early warning signs

Dr Tan Teik Hin

“The thyroid produces thyroxine, a hormone essential for metabolism. Too much makes you restless and energetic, too little and you feel sluggish and cold,” explains Dr Wong. However, thyroid cancer isn’t about hormones. “Most patients with thyroid cancer have normal thyroid function. The cancer is typically a physical growth or nodule within the gland; it doesn’t cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and it’s not caused by them either,” clarifies Dr Tan.

Diagnosis usually starts when a patient notices a hard lump in the neck. Other symptoms may include voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes. Not all nodules are cancerous. Dr Wong says ultrasound and biopsy help distinguish benign from malignant ones.
Unlike many other cancers, thyroid cancer in Malaysia is not strongly linked to lifestyle factors like smoking. Family history can be a factor. “There are some hereditary types, but not every thyroid cancer is genetic. We only test when the family pattern is evident,” says Dr Wong. About two-thirds of her patients are women, which echoes a global trend.

Stages and survival rate

Dr Wong Mei Wan

Most Malaysians today are catching thyroid cancer at Stage 1, often through health screenings. “A decade ago, we used to see more late-stage cases, often Stage 3 or 4. This is a very encouraging shift,” says Dr Tan.

Dr Tan says that about 85% of thyroid cancers are slow-growing, mainly papillary or follicular types, and usually respond well to treatment. But once the cancer reaches Stage 4 and spreads to the lungs or bones, survival drops to below 50%.

Both doctors agree that while thyroid screening is not routine in Malaysia, public education remains vital. “If you feel a persistent lump in your neck, don’t wait to get it checked. An ultrasound and blood test are simple, accessible, and can be done at most clinics,” says Dr Wong.

Treatment pathways: surgery and radioactive iodine

Treatment often begins with surgery. “Once the tumor is removed, we check how aggressive it is. If it’s high-risk, we usually follow up with radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy,” explains Dr Tan.

RAI serves both treatment and diagnostic purposes. “It clears out any leftover cancer cells and lets us scan for hidden spread,” says Dr Tan. For small tumors under 1 cm, surgery alone may be enough. He reassures patients who are concerned about radiation: “Radioactive iodine is chemically identical to natural iodine in our bodies. It’s safe, well-tolerated, and rarely causes allergies. The concern is usually the word ‘radioactive,’ but it’s nothing like external beam radiation therapy”, he adds, emphasizing that strict patient safety protocols are always adhered to.

After treatment recurrence and long-term monitoring

While outcomes are usually good, recurrence can happen, often in the lymph nodes, even years later. “That’s why long-term follow-up is critical,” says Dr Wong.

Post-surgery, patients typically need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. “It’s similar to taking supplements; they are well accepted, and most patients can adjust quickly,” says Dr Wong.

For Stage 1 and 2 patients, Dr Tan recommends checks every six months for two years, then yearly for up to five. After that, follow-up can be based on comfort and risk.

Drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) provide new options for advanced or resistant cases. “These are used when RAI is no longer effective. They shrink tumors before surgery or manage metastatic disease,” says Dr Tan. However, side effects such as fatigue, skin problems, proteinuria, or hypertension must be monitored closely.

The experts added that while thyroid cancer often grows slowly, early detection makes a big difference. “The earlier we treat, the better the outcome, so take your body seriously.”

Zaliha said the appeal would be crucial due to the various legal interpretations surrounding ministerial executive powers in making policy decisions.

The High Court held yesterday that the government’s 2023 decision on nicotine was irrational as it was made without properly consulting the Poisons Board.

Zaliha said the 2023 decision, made when she was health minister, was “a critical step” to bring a multi-billion ringgit industry out of the black market so it could be declared, its supply chain monitored, and taxed.

Liquid nicotine was widely available on the black market, even though nicotine was classified as a controlled substance, and the government could not allow the industry to operate without any records, registration, or monitoring.

“This matter was also discussed in detail at Cabinet meetings at the time,” she said in a Facebook post.

FMT has sought confirmation from the ministry and health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Cases Identified

As of 4 May, seven cases linked to hantavirus had been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three people have died, one patient remains in intensive care, and three others reported mild symptoms.

According to WHO, symptoms developed between 6 and 28 April and included fever, gastrointestinal illness, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock. Authorities are conducting laboratory testing, case isolation, medical evacuations, and contact tracing.

WHO said two confirmed cases had traveled in South America, including Argentina, before boarding the ship. One patient died aboard the vessel on 11 April after developing respiratory distress, while another died in South Africa after becoming ill during a flight from Saint Helena. A third confirmed patient was evacuated to South Africa and remains hospitalized in intensive care.

Old disease, emerging health scare

Hantavirus is not a new disease, despite renewed public attention following recent infection cases. The first major outbreak documented in Western medicine occurred during the Korean War in the 1950s, when thousands of United Nations soldiers developed what was then called Korean Hemorrhagic Fever, now known as Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Although the disease was identified in the 1950s, the virus itself was not isolated until the late 1970s. It was later named the Hantaan virus after the Hantan River in South Korea, where investigations into the outbreak were concentrated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantaviruses infect people worldwide and spread mainly through contact with infected rodents such as rats and mice, particularly through urine, droppings, or saliva. Transmission through bites or scratches is possible but rare.

Hantaviruses cause two main illnesses. In the Western Hemisphere, including the US, they can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease most commonly linked to the Sin Nombre virus in North America and the Andes virus in South America. In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses more commonly cause HFRS. The Seoul virus strain has also been detected globally, including in the US.

Symptoms to watch out for

Infection typically occurs in rural or rodent-infested areas and can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to gastrointestinal illness, followed by sudden respiratory failure. Although uncommon worldwide, hantavirus infections can be fatal. Case fatality rates range from under 15% in Asia and Europe to as high as 50% in the Americas. There is no specific treatment or vaccine, but early intensive care improves survival.

Hantavirus infections are usually linked to exposure to infected rodents through urine, saliva, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is rare, though limited spread has been documented in past outbreaks involving the Andes virus strain.

Transmission patterns in Asia

In Asia, hantavirus spread is linked to environmental changes that affect rodent populations and human contact with them. Cases usually rise twice a year, during spring and the colder autumn-winter months, when farming activities are more common. Farmers face higher risk due to inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings. Weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity, along with urbanization and habitat changes, can also affect how the virus spreads.

Global response

WHO currently considers the global public health risk from the outbreak to be low. WHO pandemic preparedness and prevention director Maria Van Kerkhove said, “This is not COVID,” adding that the limited outbreak on the cruise ship does not signal the start of a COVID-like crisis or a pandemic.

The organization cautioned that additional hantavirus cases could still emerge and stressed the need for continued precautions. There are no vaccines and no known cure for the disease.

Despite the low global risk assessment, countries remain vigilant, with many in Asia adopting a cautious approach.

Indonesia, Thailand expand airport screening for hantavirus risk

Indonesia has tightened health screening and monitoring at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for arrivals from the US, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama amid concerns over potential hantavirus transmission.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Health Quarantine Centre head Naning Nugrahini said the enhanced measures target travelers from countries where hantavirus cases have been detected, according to Antara news agency on Tuesday. She said the list of countries may be updated if new cases emerge.

Screening measures include health declarations through the Satu Sehat app, thermal scanning, and a dedicated lane for infectious disease evaluation. A special ambulance service has also been prepared for transporting suspected infectious cases, she said.

Naning said preparedness steps were already in place at the airport as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.

Indonesian authorities urged travelers to remain vigilant, as hantavirus can spread through contact with rodent urine, saliva, and contaminated environments.

Similarly, Thailand has enhanced screening of passengers arriving from South America following global concern over hantavirus cases linked to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

On May 12, Thai health authorities announced stricter measures- mandatory screening for travelers who have visited 13 South American countries within the past six weeks according to the Department of Disease Control, despite no reported domestic cases so far. Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said no cases of the deadly hantavirus have been detected in Thailand following a WHO alert on the cruise ship cases.

Passengers are required to submit detailed health declarations and report to disease control officers before immigration processing, said Dr Montien Kanasawadse, Director-General of the department.

Authorities have also ordered enhanced sanitation and vector control across all 74 international entry points, including cruise ships and transport vehicles.

Malaysia says no nationals on cruise; ups hantavirus monitoring

Malaysia has confirmed that no Malaysian citizens are among passengers or crew on the international cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

He said the country is closely monitoring the situation despite no domestic involvement, according to his remarks on May 9. Dr Dzulkefly said authorities will continue tracking developments at both global and regional levels to maintain border preparedness and healthcare readiness.

He added that, following direct communication with Singaporean health authorities, two Singaporean crew members on board the vessel had tested negative for hantavirus.

On May 10, Dr Dzulkefly said Malaysia had increased health screenings at all international entry points, with particular focus on the maritime sector, to prevent hantavirus from entering the country. Authorities have boosted maritime monitoring and require health checks for all ships entering Malaysian waters, especially from high-risk areas.

Dr Dzulkefly said the situation remains under control and does not involve Malaysians, but surveillance efforts will continue as a precaution.

Along the same vein, the Penang Port Commission has ramped up precautionary health surveillance at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. While Malaysia has zero infection cases to date, Chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the commission is bolstering ship sanitation checks and monitoring for rodent infestations to protect passengers, crew, and the local community.

He said the measures follow the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and are being carried out with the Health Ministry and other agencies. Health facilities at the terminal are on standby to handle suspected cases, while event-based surveillance has been intensified to detect unusual health incidents early.

Yeoh said cooperation with the Department of Veterinary Services and local authorities has also been expanded to improve vector control and environmental hygiene.

He advised passengers and crew to avoid contact with rodents or their droppings, use protective gear when cleaning contaminated areas, and seek medical care if symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, cough, or shortness of breath develop after possible exposure.

Philippines keeps an eagle eye on hantavirus, prepares broader response

Over in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said it is monitoring developments linked to a hantavirus outbreak and preparing laboratory and border response measures.

The Dutch ship includes 38 Filipino crew members. The Department of Migrant Workers earlier said all 38 crew members were not infected.

DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said the country’s PCR machines, previously used during the pandemic, can be adapted for testing by updating primers. He added that three local institutions also have electron microscopes that can help identify the virus while confirmatory testing is underway.

The DOH is coordinating with the Bureau of Quarantine, which is working with international counterparts under the International Health Regulations.

Domingo said Filipino seafarers would undergo screening and be repatriated only after clearance under WHO-guided procedures.

Hantaviruses have also been found in wildlife in the Philippines, including a strain discovered in fruit bats in 2016 and named Quezon virus.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the approach is crucial as public health challenges are now global in nature, and no country is truly safe without continuous precautionary measures.

“We do not want to be an alarmist, but at the same time, we do not want the people to be complacent by saying that this is happening elsewhere (abroad),” he told reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the National Tobacco Control Conference and Lung Health Summit 2026 here today.

He said the Health Ministry’s Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has the capacity to diagnose hantavirus using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, which is the gold standard for disease detection.

In addition, border control measures at all international entry points have been tightened through health screenings and heightened preparedness at airports, seaports and major gateways by the International Entry Point Health Office.

As part of ongoing preventive measures, Dzulkefly said to date, a total of 22,367 ships and boats have been inspected at Malaysia’s entry points, with 2,421 pratique certificates and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC) issued.
“These measures are ongoing to ensure that vessels entering the country comply with public health requirements and sanitation,” he said.

A pratique certificate is an official health clearance issued by port authorities that allows a vessel to enter port, disembark passengers, and operate after being confirmed free of infectious diseases on board.

Previously, Dzulkefly said hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus that can infect humans through air contaminated with animal droppings, urine or saliva.

He said the virus should not be taken lightly, as its complications can be fatal, with the mortality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) reaching 30 to 40 per cent.

International media had earlier reported that European countries have stepped up monitoring and isolation measures following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius.

Source — Bernama

Resource person: Dr Sharmina Kamal Binti Shamsul Kamal, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, SMC

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this second Sunday of May, we also honor the dedication of mothers-to-be who prepare themselves — mind, body, and heart — to give their babies not only the best start in life, but also the care and readiness needed even before conception.

Dr. Sharmina Kamal Binti Shamsul Kamal, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sunway Medical Centre, said that preparation begins even before a positive pregnancy test.

From conception to the first days of life, early care lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong health.

“Good health ideally starts before pregnancy. Women should undergo a medical checkup before pregnancy to detect diabetes, hypertension or any underlying health conditions. If present, these should be optimized early,” she explains.

With diabetes and hypertension rising among young Malaysians, pre-pregnancy screening is becoming a necessity. Undiagnosed or poorly controlled medical conditions can affect both mother and baby. Dr Sharmina also stresses the importance of reviewing medications to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.

Equally critical is folic acid supplementation. “Folic acid is important even before a positive pregnancy test, because the baby’s neural tube develops very early. Starting folic acid before pregnancy offers the mother and baby the best protection from serious neural tube defects.”

Building strong foundations during pregnancy

Each trimester carries unique milestones. The first trimester is the most delicate, as organs begin forming. The second and third trimesters shift towards growth, maturation, and further bonding, as babies begin responding to voices and movement.”

“Diet is often underestimated. If a mother lacks essential nutrients, the baby may also be affected,” Dr Sharmina notes.

Avoiding smoking and alcohol, limiting caffeine, and prioritising balanced nutrition are essential. In Malaysia, iron, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are frequently seen in expectant mothers.

Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, leaving mothers constantly fatigued and increasing the risk of poor foetal growth. “Meanwhile, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can weaken the bones of the mother during and after pregnancy,” she adds.

However, supplements should only be taken under medical advice. A balanced diet rich in protein, leafy greens, whole grains and dairy or fortified alternatives remains key.

More than routine check-ups

Antenatal visits are sometimes viewed as routine appointments, but they are far more than that.“These appointments help us ensure the pregnancy is progressing well, detect problems early, and ensure that the baby is developing as expected,” Dr Sharmina intoned.

Early scans confirm viability and accurate dating. Most women attend monthly reviews until 28 weeks unless closer monitoring is required. Conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can often be detected before symptoms worsen.

“At each visit, we monitor the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid to ensure everything remains on track,” she says.

Celebrate festivities in moderation

Festive seasons do not mean missing out, but they do require moderation.“Enjoy celebrations, but prioritize balanced meals, avoid alcohol, ensure food is well cooked, and get adequate rest,” Dr Sharmina advises.

Eight to ten hours of sleep, proper hydration and pacing activities help mothers stay well while participating fully.

Recovery and bonding soon after birth

The first hours after delivery are vital. Dr Sharmina encourages immediate skin-to-skin contact which helps stabilize the baby’s blood sugar, supports breastfeeding and strengthens bonding.

Emotionally, many mothers experience temporary “postpartum blues.” About 60 to 80% of postpartum mothers may feel tearful or emotionally sensitive in the first two weeks. However, persistent sadness, withdrawal or worsening symptoms may signal postpartum depression and should prompt medical attention.

Physical recovery also requires monitoring. Increasing pain, fever, poor wound healing or foul-smelling discharge should be reviewed promptly.

During confinement, nourishment is essential. Adequate protein, iron and fluids support healing and milk production. Restricting water intake can increase dehydration and blood clot risks while reducing breast milk supply.

“Mothers should be encouraged to move gently. Circulation improves with movement, just avoid prolonged immobility,” she adds. Family support is best provided by easing household duties so parents can focus on bonding.

Supporting mothers and babies after birth

Breastfeeding offers powerful protection, but many women struggle due to limited support or misinformation. Early milk supply is naturally small, and frequent feeding is necessary to build production. Education, workplace understanding and family encouragement are key.
As families gather, simple steps such as handwashing and limiting close contact when babies are very young can reduce infection risks while preserving meaningful connection.

“With informed choices, medical care, and family support, mothers can enjoy this time and give their children a healthy start,” Dr Sharmina concludes.