27/05/2025

TUESDAY | MAY 27, 2025

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‘Unglowing truths’ of pregnancy

o Experts say expectant mothers go through hormonal changes which significantly affect skin conditions, leading to complications such as pre-eclampsia due to high blood pressure

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

understanding of the physical and emotional challenges many women quietly endure during pregnancy. She also underscored the importance of regular prenatal check-ups, not just for the baby’s health but for the mother’s well being too. Consultant dermatologist and Malaysian Allergic Contact Dermatitis Subcommittee president Dr Teeba Raja highlighted that acne affects up to 42% of pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester. This is due to elevated androgen levels which increase sebum production. She added that other common changes include dullness and pigmentation, particularly melasma, often referred to as the “pregnancy mask”. “Pigmentation issues like melasma and linea nigra, a dark vertical line that often appears on the abdomen, typically emerge in the second and third trimesters, as estrogen and melanocyte stimulating hormone levels rise,” she said. “By the third trimester, increased dryness and sensitivity may occur as the skin stretches and undergoes structural shifts.” Teeba also urged caution when choosing skincare products during pregnancy. an anaesthetic that is used not just during childbirth but also in orthopaedic surgery, abdominal procedures and other operations requiring pain management from the waist down. “The scope of epidurals is very broad. It’s not limited to women in labour. Even children undergoing surgery may sometimes receive an epidural, although the technique is different,” she told Bernama. Azarinah, who is also a consultant anaesthesiologist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, said epidural injections are more commonly used among women in labour as they have early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough), before completing the vaccination schedule. “International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby,” he said at the National-Level Immunisation Day celebration held here yesterday. He said although the ministry does

PETALING JAYA: The glow of pregnancy is a common cliche – one that rarely reflects the full truth. For some women, the journey to motherhood comes with painful, unspoken changes. A 28-year-old marketing manager, who wants to be known only as Farah, is one of them. Now eight months pregnant, she is grappling with a rare skin disorder that has transformed her appearance, challenging her confidence. “The first change I noticed was when my skincare routine stopped working. “I started waking up every morning with new pustule-type acne and my skin looked sunburnt and felt extremely itchy. I didn’t even know then that I was pregnant,” she said. But the changes didn’t stop there. By her fourth month, Farah noticed deepening smile lines. By the sixth, frown lines began to appear and became more pronounced each week. “I read so many articles and knew there wasn’t much that could be done during pregnancy,” she said. “I talked to my husband about my insecurities, and he reminded me that this was only temporary. He supported me in every way he could.” Farah hopes that by sharing her story, more people will gain a deeper KUALA LUMPUR: The use of epidurals as an anaesthetic during childbirth came under the spotlight on social media recently with some netizens equating the procedure to a “cheat code” to avoid pain during delivery. This not only caused discomfort among mothers but also reflected a lack of understanding about a medical procedure that has long been used, not only in obstetrics, but also in other types of surgeries. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Azarinah Izaham said an epidural is

avoided due to its high systemic absorption, and salicylic acid should be used with caution, especially in high concentrations or oral forms.” Instead, she advised using non comedogenic, hydrating cleansers to avoid clogged pores while maintaining skin health. “Azelaic acid and niacinamide are mild enough to treat acne and pigmentation safely. “Daily vitamin C serums and broad spectrum sunscreen are essential for protecting against UV-induced damage. Always stay hydrated both inside and out with barrier-repairing moisturisers.” She also reassured expectant mothers that most pregnancy-related skin concerns are temporary. “Acne usually resolves within a few months postpartum. Melasma may take longer to fade and, in some cases, may persist. But skin hydration and elasticity typically return over time with proper postpartum care.” Farah, now eight months pregnant, is grappling with a rare skin disorder. – COURTESY PIC become the gold standard for managing pain during childbirth. “The anaesthetic medication delivered through an epidural injection acts directly to block the transmission of pain signals, helping to reduce pain. This differs from taking painkillers like opiates, which have a more generalised effect and do not specifically target the nerves responsible for labour contractions,” she said. Although epidurals do not always completely eliminate pain (mothers may still feel uterine contractions), Azarinah said the anaesthetic still provides greater comfort and helps

Farah before pregnancy. – COURTESY PIC

throughout their pregnancy journey. “It’s important to remember that these skin changes are normal, natural and largely reversible.” Universiti Putra Malaysia Obstetrics & Gynaecology clinical lecturer Dr Nurul Iftida Basri said hormonal changes during pregnancy can significantly affect the skin – from acne and hyperpigmentation to dryness and even early signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. Nurul Iftida warned that certain symptoms, like facial swelling, could signal more serious complications such as pre-eclampsia, a condition caused by high blood pressure that leads to excessive water retention. She also said stress and lack of sleep can further aggravate these skin conditions. Support from partners and loved ones plays a vital role in how women cope. maintain the emotional and physical wellbeing of the mother. “When the mother is not stressed, she becomes calmer, more comfortable and has more energy for the birthing process,” she said. However, she added, epidurals are not suitable for everyone, especially patients with blood clotting disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medication. Nur Syuhadah Yusof, 33, recalled her experience about eight years ago when she chose to receive an epidural injection during childbirth. She said the procedure did indeed reduce the level of pain she experienced. aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. As of yesterday, a total of 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at the ministry’s facilities, he added. Dzulkefly said the national immunisation policy is regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines. – Bernama

Beware of fake Mujamalah visa offers MECCA: The Pilgrims’Fund Board or Tabung Haji (TH) takes seriously the rise in fraudulent offers of Mujamalah visas (invitational haj visas), which are now actively being promoted by irresponsible parties through various social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Its director ( haj operators) Anuar Ahmad advised those who obtain the visa to register and perform the pilgrimage through any of the 37 haj pilgrimage organisers licensed by Tabung Haji under Section 28 of the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535) to safeguard their welfare and ensure a smooth pilgrimage. “If the Mujamalah visa is offered by a company or individual not listed among the 37 licensed organisers, it poses a big risk. “TH does not know the capabilities of the parties concerned, the location of the pilgrims’ accommodation, nor the form of service that will be provided. What’s more concerning is that these parties are not subject to any supervision or monitoring by TH. “We urge the public not to be easily deceived by dubious haj offers, especially those offering prices that are too cheap or too expensive. Avoid making any advance payments or deposits without official confirmation from TH,” he said. Anuar added that the issuance of Mujamalah visas is the sole prerogative of the Saudi Arabian government and falls outside Malaysia’s official haj quota. He also gave an assurance that TH would continue to strengthen comprehensive monitoring of the operations of the 37 organisers for this year’s haj season, compared with 25 last year, to ensure the welfare of pilgrims. – Bernama

“Pregnant women should avoid retinoids, both topical and oral, as they have been linked to teratogenic effects,” she warned. “Hydroquinone should also be ‘Epidurals used in other surgeries, not just for childbirth’ Above all, she encouraged women to show themselves compassion She recommended that expectant mothers maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, avoid oily foods and use gentle moisturisers to manage dryness and prevent stretch marks.

Ministry offers free Tday jabs for expectant mothers PUTRAJAYA: The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation starting yesterday. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Tdap vaccination is being offered at all its primary health facilities that provide maternal health services nationwide. “This vaccine is aimed at providing not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are, however, strongly encouraged to do so. He said in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the ministry had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18, targeting those