Dra. Ivone Lobo

Obstetrician Gynaecologist · Sub specialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine
Director of the Gynecology & Obstetrics Unit

Mental and physical well-being during pregnancy and postpartum

HPA Magazine 21 // 2024

Since 2016, the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service at HPA Gambelas has been organizing the National Pregnancy Symposium annually to discuss and converse about pregnancy and postpartum-related topics. 

After a hiatus of 3 years due to the pandemic, we held the 5th National Pregnancy Symposium on October 21, focusing on the theme "Mental and Physical Well-being During Pregnancy and Postpartum."
It was gratifying to see the participation of pregnant women in this initiative, and there was an informal discussion on the symposium's theme. We covered various topics, including advice for well-being during pregnancy and postpartum (Dr. Oriana Leça), reflections on "around birth" (Dr. Filomena Bayle), the importance of psychological support during pregnancy and postpartum (Dr. André Galvão), maintaining physical balance during pregnancy (Dr. Silvia Saraiva), care for appearance during pregnancy, daily makeup tips (Mariana Peixoto), and a practical class on exercises for relieving pregnancy discomforts.
Despite pregnancy being a period of happiness and discovery, not all women feel this way, and many experience changes in their mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period (perinatal period). We are aware that postpartum depression affects 20% of pregnant women. Recognizing this issue, our service conducts various screening tests during pregnancy consultations and postpartum visits to provide support whenever necessary.