Saima Mohsin
CH NEWS
As awareness about pregnancy and prenatal care continues to grow, conversations around female foeticide continue to reveal that social attitudes towards gender remain deeply rooted.
For many families, pregnancy scans are moments of excitement and reassurance. However, doctors explain that prenatal scans serve a much larger purpose than simply seeing the baby.
Radiologist Dr. Nuzhat Harris explained that every scan begins with understanding the patient’s medical history and the type of examination required. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, doctors assess fetal growth, movement, anatomy, placental position, and overall development.
She noted that while parents often focus on seeing the baby and receiving reassurance, scans also have limitations. “A normal ultrasound report does not guarantee a completely healthy baby. Every scan has limitations,” she said. Dr. Harris also highlighted that revealing the sex of the foetus is not permitted and that ethical communication remains an important part of prenatal care.
Adding to this, gynecologist Dr. Sriprada Vinekar said that pregnancy, although natural, is not risk free. According to her, good prenatal care is focused on preventing complications, identifying concerns early, and ensuring the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
She emphasised the importance of regular prenatal visits, timely screening, nutrition, vaccination, and mental health support. Dr. Vinekar also observed that while questions about diet and exercise remain common, families today are increasingly influenced by information from social media and often arrive with detailed expectations and birth plans.
She added that doctors now play a role beyond medical treatment by helping families balance social expectations, traditional beliefs, and reliable medical advice.
Gynecologist Dr. Zameer Ahmed said that although people are more informed about pregnancy today, conversations around the baby’s sex have not disappeared completely. According to him, families with previous daughters may still experience pressure and expectations from relatives.
He stressed that attention should shift away from gender and towards wellbeing. “Please don’t think whether the baby is male or female. Think whether the baby is healthy, mentally and physically,” he said.
Doctors believe awareness and better access to healthcare have improved prenatal decision making. Yet awareness alone cannot eliminate female foeticide. Medical ethics, legal protection, and changes in social attitudes remain equally important in ensuring that pregnancy care focuses on health rather than gender.