When young people are afraid to have children: A comprehensive, long-term approach is needed

To make parenthood a happy choice without pressure, changes are needed from policy to awareness.

In modern society, for many women, the decision to have children is a deliberate choice. Not only for economic reasons, but also because of a series of physical, mental and social health pressures that women face.

Physical health stress

Doctor Nguyen Viet Duc, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuyen A Long An General Hospital said that pregnancy and childbirth is a journey of comprehensive changes from physical to psychological. Women today face many health risks during pregnancy from severe morning sickness, cramps, back pain, constant fatigue, weight gain, cramps... to serious complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, anemia, premature birth.

"Even after giving birth, the recovery process, especially for those who have had a cesarean section, requires time, rest and careful care. But not every mother has the conditions to get proper rest," Dr. Duc shared.

For many women, the decision to have children is a carefully considered choice. Not only for economic reasons, but also due to a series of physical and mental health pressures...

Illustration: AI

Mental, work and social pressure

Anxiety is not only in the body but also silently takes place in the mind, worrying about the development of the fetus, the ability to be a mother, family finances, the pressure of raising children...

"Pregnancy depression and postpartum depression are no longer rare problems. The widespread and conflicting information on social networks makes women easily confused when taking care of their pregnancy or raising children," Dr. Duc warned.

In addition, social expectations, being a mother, wife, daughter-in-law, employee, and sometimes the breadwinner, make many women feel "swallowed up" after giving birth.

"Work interruption after giving birth leads to a feeling of being left behind, fear of losing a job, losing promotion opportunities; the pressure of raising children and earning money at the same time is a reality for many people," said Dr. Duc.

Need for a more comprehensive approach

According to Dr. Duc, to make motherhood a responsible and happy choice without pressure, changes are needed from policy to awareness.

More proactive health policy : Pre-marital and pre-pregnancy check-ups, free or low-cost screenings should be expanded. Screening services, IVF, and painless birth should be more deeply supported by health insurance.

Bringing mental health care into the formal health system : Women need not only obstetricians, but also psychologists, emotional counselors, and parenting coaches.

Flexible labor policy : Protect employment rights for pregnant women, extend maternity leave to fathers to share the burden of childcare.

Pregnancy and childbirth are not only biological processes that occur in a woman's body, but also a journey that requires support from family and society.

Illustration: AI

Extend or flex maternity leave : Allow 6-12 months of leave depending on health conditions. Provide flexible post-natal working policies (telework, part-time, reduced hours). Reasonable maternity benefits not only for mothers but also for fathers or primary caregivers.

Building a community to support mothers : Establish parenting clubs and postpartum support groups coordinated by hospitals or social organizations. Provide knowledge on breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery for both mothers and fathers.

According to Associate Professor - Doctor Do Van Dung, former Vice Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, young people find it difficult to think about having children when they do not have a house and do not have a stable income. There should be financial support policies when having children such as preferential rent and purchase of social housing for young couples with young children, child support...

Pregnancy and childbirth are not only biological processes that occur in a woman's body, but also a journey that requires support from family and society.

Maternity and pediatric health system: Better, but not enough

It is undeniable that the obstetrics and gynecology care system in Vietnam has made great progress. Major maternity hospitals are equipped with modern facilities and apply many advanced techniques such as IVF, IUI, laparoscopic surgery, painless delivery, skin-to-skin contact, etc.

However, according to Dr. Duc, there are still many gaps such as overload at the central level causing pregnant women to have to wait for a long time, and lack of personalized advice.

In remote areas, access to high technology or prenatal screening services is still very limited. There is almost no formal system for maternal psychological care. The cost of modern services is still high compared to the income of many young families.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khi-nguoi-tre-ngai-sinh-con-can-cach-tiep-can-toan-dien-dai-han-185250730075837971.htm