In this article, Dr. Ghina Ghazeeri –  Professor, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, and Head of the REI – IVF division at the American University of Beirut Medical Center – explores how the current situation has affected expectant mothers and couples trying to conceive. Dr. Ghazeeri also shares a poignant story of a patient’s experience over the past few weeks.

“The war has taken an immense psychological toll on everyone,” Dr. Ghazeeri explains. Over 80% of patients consulted in the past month have reported symptoms of psychological distress. This burden extends to healthcare workers and hospital staff, who, despite the challenges, continue their mission while bearing this heavy psychological weight.

“The psychological state of patients can significantly affect their health—especially for expectant mothers. In just one day, I witnessed five sudden miscarriages,” Dr. Ghazeeri shares. There has also been a halt in all fertilization treatments. Couples trying to conceive have completely put their plans on hold, losing precious time and money. ‘Everyone is in survival mode, couples are no longer able to plan for their future, which is very alarming…”

The Touching Story of Lamis*

In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Ghazeeri shared a personal experience involving a patient she has been following up for the past month. The expectant mother, Lamis, was nine months pregnant when Israeli airstrikes hit her home, leaving her, her husband, and their future child homeless and displaced.

“We lost all the baby’s clothes…” the soon-to-be father kept repeating. Dr. Ghazeeri comforted them, explaining that as long as mother and baby were safe, everything else was secondary.

A few nights later, Dr. Ghazeeri received an emergency call—Lamis was heavily bleeding, and both mother and baby were at risk. Seven minutes later, Dr. Ghazeeri arrived at the hospital, performed an emergency C-section, and safely delivered the baby. In the video, she narrates the emotional rollercoaster that both she and the expectant family experienced during such difficult times, reinforcing her commitment to her medical mission.

Potential of Community Support in Maternal Care

“When I posted that video, I did not expect such a reaction from people online. I received dozens of comments and calls from individuals wanting to donate clothes for the baby and support the family in any way possible,” Dr. Ghazeeri elaborates.

Unfortunately, Lamis’ case is just one of possibly hundreds that remain undocumented amidst this war. The experience of life and birth is already challenging, and it is now compounded with military violence and constant shelling. “There are more people than we think going through the exact same thing, and we need to find more solutions to support them” reflects Dr. Ghazeeri.

As a way forward, she is contemplating creating a network of expectant mothers to provide mental and physical support during pregnancy in times of war. This type of support would be helpful to expectant couples, leveraging their common experiences to navigate the unknown path of parenthood and pregnancy in times of war.

“We all want to help each other—we cannot let what we are going through divide us,” asserts Dr. Ghazeeri. “Regardless of our beliefs, faith, region, or cultural background, we will stand united and continue our mission—saving lives one step at a time, often starting with just a little bit of mental and emotional support.”

As gruesome days persist, new challenges are continually unveiled, affecting those most vulnerable in our communities. Personal initiatives continue to bear the weight and consequences of this war, contributing and supporting the most vulnerable of our community. How much longer can civil society efforts bridge the gap? As I imagine what the post-war social landscape could look like, I begin to wonder on potentials of civil society in not only responding, but also rebuilding Lebanon.

Tala Nassif

Tala Nassif holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Development Studies – Labour, Activism, and Global Commodity Chains – from SOAS University of London. Specialized in international development and economic empowerment, Tala currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB.