Vaginal examination — What it is and what to expect
Vaginal examination requires sensitivity Parting her legs to have a vaginal examination is one of the most challenging moments for a woman, especially if it is happening to her for the first time. Considering that it requires you to put aside your privacy for a while and to allow somebody else to ‘intrude,’ a vaginal…
Read MoreUterine Rupture – What it is and why it happens
Uterine rupture is a tear in the wall of the uterus, most often at the site of a previous caeserean section (C-section). In a complete rupture the tear goes through all layers of the uterine wall. The consequences of uterine rupture can be dire for mother and child. Fortunately, these ruptures are relatively rare for…
Read MoreDangers of prolonged labour
Prolonged labour suggests that labour has failed to progress normally, and is causing difficulties for the mother and child. Labour is said to have prolonged if it does not complete within 18 hours for first time mothers and 12 hours for mothers who have had a prior delivery. What could cause prolonged labour? Inadequate intensity…
Read MoreWanting a baby? Here is your preconception planning guide…
Wanting a baby is the best way to have one… Preconception planning does not always happen; it is not a secret that many couples get a baby not because they had planned for it, but because some ‘accident’ happened. Yet pregnancy is a unique and intriguing experience that a woman will ever go through. A couple…
Read MoreRuptured UTERUS
A real life account as witnessed by a maternity nurse Her blood pressure was low and her skin pale because of losing a lot of blood. The baby was getting distressed because its oxygen supply was interrupted. It was an extremely dangerous situation for both mother and child. Alice (real name withheld) was rushed to…
Read MoreSkin changes – Which symptoms should you ignore?
A good man is without sin, and a good skin without blemish.” But let’s face it: flawless skin is like a saint on earth, desirable but virtually impossible to acquire. During your pregnancy, hormonal changes will affect every system of your body. Your skin, like any other part, will not be spared. You may develop…
Read MoreShy Moments 1
Episodes of shy and funny pregnancy moments as narrated by mums and dads… ‘Mum is in the toilet… She is vomiting the baby!’ Some weeks back I naively told my five-year old son that ‘mum has a baby in her stomach.’ He has an annoying habit of picking my cellphone when it rings despite my objection. Two…
Read MoreHow to handle breast cancer in pregnancy
Dr. Shiphrah Kuria explains Cancer during pregnancy is uncommon, but when it does occur it presents several unique challenges. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and once in a while it may be diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnancy however does not have any dramatic influences on the development of breast cancer; the critical issue…
Read More
Safe sex during pregnancy — Know when to stop!
Safe sex during pregnancy is generally recommended, but you should know when to stop! Contrary to common belief, you can have safe sex during pregnancy whenever you choose to. Yes, throughout pregnancy. Safe sex during pregnancy cannot harm you or your baby unless there are other factors involved. There are three useful tips on this matter:…
Read More