Induced labor – how long does it take? When is it done?
Induced labour is not the same as natural labour. It also differs from augmented labour, advises Dr. David Kiragu. Induced labour does not begin spontaneously (naturally); artificial means initiate it. In most cases, waters will be broken artificially and drugs will be administered by drip to initiate and sustain the process. Augmented or induced labour? Augmentation…
Read MoreExcess Bleeding After Delivery
Excess Bleeding After Delivery Pauline Chola’s Experience Her tenth wedding anniversary was on the eve of her scheduled Caesarean operation to deliver her fourth baby. But as events unfolded, Pauline Chola developed bleeding complications. She narrated her ordeal to Pregnant Magazine. We had our tenth wedding anniversary dinner on the eve of the Caesarean operation.…
Read MoreUmbilical Cord
AN ENCOUNTER WITH CORD PROLAPSE SHE seemed just like any other patient when she was brought into the labour ward. I was informed by her minders that hers was a delivery emergency. I welcomed her and immediately requested her to change into a hospital gown as I took her details. She gave her name as…
Read MoreDear Dr. ‘P’ 8
I am 2 weeks pregnant and breastfeeding. Is it safe to continue breastfeeding while pregnant? There is no harm in breastfeeding while pregnant. However, you need to feed well (eat the right type of food) as the demand for nutrients by a foetus increases as the pregnancy progresses. It may also be prudent to use…
Read MorePost-partum Haemorrhage
In the previous edition of Pregnant, Dr. David Kiragu explained what Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) means, the two categories – Primary and Secondary – and the fact that PPH can lead to maternal death. PPH is largely unpreventable. The majority of patients who get PPH have no history or clinical features that would be predictors of…
Read MoreSleep
Man and woman sleep and share blood, Morning comes and to their duties they go, Night enters and they sleep again, Routines continue and days pass. Midnight it is; the woman groans; Many sympathies with no much ado, woman groans louder; an infant is here. So sweet and lovely; the infant cries, Man lifts the…
Read MoreRejection in Pregnancy
Comment by Grace Ojiambo Executive Director, Crisis Pregnancy Ministries, Nairobi. JUNE’S story may be familiar to some of us. As you read it, you could probably identify with her. Many women who have a crisis pregnancy go through horrifying times during and after the pregnancy which they didn’t really have to go though. Most such…
Read MoreThe Risks of ALCOHOL in pregnancy
FACT SHEET Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is believed to cause complications such as: small body size and weight of newborn, slow physical and cognitive development, small head, limited movement of joints, facial abnormalities, short-sightedness, organ deformities, heart defects, genital malformations, kidney and urinary defects, irritability in infancy, learning disabilities, short attention span and poor…
Read MoreSex during pregnancy. Doctors’ perspectives
Dr. Blasio Omuga SEX in pregnancy is shrouded in a lot of myths. beliefs and taboos. Sex does not have a direct benefit to the woman at this time except for the purposes of cementing her relationship with her partner and as a demonstration of love. Therefore. it should be approached with a lot of care…
Read MoreKeeping your GLOW
PREGNANT women are beautiful, no doubt about it. But in addition to that tell-tale rosy glow (which is actually caused by increased blood flow in your body), pregnancy can also stimulate some less desirable changes in your appearance. You probably expected the weight gain, but did you also know that your skin could become blotchy, prone…
Read More