Dear Doctor ‘P’ 24
Send your questions to:
pregnant@integral-advisory.com
Answers are provided jointly by our team of doctors
Our Team Of Experts
Dr. Blasio Omuga
Lecturer, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecoiogist
Based at Doctors’ Plaza,Clmic No. 18, Kenyatta National Hospital
Dr. David Kiragu
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecoiogist
Based at KAM Health Services
IPS Building, 1st Floor, Kimathi Street, Nairobi
Dr. Njoki Fernandes
Resident Obstetrician/Gynaecoiogist
Based at Kenyatta National Hospital
The best contraceptive
I would like to know the best contraceptive method to use. I just had my second born child and I do not wish to get pregnant again soon. I am 32 years.
The choice of a contraceptive depends on many factors; some are medical while others are related to your finances and lifestyle. To make a good choice, you need to talk to your gynaecologist for proper guide and counsel. If you do not want to conceive soon, it could be beneficial to think of a long term family planning method with the least side effects and lowest probability of failure.
Are scan results accurate?
My names are Emily Achieng. I am 22 weeks pregnant. I recently went for a scan and was told I was expecting a baby boy. Could the results change or is the scan accurate?
The accuracy of a scan in determining the sex of the baby depends on how well the baby is positioned. Your care giver needs to visualise the foetus’ organs well to tell which sex the baby is. In most cases your care giver will make the correct observations, although there is always a slight possibility of the baby turning out to be of the opposite sex. Some people take more than one scan just to reconfirm.
Baby’s first kicks
I am four months pregnant and would like to know when and how the baby starts kicking while in the womb.
The baby starts to kick during the first trimester of pregnancy. The mother may however not perceive the kicks until the 16th week (if she has delivered before) or up to week 24 (if it is her first pregnancy). Perception of the kicks varies from one woman to another. Some feel sudden sharp kicks, others feel stretching, while others feel flutters. The level of your alertness also determines whether you feel the kicks or not
Can I conceive and get a baby boy?
Hi, I am 32 years old and a mother of two pretty daughters aged ten and six years old. I have been reading articles on how to conceive a son. Is there anything I can do to influence the sex of the child I conceive? My periods are very irregular so I do not know exactly when I am ovulating. Please help as this is now stressing me.
According to medical research, conceiving on the day of ovulation increases the chance of you conceiving a boy. Since your periods are irregular, you need to look out for signs such as one-sided pelvic pain, which occurs at the time of ovulation. You can also check your rectal temperature and vaginal mucus. We advise you to contact a gynaecologist for further advice and monitoring. This subject is also covered in Pregnant Issue 3. Ovulation is also covered in Pregnant Issue 13.
When does the baby turn in preparation for birth?
The majority of foetuses will have ‘turned’ in readiness for delivery at 34 to 36 weeks gestation. Your care giver can advise you whether your baby has turned, during a normal ante natal clinic visit.
END: PG24/8