Dear Doctor ‘P’ 35

Dear Doctor ‘P’

Send your questions to: pregnant@lntegral-media.co.ke.

Answers are provided Jointly
by our team of experts

Our team of experts – led by

Dr. Blasio Omuqa

Lecturer, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Doctors’ Plaza. Clinic No. 18, Kenyatta National Hospital

Paint issue
I found out that I am pregnant after we moved into an old house that may have lead paint. I am currently eight weeks pregnant. Should I be worried about exposing my baby to lead?
There is a possibility that your home has lead, and exposure to high levels of lead is harmful to your baby. This is because lead in a mother’s blood can easily cross the placenta to the foetus. Even low levels of lead in a child’s blood can cause subtle problems with behaviour and learning. Lead causes trouble when it chips, peels or is removed. Further, opening a window that previously had lead pcjinl on It can release lead dust, which can be inhaled or settle on hands and foods. Some homes (old and new) may also have lead pipes or copper piping with lead joints that can allow lead to enter the tap water. It Is best to get a professional to test your water, the dust in your home, the soil outside, and the paint around your home for lead.

Leg cramps
I am now 32 weeks pregnant, and I often have painful leg cramps especially at my calves area. The pain can be so intense that they wake me up at night. What can I do to alleviate my suffering?

Leg cramps are common in many pregnant women. To reduce the cramps:

• Get regular exercise

• Drink enough fluids during the day

• Do calf stretches before bed tune to prevent the cramps. Straighten your leg and flex your foot when you get a cramp

• Massaging your calf gently can also help.

• If you have severe leg pain accompanied by swelling, warmth, redness in the leg or difficulty walking, consult your doctor right away.

Safe water
Since the onset of my pregnancy, I have been religiously drinking mineral water because I heard that drinking tap water in pregnancy is unhealthy. Is this true?

Studies show that the chlorine used to treat public water can turn into chloroform when it mixes with other materials in water. This may in turn increase the risk of miscarriage and poor foetal growth. Tap water may also be contaminated with lead or pesticides, all of which pose a serious threat to your baby. If you are unsure about your water supply, have it tested by a certified laboratory, to make sure it is absolutely safe for drinking.

Breathing trouble

I am now in my third trimester and my belly is has become much bigger. However, as my pregnancy progresses, I seem to have mere trouble breathing even while performing the simplest of tasks. Could there be a problem?

It’s common for pregnant women to be short of breath. During your pregnancy, there is a rise in the hormone progesterone which causes you to breathe in more deeply. Breathing also becomes harder as your enlarging uterus takes up more space, resulting in pressure against your diaphragm. However, once your baby drops lower to your pelvis as you near delivery, you should have an easier time breathing.

So, it may not be something to be concerned about, but since there are many other causes tor shortness of breath, It is best to check with your doctor.

END: PG35/8