Dear Doctor ‘P’12

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, Clinic No. 18, Kenyatta National Hospital

Dr. David Kiragu
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecoiogist Based at KAM Health Services IPS Building, 1st Floor, Kimathi Street. Nairobi

Dr. Weston Khisa
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist Based at Hurlingham Family Health Clinic Nyaku House, Hurlingham, Nairobi

Dr. Kituyi Adelaide
Consultant Paediatrician Based at Afya Royal Clinics Uchumi Hyper, Mezz Floor, Ngong Road, Nairobi

I am 27 years old and I have been married for the last one year. I have been trying to get pregnant with no success though we have sex every single day. I know it may be too early to get worried but I am very eager to have a baby. My menstrual cycle is regular. I visited a gynaecologist who gave me some drug known as clomifene citrate 50g to speed up ovulation and fertilization but it has not helped so far. Do you have some remedy for my situation? I would also like to got some information on reproductive health and fertility?

Having not conceived for one year only makes you sub-fertile. Infertility is when you have not conceived after one and-a-half years of trying. Daily sexual intercourse can be one cause of sub-fertility. The optimum sexual relationship for fertility is two to three times per week to allow male cells to accumulate.

Clomifene is a fertility drug prescribed for women who ovulate irregularly or not at all. It can also be used in cases of unexplained infertility. In your case, however, your menstrual cycle is regular.

It is important that both you and your partner are evaluated to try and identify the root cause of the problem, and to enable you take the necessary medical or lifestyle measures. To help you overcome your anxiety and help maximize your chances of conception, it is advisable to consult a specialist fertility counsellor.

I am thirty-six weeks pregnant. Why is it that I keep going to the toilet three to four times each night?

Towards the end of pregnancy the baby descends Into the pelvis. This presses on the bladder and may cause a higher frequency of passing urine. This is especially so if you drink a lot of fluids.

On the other hand, Increased frequency in passing urine may be caused by urinary tract infections or diabetes in pregnancy (known as gestational diabetes).

It is therefore advisable to go for a check up to rule out these abnormal situations, as they may cause complications.

I am sixteen weeks pregnant and with a terrible toothache. I cannot sleep at night because the pain is unbearable. Is there anything you can recommend?.

It is not good for you to remain with tooth pain while pregnant, as you need all the peace you can get to enjoy your pregnancy, and to eat well.

You should therefore visit a dentist immediately for evaluation. During the visit, it is important that you disclose your pregnancy state before being diagnosed and treated, as this will not only help the dentist to accurately diagnose your condition, but also give you treatment appropriate during pregnancy.

I am seven months pregnant and I have recently been running out of breath often. I neither undertake any tedious work, nor walk long distances. Could there be a medical explanation for this or is it normal?

It is advisable not to panic as this feeling is normal, harmless and common -many women experience this change in their respiratory system as their pregnancy advances. However, it is important that you update your care giver who will undertake routine checks to ensure there are no related medical conditions.

Ordinarily when one breathes they do it subconsciously, therefore most pregnant women will first notice short breath by sensing the need to breathe. As pregnancy progresses, you need increased amounts of oxygen and your body has ways of handling this. Although you may not notice it. the amount of air you inhale per breath increases.

Your growing baby is taking more and more space and therefore your uterus starts putting pressure on your diaphragm. For this reason, women carrying twins will experience an even higher feeling of short breath. During the last weeks you may feel abit relieved as your baby starts dropping into the pelvis (lower bony structure of your body located at the base of the spine).

When resting, sitting In an upright position, with shoulders held back, gives the lungs as much breathing space as possible, and will enable you to take In more air. If In bed. try a few more pillows to prop yourself and sleep on your side, especially the left. While at work, take it easy, work a little slower, never push yourself too hard even when under pressure to finish certain tasks quickly. Speak in shorter sentences and avoid exerting your point too hard. Get away from argumentative scenarios. When exercising, decrease your pace and avoid the more strenuous routines.

If you had a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma or pneumonia, you need to monitor your breathing and seek immediate medical advise if you experience an attack, or feel sudden or severe shortness of breath. It is important to differentiate between shortness of breath and rapid breathing, which requires medical attention and that which does not. The same applies to an increased pulse rate and heart palpitations. If you look pale or feel faint, feverish or chilly, experience painful chest when breathing or are coughing, see a doctor immediately.

END:PG12/6