Dear Doctor ‘P’ 39
Send your questions to: pregnant@integral-media.co.ke.
Answers are provided jointly by our team of experts
By Dr. Blasio Omuga
Lecturer, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Why do I have to pee so often?
I am two months pregnant and find myself visiting the toilet to pee, too frequently. Before pregnancy, I could hold for hours but now I cannot. Is there something wrong with me or do I have a bladder infection?
There is an immediate enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy. The uterus is located close to the bladder, putting pressure on the same. This causes the urge to urinate. This becomes more prevalent as the foetus grows and may lead to a mild case of urinary incontinence – inability to control one’s bladder. During pregnancy the blood quantity increases, which causes extra fluid to be processed in the kidneys. This fluid winds up in the bladder.
To ease this problem, you can reduce intake of drinks that stimulate the bladder, such as coffee or tea. Also avoid taking fluids before bed time and ensure you empty your bladder completely by leaning forward while relieving yourself of urine.
Is it normal to feel tired and depressed during pregnancy?
I am pregnant in my third trimester and often feel very tired and depressed. I dread getting up in the morning and find it hard to get things done.
I wonder if this is normal or is there something wrong with me? Please help.
It is normal to feel tired in the last trimester as you carry the weight of the baby around. There is also a sense of apprehension as one prepares for the birth. But the fact that you are also feeling depressed signals that there may be other factors involved. Could be you are having life challenges that are causing stress, for example a hectic work schedule, having no nanny or marital issues.
If you have symptoms like sadness, loss of appetite, lack of interest in normal activities, poor concentration, hopelessness, you could be suffering from clinical depression.
It is advisable for you to see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, take one day at a time and rest as much as possible.
Are hot tubs safe for pregnant women?
I am one month pregnant and I enjoy bubble baths as well as saunas. A friend cautioned me that it was not safe for me now that I am pregnant I find it hard to let go of this. Is my friend right?
In the first trimester especially, a hot tub is only safe if the temperature is 37° C and below. Most automatic hot tubs are set at 43-48°C which is not appropriate for pregnant women.
Over heating in a bath tub or sauna is not recommended during pregnancy. It is safer to take a hot shower to relax. While in the shower, you can reduce the hot moisture by ventilating the bathroom.
Ordinarily, a pregnant woman’s normal body temperature should be contained below 38.8°C. It only takes 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to increase your body temperature to 38.8°C.
Breast changes in pregnancy
I am a few weeks pregnant with my first baby. I am quite conscious about my breasts and concerned about the changes to expect.
Breast changes are inevitable, but some are of little consequence. Do not let them worry you. These include:
Darkened veins along your breasts as a result of increased blood supply to your breasts.
Darkening of the nipples and the areolas (skin around the nipples) due to an increase in hormones, which affects pigmentation and therefore the colour of the skin.
Montgomery’s tubercles, which are small glands on the surface of the areolas, looking like raised bumps. This is also natural and expected.
Your breasts will become sensitive and tender. This is due to hormones preparing them for lactation.
If any changes worry you, consult your caregiver for more advice.
END:PG39/14