Dear Doctor ‘P’ 14

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/Gynaecologist                                                                                                                                   Based at Doctors’ Plaza, Clinic No. 18. Kenyatta National Hospital

Dr. David Kiragu
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist                                                                                                                                        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 turned 36 years old recently and would like to have my first baby. I feel like my biological clock is ticking and it might soon be too late for me.

I was on the pill for almost a year but stopped for a month— when we decided to get a baby. I was however disappointed when I received my periods this month.

Please advise me on what I need to do. My periods are regular. What measures should I take? Are there any medications that I can take to increase my chances of conception? At what age should one stop trying for a baby?

Fertility in females normally tends to decline progressively from the age of 35. However, this does not mean that conception cannot occur. Note that a single failed attempt should not be used as a basis for depression and giving up. You need to relax as you will most likely conceive within the next few months. If you do not succeed within six months or so—and maybe earlier if your cycles are unpredictable—then you should visit a gynaecologist for advice.

Once conception occurs, close follow-up is important since this category of women is at a higher risk of obstetric complications such as hypertensive disease, gestational diabetes and congenital defects of the embryo.

It is also prudent for you to visit an obstetrician for pre-pregnancy screening to ensure you do not already have any of the common medical disorders especially hypertension and diabetes. It would be essential to stabilise such conditions before conception. The doctor will also prescribe preconception folic acid, which reduces the risk of certain congenital defects.

I am six months pregnant and my unborn baby does not kick. I do visit the clinic every month. What could be the problem?

By six months, the baby should have started kicking. Sometimes, the baby’s kicks may be present but may not be felt or perceived by the mother.

Nevertheless, when kicks are not felt, the fitness of the unborn baby should be evaluated. This can be done by use of ultrasound or foetal heart monitors, which can confirm that the baby is alive and in good health.

I am one month pregnant and this is my first pregnancy. I am experiencing many problems including heartburns and headaches. The most annoying thing is that my mouth has a permanent, very sour/bitter taste. I am in a dilemma.

Many of the problems you have mentioned are common during pregnancy. We hope you are already attending a clinic where all these can be reliably addressed. Although headaches are a common feature, the doctor must rule out conditions like malaria, anaemia and high blood pressure.

Heart burns are also common, the doctor should also ascertain that you do not have peptic ulcers. Nevertheless, milk usually helps a lot of women while beans, spicy foods, acidic fruits and vegetables tend to aggravate the situation.

Bitterness of the mouth is also frequently experienced but will tend to decrease as the pregnancy advances.

I am married and several weeks pregnant. My worry is I no longer like brushing my teeth, which has resulted in me hating the smell emanating from my mouth. I also don’t like my husband kissing me, and this seems to bother him a lot. The worst thing is that whenever we are making love, I don’t feel like facing him because I don’t like his breath. This worsens when he uses toothpaste. I don’t really know how to explain this to him because I am afraid he might think I hate him and yet he has been very supportive. Please advise me on what to use and how to let him know how I feel.

During pregnancy, especially in the early and late stages, certain changes are expected in behaviour and psychology that should not be a source of worry. An expectant mother goes through changes that must be understood by the people around her. You need couple counselling to help both of you understand the psychological changes you are going through and also prevent their harmful effects.

END:PG14/08