Dear Doctor ‘P’ 21
Send your questions to: pregnant@integral-advisory.com
Answers are provided jointly by our team of doctors.
Our Team of Experts
Dr. Blassio 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. Njoki Fernandes
Resident Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Kenyatta National Hospital
Is my baby safe?
I had a miscarriage in December 2008 at 9 weeks (blighted Ovum). This happened after five years of not conceiving. I had a normal period on 11 January 2009 then missed my period in February. A pregnancy test immediately thereafter turned positive. I have been taking folic acid tablets prescribed by my gynaecologist in January. Can this affect my foetus now that I am pregnant? I have been having abdominal discomforts (no bleeding) around the time I should have expected my periods. Could this be a sign of any problem? I don’t want to lose this baby. Please advice.
Folic acid is most useful for your pregnancy. It will help build your red blood cells, improve your metabolic state and protect your expected new born from developing neural-tubal defects. Cramps around the time of the expected periods, even spotting for the first three to four months of pregnancy is normal. However, do not assume as it could be an early sign of threatened abortion. Keep visiting your gynaecologist for close monitoring and management of your pregnancy and any other complications which may arise in early pregnancy. Complications are more likely after five years of lack of conception and a blighted ovum.
Can Postinor 2 affect us?
My husband and I have not been ready for another baby thus I have been on family planning pills. This last month I suppose they did not work. My last periods came on 14th February 2009 expected them on 6 Much but they have not showed up to date. Please help. Am I pregnant and if so can Postinor 2 affect my pregnancy?
You used pills but are not clear about when exactly you took them. It is quite possible you got pregnant and often this results from the wrong use of contraceptives are not 100 percent effective. Take a pregnancy test and if it turns out positive, get an ultrasound scan. A small proportion of pregnancies that occur while using postinor 2 are ectopic (implantation of the pregnancy in the tubes instead of the uterus).
I want a baby
I have never used any family planning and the only child I have is now 10. What can I do to get another child? Kindly assist me.
You may be suffering from secondary infertility. There are many causes for that. Visit your gynaecologist to establish the cause of the secondary infertility, to evaluate your chances of conception and get necessary help and counseling.
END: PG21/8