Dear Dr. P 47

Am I pregnant?

I recently got married and I am anxious to know whether I am expectant. How long, after conception, does the fertilised egg implant and what is the most accurate pregnancy test to use?

The fertilized egg will implant by the fourth to fifth day after conception. The best indicator that you have conceived is a missed period. After you miss your period, a urine pregnancy test done in a hospital or at home is usually accurate enough. If in doubt, an ultra sound which will show a gestational sac (an early pregnancy) can be done.

Pains and spotting

I am two months pregnant. I have been having pressure and dull pain on my lower abdomen. Most of it is on the left side and I have been spotting for six days now. Other than that I feel quite bloated. What could that be? Kindly advice.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. The discomfort on the left side with spotting needs to be investigated. It might be nothing to get you worried, but could equally point to an ectopic pregnancy. Please visit your doctor who will examine you and may request you to take an ultra sound scan, which can confirm the location of the pregnancy and also find possible causes for your discomfort.

My baby is not kicking as usual

I am eight months pregnant. My baby has been kicking twice a day, at most, for the last one week. Is that normal? What can I do about it?

The ultimate judge for baby’s normal movements is the mother. Now that you have noted reduced activity, you need to see a doctor and have a special ultra sound called a biophysical profile. This will give information about your baby’s condition in the womb. There could be a problem that is causing the baby to kick less, or it could just be that there is limited space. Either way you need to be evaluated.

Too tired

I am a working mum in Nairobi. I’m months pregnant, the hustle and bustle of the city gets me too tired. Is this tiredness normal and if so, what can I do to cope throughout my pregnancy?

Yes, it is normal to feel more tired than usual in your first trimester. Resting as much as you can is a good way of coping. If you have a busy schedule and can’t afford to rest for long periods, then have a few naps in between work. Putting your feet up, even for a few seconds, can re-energise you. Aerobic exercises such as swimming and running also help in increasing your stamina. Finally, ask your doctor to check you and confirm that you are not anaemic.

END:PG47/06