Ask The Doctor – The Answers

Ovulated and didn’t have sex until the evening – did we miss the window?

I ovulated on thursday morning but couldn’t have sex until that evening we also did it for three days after too did I miss the window by waiting til the evening? Do not worry, you probably have a 48 hour “window” after the first signs of ovulation.  Please do try to relax.

Seeing the Dentist Whilst Pregnant – by Dr James Invest

Do I have to pay to see the dentist? Because dental health is considered very important, all pregnant women receive free treatment on the NHS, as long as they are registered as an NHS patient and have a current maternity exemption certificate.   This free treatment carries on until your baby’s first birthday.  However any treatment that is considered cosmetic will be charged for, as well as all forms of private dental care. Is dental treatment safe while I am pregnant? Yes, there is no problem with routine dental treatment.  However if treatment is required it is ideally carried out […]

Pregnancy and Teeth- By Dr James Invest

Gum problems   The hormone levels in your body change while you are pregnant and this can cause the gums to swell, become tender and bleed, this condition is known as “pregnancy gingivitis”. Because of this it is important to keep your teeth and gums clean and visit your dentist regularly.  It is recommended that you also see a dental hygienist for thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth, which will reduce or prevent pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy tumours or pregnancy epulis In some women overgrowths of tissue appear on the gums, most often during the second trimester.  These are non-cancerous […]

PCOS and Miscarriage

My partner and i were trying to conceive for nearly a year. Sadly we miscarried at 5 1/2 weekes. i was diagnosed with PCOS a year back could the miscarriage be due to this? We would like to start trying again but very scared to do so incase we lose our baby again! Does having PCOS mean multiple miscarriages? Most early miscarriages are due to random and unpredictable chromosomal problems which are essentially non viable pregnancies.  Although PCOS is sometimes associated with difficulty getting pregnant and a slight increase in miscarriage , nature is still very much on your side. […]

2 Vessel Umbilical Cord and Reduced Fluid

My amniotic fluid seem reduced according to the sonographer which concerned me but then I read on my 20 week scan report that baby has a 2 vessel umbilical cord too! Are the two connected? All organs have been checked and seem ok but having read up on the 2 vessel cord, it had worried me greatly! Any info/advice will be gratefully received! Having 2 vessels in the umbilical cord, rather than 3, can increase the chances of abnormalities in the baby, both structural and chromosomal. The important first step is to have a detailed and expert scan after the […]

Eating my placenta?

I have recently started reading about having my placenta made into capsules following the birth, to be taken by me and that the benefits for the mother’s mood, energy levels and milk supply are really high. I just wondered what the medical viewpoint is on this to help me make an informed choice and whether you’ve had any experience or feedback?   This is a practice that is undergoing a small revival in Western Countries.  After a long and detailed search, we can only find one useful article/study on this subject and we have concluded that there is no evidence […]

Perineal Massage – does it work?

Perineal Massage – Will it reduce the risk of cuts or tears? Perineal massage is something that has become more “fashionable” over the years – with more and more women being advised to massage their Perineum with certain oils (such as Almond oil or Olive oil) from about 35 weeks.  What many women want to know, before they embark upon this “challenge” (which indeed it can be at 35 weeks pregnant!), is, “Will it reduce my risk of tearing?”. There have been a few studies recently which would seem to suggest that it can be useful in helping to prevent […]

Pregnant with PCOS – are there any risks?

Thank you so much for your response to my last question.  ( PCOS – Trying to Conceive)  My consultant had prescribed Chlomid & referred me for a laparoscopy but thankfully I found out today, I am pregnant!  Just wanted to ask are there any precautions I need to take to ensure this pregnancy goes smoothly? Does being pregnant with PCOS carry any risks?    Congratulations!  We are unclear about whether or not you actually took the Chlomid or became pregnant before starting to take it? There are three main issues which you might like to know about. There is a […]

Help I have read that eating soya yogurt can stop me from getting pregnant?

Hi is it true that I should not be eating soya eat I eat Soy yogurt everyday and have done for years cos I am intolerant to dairy.   Please help,  I am getting worried that am messing up my chances of getting pregnant because of this?  There is very little evidence available for us to read on this subject.  However, in summary , Soy contains Pyhtoestrogens, which are plant oestrogens and will help keep bones strong, reduce the risk of certain cancers and reduce menopausal symptoms. In theory, large amounts may interfere with ovarian function and the menstrual cycle, […]

Baby aspirated meconium – will this happen again?

I was induced at term+12 with my daughter.  Labour was uneventful  however at birth it was discovered she had aspirated meconium.  She subsequently spent 4 days ventilated on intensive care. I am currently 36 weeks pregnant, and am seeing my consultant in 2 weeks time to discuss options for delivery. What are the chances of meconium aspiration recurring?  I am fairly certain I don’t want to go so overdue again but  if I don’t go into labour naturally when would be the optimal time to be induced? Although there is a remote chance of recurrence of aspirated meconium, it is […]