Ask The Doctor – The Answers

Miscarriage- bleeding afterwards

I miscarried at 11 wks, but the baby died at 7 wks. I had a d&c on the 4th Dec ’12. Very light bleeding until the 13th Dec. Then nothing until the 26th Dec…..when I thought this must be my period – usual cramps to start with….gone after about 48hrs. However, I’m now not so sure as my periods usually last about 5 days and this has gone on for 8 days ( still very light bleeding). I have done a preg test – neg. Is it possible to get your period 3 weeks after d&c? do you think this […]

Anti-D injection – B Negative blood group

I am  B negative blood group and been told I will have antibodies at 28 weeks. Can they establish the baby’s blood group from my blood and if the baby is negative too, can I avoid having the treatment? If the father is negative is it necessary to have the antibodies as the baby will be negative too?   I am assuming this is your first pregnancy and you currently have no Rhesus antibodies. (your blood would have been tested for this at your booking appointment) If the father of the baby is also Rhesus Negative then there is zero […]

I Wet myself when I sneeze or cough! Help!

I am 24 weeks pregnant and every time I sneeze or cough I wet myself. What can I do?  This is called stress incontinence and is quite common in the middle part of pregnancy. It is quite likely to improve later in the pregnancy, particularly if the head engages. You may find some improvement from doing your pelvic floor exercises. In fact we recommend that all pregnant women do them throughout their pregnancy and not just afterwards. It remains to be seen whether you will have problems in the postnatal period or not. It may take a full 3 months for […]

Breech Baby at 30 weeks – what can I do?

My baby is in the breech position at 30 weeks, is there anything I can do to persuade him to move?! This is quite normal at this stage and is of no significance medically. At 30 weeks 10-20% of babies may be in this position and a majority will turn spontaneously without any persuasion. If however, the baby remains in the breech position at 36 weeks (as 5% do) then a scan may be done to confirm the position and to investigate the cause if any. At this later stage, if the baby is still breech your midwife/doctor will talk to […]

Going Overdue? Can I avoid it?

My mum went overdue with all of us an she says I probably will. Is it genetic? (she didn’t get many stretch marks and I don’t have any either) or will I just because it s my first and its more common?  Also if I do go overdue I’m confused at all the old wives tales about what to eat and do to get the baby to come. pineapple and walks and Guinness haha! What actually works? Most professionals seem to agree that the stretch mark issue is probably genetic,  but going over due is usually random.  Your midwife will […]

Scared of Giving Birth. Can I request a Caesarean?

I’m 24+3 and I’m really scared of giving birth. I want to ask for an elective c-section, is it possible on the NHS? It is important that try to explore the reasons behind this fear. Are you afraid of the pain of labour? Are you concerned that you will not get good care? Are you worried about the unpredictability of labor and not feeling in control? Or is there a family history of bad experiences in labour? We suggest you talk to your midwife/doctor who can refer you to a counsellor to talk through your fears. If he or she […]

Can you have an Induction or Forceps after a Caesarean?

Can you have an induction, ventouse or forceps if you’ve had a Caesarean previously? You have raised an important point, particularly about induction. Generally, most Doctors would avoid induction of labour in your situation as it may put an extra strain on the scar. However, there is no reason why you could not have an assisted delivery if you needed one, but this is not very likely as you pushed the last baby out naturally. Please click here for more information on Induction or Assisted Delivery.  

VBAC vs Natural birth?

Currently 27+3 with my 3rd child. My 1st was born by emergency Caesarean section after she was stuck back to back, my 2nd was meant to be a planned c section but I went into spontaneous labour at 34 weeks and had her naturally.   I’m bigger this time than with my other children and the left side of my Caesarean scar is at times very painful and my hips are also very painful.   Is there a chance I could labour early again & would you recommend opting for a natural birth or a planned c section?  My eldest […]

Natural Birth or Caesarean after Third Degree Tear

I had a ten pound baby 3 years ago, naturally with gas and air, but had third degree tear and my son was in scbu for 24hours with fluid in his lungs. Baby no.2 is due in the spring 2013 so just looking for advice on my options : c.section-what do you think Or Natural? My consultant will test for gestational diabetes in the new year – they don’t know if I had it last time or not. I am 5 ft 3in, size 8, petite, healthy eater, non smoker. Really I just want some advice on how I should […]

7 Weeks Pregnant and no heartbeat detected.

I recently had a scan on monday when I was 7+4 weeks pregnant and the baby was only 5.6mm and was no heartbeat. Does that mean my baby has died??? I’m really scared and worried. I have to go back on monday to check to see if there is a heartbeat yet. I thought I saw flickering 3 times but the Dr said he wasn’t sure as the picture wasn’t very clear. Is 5.6mm to small for a 7 week baby? At the moment it is too soon to make a diagnosis. You may be aware that the guidelines on diagnosing a […]