Ask The Doctor – The Answers

19 Weeks Food Poisoning- So worried.

I am 19 weeks pregnant and have just had a bout of food poisoning after a bad takeaway meal.  Could this have harmed my baby? At 19 weeks the baby is completely formed and it is very unusual for a bout of food poisoning to affect the pregnancy in any significant way.  Only under exceptional circumstances could something you have eaten damage the baby and threaten your pregnancy. The most imp principles are keeping hydrated and resting your stomach and intestines until the infection has passed.  This usually takes 24-48 hrs.  It is perfectly safe for you not to eat […]

My Morning Sickenss Has Stopped! I’m worried!

I am 10 weeks pregnant and have suffered from morning sickness everyday since about 5 weeks.  But today I feel fine.  This has made me worried.  Someone told me that at this stage the placenta is starting to take over from the hormones and so it is normal to feel better.  Is this true? As I’m sure you know, nausea in pregnancy is extremely common and is a completely normal response to the elevated hormones related to pregnancy.  For most women it is an experience that is limited mainly to the first three months of pregnancy, but a few  women […]

Can I treat warts on my fingers whilst I am pregnant?

What is the best way to treat warts on my fingers during pregnancy?  Leaving them isn’t a option as they’re becoming increasingly embarrassing.   We suggest that you avoid any preparations containing podophyllum or podophyllotoxin as these are potentially dangerous to the fetus. Local preparations containing Salicylic Acid  or Silver Nitrate are safe and are usually effective. They must be used carefully as they may cause staining, ulceration and occasional allergies. Alternative treatment is by Cryocautery using locally applied liquid Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide . This should be arranged by a local GP. Although the warts are caused by Human […]

Could Oral Sex Help with Morning Sickness?

The Daily Mail seems to think so! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2186710/Could-oral-sex-pregnant-womans-best-defense-morning-sickness.html?ITO=1490

Chorionic Villus Sampling and Miscarriage Risk

I’ve had a CVS & am worried about miscarriage.  How long should I wait before taking up exercises like swimming and pregnancy yoga?   Thanks for your question.  We assume from your message the procedure was uncomplicated.  Extra risks are approximately 1 in a hundred of miscarriage in the first 48-72 hours- the symptoms of which are likely to be loss of fluid, bleeding, crampy pains, fever, and malaise. We would suggest that you rest for 48 hrs and then get back to normal if all is well. Many clinics give out printed information.  Results are usually available in 3 […]

Morning sickness and ginger capsules?

I’ve been advised by my midwife to try Ginger remedies to help with my morning sickness (I’m 7+2) and I’ve been and bought some Ginger Root Tablets: It says to consult a doctor before taking and I was wondering if there was a maximum dosage I should take? It says to take two capsules a day. Do you think this will be OK to take? Thank you for your email.  We have looked into this question in depth and all studies we have read seem to suggest that ginger is a safe and effective remedy for pregnancy related nausea. There […]

Getting induced if my cervix is closed?

I am 40 + 10 and my doctor wants to induce me.  However, my cervix is very unfavourable and I am worried that induction will not work.  What should i do? From the details you have given us we assume that your dates have been confirmed at your 12 or 20 week scan and there is no confusion over your due dates. There is no absolute maximum for which you would allow a pregnancy to continue. The risk of unexpected adverse outcomes such as still births do increase gradually after 40 weeks and do reach a significant level at about […]

Do I need to be induced at 42 weeks?

I’m exactly 42 weeks pregnant today (my to boys were born 5 and 8 yrs ago at 42 weeks without induction) and my mother was also always at least 42 weeks overdue with her 6 children. I would really prefer to go into labour naturally without being induced. My question is how far would you advise me I can still go if all the monitoring seems fine before I should opt for induction? First of all I do not want to interfere with the care you are currently getting from your midwives and doctor.  However I do have some general […]

What supplements should my partner and I take whilst trying to concieve?

We are trying to concieve, which prenatal folic acid brand must I take and how much ?  A friend recommended Ferrograd Folic Tablets to me as they are meant to be the best ones.   I’ve also been taking (one a day)Ester-C Plus 500mg vitamin C and heard I should take Omega -3 but are not sure which one and how much as there are many brands in the market.  Is there anything else I should take apart from these ? Folic acid has to be taken for 3 months, correct ? We heard it is best for a man […]

Do I need to take extra Folic Acid after 3 Miscarriages?

After having my daughter in 2009, I have since had 3 miscarriages and am now 7 weeks pregnant again. After the 3rd miscarriage we had blood tests done and all came back normal. I’ve heard of a lot of women being advised to take 75mg aspirin (even with no clotting disorders) and a much higher dose of folic acid but have not been advised to do anything. All I am taking is Pregnacare as I have been for a couple of years. Any advice? Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear about your problems with having another baby.  Having […]