Q:I've just found out I'm pregnant,but I went out drinking several times before I knew I was expecting.Will this have harmed my unborn baby?
A:Try not to panic.Many women have been in the same situation as you and have gone on to have perfectly healthy babies.Ideally,it's best to avoid alcohol altogether when you're pregnant.But health watchdog NICE says if you do choose to drink,wait until after 12 weeks,then limit it to no more than one or two units once or twice a week.What's important now is that you stay as healthy as possible for the rest of your pregnancy.
Wednesday, 1 January 2014
I can't feel my baby move
Q:I'm 27 weeks pregnant and over the last day or so,I haven't felt my baby move as much as normal.Should I get checked out?
A:yes.At 27 weeks you should feel your baby move at least 10 times in 24 hours.She has sleeping and waking phases,so it may be that her sleep phase has altered and she's now moving at a different time.Changing position or drinking cold water can help.If you're concerned,contact the hospital so they can check all is OK and monitor her heartbeat.
A:yes.At 27 weeks you should feel your baby move at least 10 times in 24 hours.She has sleeping and waking phases,so it may be that her sleep phase has altered and she's now moving at a different time.Changing position or drinking cold water can help.If you're concerned,contact the hospital so they can check all is OK and monitor her heartbeat.
Can I have a c-section?
Q:I'm carrying a big baby - can I request a Caesarean?
A:Current guidelines recommend your obstetrician considers your request,but they don#t have to agree to it.Talk through your reasons and request a second opinion if you wish.
A:Current guidelines recommend your obstetrician considers your request,but they don#t have to agree to it.Talk through your reasons and request a second opinion if you wish.
I've got a strange discharge
Q:I'm 16 weeks pregnant and have a pale green,almost fluorescent discharge.There's no smell,but I'm worried.Is it normal?
A:This sounds like the normal discharge of pregnancy - odourless and very pale.Thrush is also more common in pregnancy due to a change in the levels of acidity in the vagina - discharge is often curd-like and accompanied by itchiness.A cream from a pharmacist or your doctor will help.If you get a discharge that is very watery,bloodstained or smells nasty,see your doctor.
A:This sounds like the normal discharge of pregnancy - odourless and very pale.Thrush is also more common in pregnancy due to a change in the levels of acidity in the vagina - discharge is often curd-like and accompanied by itchiness.A cream from a pharmacist or your doctor will help.If you get a discharge that is very watery,bloodstained or smells nasty,see your doctor.
Will I miscarry?
Q:At five weeks pregnant,I had mild cramps and light bleeding.My doctor said there was a 50% chance the pregnancy would continue.I'm now seven weeks and the cramps and bleeding haven't returned.Can you advise me?
A:Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn't always mean miscarriage.It may occur when the fertilised egg implants in the womb.Some women notice bleeding when they would have had their period.It may be due to cervical erosion,and light spotting can also occur after sex.If there's also abdominal pain,seek medical advice immediately.You could always ask your doctor to refer you for an early scan.
A:Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn't always mean miscarriage.It may occur when the fertilised egg implants in the womb.Some women notice bleeding when they would have had their period.It may be due to cervical erosion,and light spotting can also occur after sex.If there's also abdominal pain,seek medical advice immediately.You could always ask your doctor to refer you for an early scan.
Is he teething already?
Q:My 7 week old son has recently become grumpy and is having trouble sleeping at night.He is also dribbling more and has two white marks on his lower gum.Could he be teething already?
A:It would be wise to get your son checked to make sure he doesn't have another problem,such as thrush mouth infection,which can cause dribbling and white plaques on the gums.Teething usually starts when a child is 6 to 9 months old.That said,occasionally children are born with some teeth.
If he is teething,massage his gums with your finger.A teething ring chilled in cold water,not in the freezer,is soothing too.Teething gels,baby paracetamol,and treatments containing camomile also help.
A:It would be wise to get your son checked to make sure he doesn't have another problem,such as thrush mouth infection,which can cause dribbling and white plaques on the gums.Teething usually starts when a child is 6 to 9 months old.That said,occasionally children are born with some teeth.
If he is teething,massage his gums with your finger.A teething ring chilled in cold water,not in the freezer,is soothing too.Teething gels,baby paracetamol,and treatments containing camomile also help.
She has gone off her food
Q:My 2 year old daughter was ill with a viral infection and,since then,has only been eating about half a slice of toast and some yoghurt each day.I can't even persuade her to eat the things she normally loves,except for chocolate.I don't want to teach her to eat chocolate instead of normal food,so I'm trying to resist giving it to her when she asks.What can I do?
A:It can take a while for toddlers to regain their appetites after they've been ill.Be patient and don't force her to eat.Continue to offer your little girl a variety of foods,and end meals calmly when she has had enough.Smaller portions of food might be more appealing,and healthy snacks will help to boost her energy levels until her appetite is back to normal.You're right not to give her chocolate instead of proper food - keep it as an occasional treat.
Also give her vitamin drops - your health visitor can suggest suitable options.
Toddlers almost always eat enough for normal growth and development,even if it doesn't seem much.If they're healthy and have plenty of energy,there's usually no need to worry.But if her appetite doesn't improve or she shows signs of lethargy,weakness or fatigue,or seems unwell,see your doctor or health visitor.
A:It can take a while for toddlers to regain their appetites after they've been ill.Be patient and don't force her to eat.Continue to offer your little girl a variety of foods,and end meals calmly when she has had enough.Smaller portions of food might be more appealing,and healthy snacks will help to boost her energy levels until her appetite is back to normal.You're right not to give her chocolate instead of proper food - keep it as an occasional treat.
Also give her vitamin drops - your health visitor can suggest suitable options.
Toddlers almost always eat enough for normal growth and development,even if it doesn't seem much.If they're healthy and have plenty of energy,there's usually no need to worry.But if her appetite doesn't improve or she shows signs of lethargy,weakness or fatigue,or seems unwell,see your doctor or health visitor.
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