Daily Health Tips: Does Sexual Intercourse In The First Trimester Lead To Miscarriage?

Posted on June 1, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hi Doc. I heard a CS in Dec 2013. Now pregnant but a friend told me to avoid sex during my 1st trimester so as not to miscarry the pregnancy. When I questioned this, she said she got the advice from a Doctor. Please advice me on this. I’m waiting for your swift response. Thanks

Q: Why are parents not allowed to carry a child after practising sex?

A: I’ve decided to treat these two questions together as I appear to be getting them very frequently. I will reproduce my past posts that speak to them.

Should you refrain from sexual intercourse during your first pregnancy? Well, if your doctor said so, you should and there will be reasons why your doctor would say so. What’s not okay is to take another woman’s antenatal clinic advice and apply it to yourself. It doesn’t work that way! The woman’s issues and medical history are very likely different from yours. Then I’m also worried about whether you have registered for antenatal care. This ‘counsel’ you’re getting from your friend should be coming from your own doctor. So, if you have not registered for antenatal care at this time, please do so as soon as possible!

My post on sex in pregnancy….
Sex is generally considered safe during pregnancy. As I noted in my post yesterday, except the doctor has noted some medical issues that may cause some restrictions on sexual intercourse, couples can generally continue to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy.

Having said that, it doesn’t mean that every woman wants to indulge 😀 Unfortunately, no. Some women do experience increased libido, some decreased libido and some are just completely exhausted by their itinerary (wife, worker, sister, daughter, intending mother, worries about the pregnancy or intending birth, care of already existing children, if she has them etc) that sex is the farthest thing on their minds, most times. So, where’s the solution or compromise? Communication lines between couples have to be open. The husband needs to understand what’s going on in the mind and body of his wife. Providing emotional and tangible support by helping her out with some chores/activities, providing a daily evening massage….which becomes something wifey can look forward to, can help create the right mood. Remember that for women, sexual Intercourse starts from the emotional before it gets to the physical 😀 Couples can also explore other means of sexual intimacy apart from sexual intercourse.

Some issues that may cause a doctor to issue some restrictions on sexual activity include:
Threat of a miscarriage
History of pre-term labour
Unexplained bleeding in pregnancy
Cervical incompetence (where the mouth of the womb is open leading to a risk of miscarriage) etc

If you’re not sure whether you belong to any of these groups or not, please ask your obstetrician.

Now, there also some risky activities during sexual intercourse in pregnancy:
 If you indulge in oral sex, hubby please do not blow into your wife’s vagina as this can lead to an air bubble being lodged in a blood vessel causing problems in mother and/or baby
 Having STI with an infected partner can lead to STI in pregnant mum. This infection can be transmitted to the baby. So, hubbies be sure that you stay faithful
 Anal sex is also discouraged.

Why are parents not allowed to carry babies after sexual intercourse? I have no idea! 😀 In fact, I’ve never heard it! Please feel free to carry your baby thereafter. Depending on what transpired during the sexual activity, you may want to take a bath before you carry your baby. Other than that, no issues 🙂

I hope y’all had a great day! It’s the first day of the 6th month. Don’t you just feel blessed to be ALIVE!!!

Have a good night, everyone 😀

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Catch Our Wellness Shows On Youtube!

Posted on May 31, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Hello everyone, I hope you’ve had a great weekend.

Ahead of Season 2 of The Dr Ketch Show, we will be uploading Season 1 episodes on youtube.

Our youtube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClZDy59jnB2D4YGmHb7FDCQ

Please visit our youtube channel and click on the ‘subscribe’ button and be the first to see all the great shows we have in stock for you.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Random Recipes….

Posted on May 31, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Pick your green leafy veggies and wash. I will be using ugu (pumpkin leaves) for this. Wash under running water or in water that has food safe disinfectant or salt. If you use the latter, be sure to rinse off before cutting. Cut the leaves.

Put the leaves into a pot. Cut some onions into it and sprinkle some seasoning over this (a little pepper, salt). Place the pot over a low heat and wait for the veggies to soften/wilt. I like my veggies with some crunch and so depending on the quantity of veggies I have in the pot, 3 to 5 minutes is sufficient.
Serve with boiled unripe plantain or yam or jollof rice or whatever you choose grin emoticon

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Do You Eat For Two?

Posted on May 31, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Eating for Two?

I’m sure everyone has heard the ‘eating for two’ fable 😀 It is indeed, an old wives’ tale because if you were eating for two, the assumption would probably be that you should double your calorie requirement for a day….so for a woman that probably means you can get away with taking in as much as 4000 calories per day!!! That’s a recipe for disaster.

Pregnancy is associated with increased cravings and of course growth of the baby, but you do not need significantly more calories to cope with this state. The recommended weight gain for pregnancy is 8 – 16 kg in all (with an average of 12kg).

Let me break it down for you.

During your first trimester, you actually do not need more calories than when you were not pregnant. You can continue with the activities you used to do before including exercise. However, exercise should be toned down from vigorous to moderate. Moderate exercise is any physical activity that you perform that but you’re still able to carry on a conversation without running out of breath…that’s as simple an explanation as it goes 😀 It includes walking, swimming, dancing, pregnancy exercises (these are taught in some antenatal classes), stretching and relaxation exercises. Remember that you must never start on any exercise regimen without discussing with your doctor who knows your specific medical history.

Please remember that you should never exercise to the point of exhaustion, not to over-heat yourself and not to carry on any jumping etc…partly because you are prone to injuries of the ligaments (like sprains)and because, it’s just not safe at the time. I always used to know I was pregnant whenever I sprained my ankle…it happened in 2 out of 3 pregnancies! It may not be an exact science, but it worked for me :D. Just kidding…don’t try this at home 😉

During your second trimester, your calorie needs start to increase. The recommended increase in calorie intake is about an extra 300 calories per day over the pre-pregnancy requirements.

Want to know more about the requirements for third trimester, twin and other multiple pregnancies, how many meals to eat per day during pregnancy etc? Get details from the book, Just For The Health Of It. You can get a copy via the shop now link on our facebook page. Or you can get it through:

1) Jumia.com. Just click on this link http://www.jumia.com.ng/jumia-books-just-for-the-health-of-it-with-dr-ketch-179486.html and get a copy. You have the option of paying when the book is delivered to you or paying online. This service is available all over Nigeria.

2) Another option for those in Lagos is Laterna Bookshop on 13, Oko-Awo Close, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Street,. Victoria Island.

3) If you’re outside the country, please visit Amazon through this link http://www.amazon.com/Just-Health-Ketch-Pregnancy-Parenting/dp/9789398026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426246647&sr=1-1&keywords=just+for+the+health+of+it+with+dr+ketch+olalere+nkechi

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Oral Hygiene Tips Brought To You By Oral B Toothpaste

Posted on May 30, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

We all want the perfect smile…that flash of white healthy looking teeth that tugs at someone’s heart and melts someone else’s own. We want these for ourselves and our children. But sometimes, the damage to those perfect smiles is done long before they become adults. Here are 5 tips to aid the development of healthy teeth in infants.

• Do not use baby pacifiers for prolonged periods. They are useful in providing some comfort for babies but prolonged use can interfere with development of the mouth and the teeth.

• Start cleaning your child’s tooth early. As soon as the first tooth is observed in the baby’s mouth, that’s the time to start the cleaning. Don’t wait until he has a mouthful of teeth. Cleaning involves using a wet napkin, wash cloth (reserved only for this) or gauze to wipe the baby’s mouth, teeth and gum. This should also be done at least once a day and should be combined with gentle massaging of the gum and gingivial tissues.

• Guard against baby bottle tooth decay. Mothers are advised to practice exclusive breastfeeding but if for any reason bottles have to be used for any period, this should be carefully monitored. Ensure that baby never falls asleep with a bottle containing milk (be it expressed breast milk or formula), fruit juice (fresh or packaged) or any other sweetened fluids. This ensures that the baby’s teeth is not in contact with sugary fluids for prolonged periods of time. This prevents tooth decay.

• The baby’s first dental visit should be scheduled between 6 and 12 months of life. This starts and maintains the baby on the right path. Before this first visit, try to simulate a dentist’s visit at home to make the baby more comfortable with the idea when it eventually happens.

• How many of you have tasted more often than necessary baby’s cough syrup just because it tastes nice? Well, know ye that some cough syrups contain substances like citric acids and some sugars that attack tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. If given at bedtime, the problem is worsened as saliva which would naturally wash away these substances from the surface of the teeth is produced in low quantities increasing the risk of tooth decay.

So, let’s give a babies a great start with fabulous smiles to die for 😀

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Daily Health Tips: Why Do I Have Breast Discharge?

Posted on May 29, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hello Dr, my friend said her breast discharges. What could be the cause because I know she has no baby in her hand right away?

Q: That reminds me too Dr. Please reply to this one. Breast discharge without being pregnant…is this normal for a young lady?

A: I’ve received a couple of questions on this issue…many which I cannot reproduce to conserve space 😀 These two will serve as the template for all related questions.

There are different issues that can cause nipple discharge. The discharge can be bloody, milky, clear etc. The colour may not tell us much as to whether the discharge is normal or abnormal.

Milky discharge from the breast is called galactorrhea and is usually the symptom of a problem. For more on this please click on the link: https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/04/18/daily-health-tips-why-do-i-have-nipple-discharge-when-im-not-pregnant/

Causes of breast discharge include:
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding: The release of milk may also persist for a while even when breastfeeding has been stopped.
• Stimulation of the nipples during sexual foreplay or even pressing the nipple by people who are worried about the nipple discharge or friction between fabric and nipple can lead to nipple discharge.
• Breast abscess or infection
• Hormone imbalance
• Injury to the breast
• Some medications
• Cancer of the breast

To determine cause, the doctor may do a scan, take tissue sample to examine (biopsy) etc
Treatment depends on cause. If due to pregnancy or breastfeeding, it will eventually stop. If due to stimulation, the discharge will continue as long as the stimulation is present. If due to injury, it will also stop with healing. If the discharge is due to medication, stopping the medication is sufficient to bring this to a stop.

Bloody discharge, discharge from one breast only and discharge that happens spontaneously without the breast being touched or pressed is likely to be abnormal. These should be checked out as soon as possible in the hospital.

If the discharge is present during a menstrual period and persists into the next cycle, please see your doctor too.

Have a great night, everyone. If you’re in Nigeria, I hope you had a great Democracy Day and enjoyed the inauguration of the new Government.

Awesome days ahead! Let’s all play our parts.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Daily Health Tips: Why Do I Itch Under My Breasts And Between My Thighs?

Posted on May 28, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hi Doctor Ketch, please a friend of mine is having a recurring red itch under her breasts for some time now (she’s busty though), and the itching is also noticed in her inner thighs (where the panty line rests on). Please, what’s the cause and what can you prescribe for her? Thanks in anticipation.

A: Hello everyone! I forgot to wish you all a Happy Children’s Day yesterday! 😀 And just in case you think you’re not a child, my son reminded me that I am someone’s child and so the day was also meant for me! 😀 Even if your parents are no more, I’m sure you have have people you look up to as parents. So, I hope y’all enjoyed the day.

And to our question of the day…

Underneath the breasts and between the inner thighs are usual places for rashes to form especially in overweight or busty people. This would usually occur when tight clothing or fabrics that do not allow your skin to ‘breathe’ trap moisture (sweat) between the skin folds. Thus, constantly wearing tights (cycling shorts) or polyester fabrics etc may lead to accumulation of this moisture which is a rich culture medium for fungal and other organisms to thrive. People with this fungal infection may also have athlete’s foot. For more on athlete’s foot, please click on the link https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/02/19/daily-health-tips-is-this-a-fungal-infection/\

Other causes of itchy skin in these areas could be:
• Psoriasis (pronounce with the P silent) which could be triggered by stress, smoking, cold weather, injury to the skin etc
• Allergy: It could be a reaction to the fabric of bras or panties/underpants or even to medications taken
• Excessively dry skin from taking very hot baths etc
• Disease conditions like Diabetes Mellitus may also lead to itching in these areas.
• Pregnancy can cause itchy skin or worsen existing ones.

Treatment depends on cause.
• Generally, reduce stress and keep healthy by eating properly and exercising. Stress leads worsening of itching conditions and keeping healthy helps prevent overgrowth of fungal infections.
• Wearing cotton undies and avoiding tight fitting clothes are very helpful remedies.
• Try taking a bath with lukewarm water and then do not dry your skin thoroughly before moisturizing. For more on this please click on this link: https://chatwithdrketch.com/2013/11/06/daily-health-tip/
• Diagnosis of psoriasis and Diabetes Mellitus will be made by the doctor who will advice on treatment.

I hope this helps.

Have a great night y’all 😀

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Daily Health Tips: How Soon After A C-Section Should I Start Exercises?

Posted on May 27, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hi doc, when is good time to start exercising after giving birth through CS section?

A: Hallos! Thanks for writing in.

Now, if you had a baby through Caesarian Section, the challenge is in ensuring that you are not putting undue strain on your stitches. And so it is important to maintain the right posture and be sure to support the incision site when coughing or laughing, keep things within reach so you don’t have to bend/twist unduly hen reaching for things, drink sufficient fluids. You will be given pain relief when leaving the hospital. Ensure that you take these medications. If the pain becomes excessive, the incision site looks red and leaks fluid or you develop a high temperature, please see your doctor immediately.

As to when to start exercising, it would be when you feel up to it. However, you have to start small and be sure that your doctor gives the all clear. Kaffy the dancer who was on the first season of my show said she started her exercise 2 weeks after she put to bed through a C-section! Okay, that was Kaffy…not necessarily you! 😀

Before your six weeks post-natal appointment, you may find that you are up to some pelvi floor exercises. Try some pelvic floor exercises. Locate the muscle that helps you hold urine. Then try contracting and releasing it for 5 to 10 seconds and increase gradually.

You can also try lying flat on the floor with knees bended. Tighten your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in and then also squeeze your pelvic floor muscles together at the same time.
Don’t forget that gentle walks are also a great means of exercise as soon as you feel up to it.

After your 6th week check when your doctor gives the all clear, you can start with other moderate intensity exercises under his/her advice and instruction.

Remember that diet is also an important part of this process. Eat healthy. For more on this subject, please click on this link: https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/09/10/daily-health-tips-how-do-i-lose-my-tummy-bulge-after-having-a-c-section-girdle-vs-healthy-lifestyle/

I hope y’all had a great day. If you’re in Nigeria, how are you coping with the petrol scarcity??? :O It’s simply mind boggling…the sheer scale of this scarcity!

Have an awesome evening, y’all 😀

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Daily Health Tips: Why Are My Hands Always Cold?

Posted on May 26, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Good morning Dr. I have a problem…I don’t know why my hands are always cold. Please help me out

A: Thanks for writing in!

Cold hands may not necessarily signify a problem. For instance, if the weather is very cold, in order to conserve warmth especially for the vital internal organs, the vessels on the skin constrict (become smaller) and thus allow less blood to pass through to the skin…locking the warmth on the inside around your key organs. This leads to cold extremities.

Some people respond to temperature changes more than others and so would also have this situation occur. However, cold extremities accompanied by colour changes ( like blue fingers) could signify a problem with circulation or the nerves. It may also point to tissue damage. Other symptoms in these cases may include numbness or tingling sensation.

Conditions that may lead to this include Raynaud’s Disease (which may be caused by smoking, injuries to the hands and feet, surgery etc), deficiency of iron or Vitamin B12, hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone in the body), Diabetes etc.

So, if your hands are persistently cold…and you don’t live on the North pole  please see your doctor to rule out other conditions. In the meantime, ensure that you drink sufficient water daily and try to increase your activity levels.

Have a good night y’all 😀

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Daily Health Tips: Getting Pregnant After Ectopic Pregnancy

Posted on May 25, 2015 by chatwithdrketch

Hello Dr Ketch, what’s your advice for a woman who had surgery for ectopic pregnancy? How possible is it for her to get pregnant?

Hello; thanks for writing in. Well  it depends on the extent of fallopian tube damage and other factors surrounding the surgery.

I had written a detailed post on this a while back. Please click on the link below for the details:

Daily Health Tips: What Are My Options After Ectopic Pregnancy And Failed IVF?

Have a good night y’all 🙂

Here’s to a healthier you!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment