Tag: pregnancy

  • Six ways to cope with pregnancy anxieties

    Six ways to cope with pregnancy anxieties

    Becoming a mother is often painted as a purely miraculous and joyous transition.

    However, beneath the surface of excitement, many expectant and new mothers grapple with a less-discussed reality: “preg-insecurity.”

    This refers to the profound anxieties and self-doubt that can accompany the journey from womanhood to motherhood.

    While it’s challenging to vocalise these fears, acknowledging them is the crucial first step in overcoming them.

    It’s perfectly normal and okay to feel overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of bringing a new life into the world.

    Who wouldn’t question their capabilities when faced with the lifelong task of nurturing a fragile human being?

    However, if these insecurities become debilitating, they can be addressed.

    Here are some practical tips to help navigate “preg-insecurity”:

    1. Be Kind to Yourself: We are often our own harshest critics. Recognise that you might be more capable than you give yourself credit for.

    2. Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Reading and gathering reliable information on parenting can significantly reduce anxiety. Knowledge empowers you to feel more prepared.

    3. Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of your positive attributes and capabilities. This self-affirmation is incredibly important.

    Read Also: How pregnancy affected my vocal range – Tiwa Savage

    4. Embrace Positivity: Counter negative thoughts by focusing on the immense joy and fulfilment your child will bring. Shift your perspective from potential failure to anticipated happiness.

    5. Accept Imperfection: Understand that you won’t get everything right all the time. You are human, and making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing as a parent.

    6. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your insecurities become overwhelming, persistent, or lead to obsessive thoughts about failing as a parent, do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist or mental health professional. Your emotional well-being is paramount and directly impacts your child’s development.

    Remember, addressing your “preg-insecurity” is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards a healthier and more confident journey into motherhood.

  • Female formula, a 2025 hope for fertility and pregnancy

    Female formula, a 2025 hope for fertility and pregnancy

    Female Formula should always be at the beck and call of anyone who is treating female infertility challenges, whether primary or secondary.

    This product is one of the 30 plant medicines produced and marketed in Nigeria by Edible Herbs for a wide spectrum of health challenges.

     Edible herbs or female formula is a unique combination of herbs that not only balances hormones, treats infertility by stimulating ovarian functions but, also, takes care of menstrual problems.

     Its formulation include but is not limited to the following ingridients, one of the stars of which is Lady’s Mantle.

    This plant rings a bell whenever problems in the female reproductive system are to be addressed.

    Herbalists believe its shape in lobes and notches is a signature tune. By this, they mean the shape is a secret code for which organs in the body a herbal plant is created to maintain in good health and to cure when it is healed. Lady’s Mantle resembles the entire reproductive system of a woman, especially the uterus.

    What benefits can a woman’s reproductive system derive from her regular consumption of Lady’s mantle in diverse ways? 1.

     Lady’s Mantle strengthens muscles of the uterus.

    The muscles need to be strong for several reasons. If they are weak, Prolapse of The Uterus may occur. This means the entire uterine structure may collapse like a pack of cards or like the decking of a house constructed with inferior building materials.

    When this happens, parts of the uterus may extrude into the cervix and, from there, sometimes into the vagina.

    It can be embarrassing for a woman, to say the least,if she has to always use her fingers to push the extruded prolapsed uterus back into her body, especially during sexual intercourse.

    Weak uterine muscles may not support a baby growing in the uterus, because this amounts to additional load and pressure on them.

    Where the muscles of the cervix are weak, this may cause incompetent  cervix in which weak muscles of the cervix give way about mid-term in what becomes spontaneous or habitual abortion for some women.

    When this happens, the doctor may have to surgically hold muscles of the cervix together in what is called cervical cerclage or surgical suture.

    The cervix is the protective outer corridor of the uterus which connects it with the vagina.

    Older women, too,need to strengthen their uterine muscles to prevent prolapse of the uterus.

    They are prone to this, especially in menopausal years, when hormonal imbalances deprive them of enough estrogen, the star hormone of women to maintain their muscles, nerves and bone in youthful forms.

    For Lady’s Mantle also helps to balance the hormones. 2. Lady’s Mantle prevents and stops bleeding in the uterus and detoxifies it of those toxins which can cause systemic problems. Bleeding can make the uterus to become suboptimal.

    Deprive of oxygen and nutrients, the cells become weak and are unable to function optimally. In some cases, it causes an establish placenta, through which the foetus feeds, to rupture and to bleed, and this may be dangerous for the baby within.

    Through its tanin component, lady’s mantle may help to stop the bleeding. Lady’s mantle may be a super star gynaecology herb, but it is by no means a lone tree in a forest. Edible Herbs recognises this in the formulation of Female Formula which, therefore,comes with three other starry herbs for reproductive system health.

    Read Also: Nina Ivy dismisses pregnancy rumours about Mercy Eke

    These other reproductive system starry herbs which women of all ages should not ignore are a. Fertility Tree, b. Red Clover and c. Wild Yam.

     I wish to play a prank with Fertility Tree because many women, especially readers of this column, have often had of it or probably take it as a supplement with good reasons, but can hardly recognise it by this name.

    The name fertility tree comes from the Greeks and the Romans. In Greek mythology, the tree is believed to be associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility.

     The Romans, on the other hand, associated it with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. How would a regular user of Chaste Berry feel when I say that Fertility tree and Chaste Berry are the same plant medicine! That is Prank number one that some naturopaths may play. This herb does more than make a woman fertile and pregnancy prone. I am aware of a woman who would be reading this and recalling her days of fertility and pregnancy troubles which this herb, along with lady’s mantle and squaw veine, reversed with beautiful results.

    Her first pregnancy came with serious spotting which warranted complete bed rest for about two weeks.

    The next two or three pregnancies came down mid-term because of hormonal imbalances.

    By the time she tried again to get pregnant, I had come by the knowledge of these herbs during a meeting in the United States where an American pharmacologist reported that they stabilised his wife’s reproductive system after about three miscarriages in a row.

    I shared this experience with many women on my return home and received jubilant gratitude from them. What many women do not know and which I seldom tell them is that this Chaste Berry can be a double edged sword.

    For while it may balance the hormone estrogen against the hormone progesterone to stabilise their productive system, it may help to put a flaming Romeo in chains.

     That was why, in the Middle ages, Fertility Tree was also called chaste Berry by Europeans.

    The word Chaste is associated with Chastity, the human limit in the pursuit of Purity, which derives from Pure or Purity.

     Only the Almighty Creartor is Pure or Holy! As man cannot, therefore, be pure, the limit set for his specie in the striving for Purity is Chastity or Faithfulness. In the European monasteries of old, Chaste Berry was given to the monks as part of their diet to Clip or to Droop the wings of their Libido.

    What I am saying in effect is that, in men, chaste Berry can inactivate the habit of men running around with almost everything in skirt.

    Generous portions of red meat in the diet is believed to aggravate the sexual instinct of men. Chaste berry is believed to quieten the sexual instinct. I seldom mention this aspect on chaste berry because it may be counterproductive to a woman who steals it into the diet of her man just to keep him, bind him, hand and foot, to herself alone. What if he came to know what went wrong and the source? Has the market no more supplies of Long jack, refire, libido tonight, steel libido, robust roots, African Black Ant, Dman and the likes of them to get a cold fish man back into fiery form? If you still cannot guess the landing port we are heading for, here it is…. Vitex is what we have been talking about and calling Fertility Tree or Chaste berry!

    Almost every woman who has faced hormonal challenges knows about it.

     I  have heard that some naturopaths get it to some men who have testosterone problems and prostate gland challenge,  but I cannot vouch for its use and effects in this scenario.

     In 1990s, I often suggested that women combine Vitex with Phytoestrogen and Cardiotonic Pills from Tasly. The effects were often wondrous when they addf Milk  Thistle and Zinc. Phyto-Estrogen was a proprietary blend of plant estrogens. In the bodies of some women, their own human estrogen can be too harsh for their reproductive system.

    This problem can be worse when estrogen overpowers progesterone or the woman is estrogenated.

    She may suffer from mild to serious  pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS),bloating, swollen or sore breasts,food cravings, mood swings, irregular, scanty, excessive, painful menstruation or absence of it. Uterine muscles may ache, become inflamed, suffused with arachidonic acid, and uterine fibroids may develop. Some women suffer from single or polycystic ovarian syndrome in one ovary or both. To add to such discomforts, some women are driven to vomit and experience peace only after they have vomitted a greenish, bitter substance. Some of them ask me what all of these mean.

    This subject offers an opportunity for an explanation.The greenish, bitter substance is likely to be bile, a digestive salt produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder for the digestion of fats and other purposes. When estrogen and other hormones run riot during menstruation, hormone-like substances called prostaglandins produced in the uterus stimulate cramping or spasms of soft muscles in the body, upsetting the digestive system, causing nausea and voitting. In Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), this is seen as a Rebellion of the Life Force, which is meant to eliminate unwanted forms downwards but instead prefers an upward spiral.

    This is often associated with a Stagnant Liver. Thus, while anti-spasmodic herbs such as Blue Vervain and Basil  Ocinum may be used to quieten the spasms, and the liver may profit from Milk Thistle protection, detoxification of the liver is imperative.

     Estrogen Sister That is what I call Estriol, Estrione and Estradiol. Scientifically, they are Estrogen fractions or splittings.

     They are the three major “sisters” or components of human estrogen. Estriol is the weakest followed in terms of harshness or potency by Estrione and Estradiol. Estrione is often used in Hormone Replacement Therapy ( HRT) for post-menopausal women with all the possibilities of a cancer aftermath. estradiol finds use in some contraceptives. Women react differently to them. What may hurt one woman may not injure another.

     Plant medicine care givers recommend plant estrogens or phytoestrogen when a woman has problems with her own body’s estrogen.

    This is because plant estrogens are weaker and tolerated more by the body.

    For example, human estrogens may be 100 to 1000 times harsher than plant estrogens. Isoflavones, a common plant estrogen from Soyabean, is about 10 to 20 times less harsh or potent than human Estrogen.

    To enjoy plant estrogen, a number of steps should be taken (a)The body, especially the liver and the kidneys, should be detoxified .

    (b)Bitter things should be eaten to stimulate the liver, the body chief detoxifying organ c.

    (c) Stuff like milk and poultry egg should be eliminated in the diet.

    Milk comes with estrogens in cow feed to stimulate their breasts to make milk almost every day.

    Egg is laden with estrogen in poultry feed to stimulate hens to lay egg almost everyday.

    The estrogen residues increased the estrogen load in a woman’s body and does the same for a man. d.

    (d) Food should not be wrapped with cellophane, as is the current practice in Nigeria with the rapping of eba, fufu and amala, among others.

    The cellophane is a soft plastic which leaches xeno estrogens,petrol residue-derived estrogens, into the food.

     Sun-heated”pure water” sachechets and sun-heated bottled water also introduce xeno estrogens into their contents. (e) When the liver breaks down excess human estrogens, the diet should be fiber-rich to move the fragments out of the body through the stool , otherwise they may be re-absorbed in the colon to worsen the estrogen loads.

    Consumption of phyto estrogen should be a daily feature of the diet of young and older women. In pre and post menopause, the ovaries reduced their estrogen production.

     Estrogen makes a woman’s body a woman’s body. With estrogen depletion in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal years, the female body begins to give way in all sorts of ways. The hair easily breaks and falls, vision dims, hearing loss may occur, teeth and gums exhibit problems, the breasts are a shadow of their old selves, the great twinggy and curvy structure disappears and the bones become porous, weak and may easily break, sometimes making hip replacement a necessity. This is why it pays off to give the body phytoestrogen support.

    Resort to chemical HRT sometimes ends disastrously. To Lady’s mantle and Vitex, therefore, may be added the proprietary formula Phytoestrogen from Tasly and Zinc, the fertility mineral. Red Clover Here comes the third of four components of Female Formula.

    It is many sided in its health-promoting activities. It is supportive of the immune system.

    Its chemical substances are reported to lower blood cholesterol levels,thereby reducing blood pressure and improving cardio vascular health. Bone density may receive support from Red clover. Thus, osteoporosis may be kept at bay and the risk of fractures eliminated.

    The herb is also anti- inflammatory and bears anti-oxidation potentials. It synergies with Lady’Mantle and Vitex in uterine health protection and advancement.

    It may help to bar the way for uterine fibroids, endometriosis and other uterine related questions. In terms of fertility, Red clover may be counted upon in the improvement of egg quality and the regulation of ovulation and other reproductive processes.

     For menopausal women, a good news is that Isoflavones of Red clover have been noted to help reduce and stamp out night sweets, Hot flashes and mood swings. Wild Yam. You must wonder why This yam specie is called Wild Yam. It belongs to the botanical family of the Edible yam tuber you can boil, roast, fry or pound, but it is inedible because it is Toxic when it is eaten raw. Nevertheless,it has been used as a plant medicine in North America for hundred of years because of its healing properties.It’s active medicinal ingridient is Diogenin.

    It was thought that Diogenin could be converted to progesterone

     That was why it’s featured in creams used as in HRT or to ease menstrual cramps.

     However, it is now well confirmed that, while a conversion is possible in the laboratory, the body is unable to transform diogenine into progesterone to balance out Estrogen.

     Nevertheless, Wild Yam continues to feature in female reproductive health therapies because it is found to moderate Estrogen activities and to quell inflamation, mood swings and other symptoms associated with derailment of the system.

    In the 1990s, it was popular for breast development and featured especially in a product called Great Curves sold in Nigeria by nature’s way, second largest nutraceutical company in the United States after GNC.

     The conclusion of modern research of this herb, therefore, is that there may be other components of Wild Yam that are doing the job but are yet unknown to researchers or that the exact modality of the way the herb works is still elusive. The North America Indians who have used it for hundreds of years, under the direction of Nature beings, cannot be foolish but wise in their intuitive sensing and cognition.

    Cardio Tonic: Pill I would like to conclude that cardiotonic pills be included in female reproductive health therapies. It is now reformulated and called ICP Danshen Pill to pack in more healing force from Danshen, a popular and powerful Asian herb. In the early 2000s ,it was the rave in Nigeria for blood circulation problems, especially blood clots and strokes, Nowadays, and as at then, many women experience heavy blood clots in their menstruation, a sign of sluggish blood movement and detention or retention and backup menstruation in the uterus.

    This stagnation is a possible progenitor of uterine fibroids and, perhaps, endometriosis. At that time, Cayenne Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar and their likes, including Ferumphos in the stable of Biochemic or tissue or cell salts, helped to break the de-oxyenated menstrual clots and promote rich circulation. Cardiotonic Pills was a wonder on its own.

    In an experiment, the hand of a volunteer was frozen in a freezer. It looked lifeless, seemingly with no blood in it.

    Then, the volunteer was given Cardiotonic pills by mouth. In under five minutes, the frozen, immobile hand came alive with restoration of blood circulation. What was the magic?

     There was one percent Camphor in the formulation. It uprooted the frozen blood, warmed it and reversed the dying hand.

     That was to prove that blood clots which could cause heart attacks and stroke could be taken out.

    It offers hope for uterine fibroid resolution as well, in my view. A popular current therapy now is Camphorated Castor Oil massage on the external skin of a fibriod challenged woman re-forced with a heating pad or hot water bottle in the absence of the former.

    This conversation will continue another day. Meanwhile, it is my pleasure, Ladies and gentlemen, to welcome Female  Formula from Edible Herbs to the community of female reproductive health seekers to which by right also belong menopausal and post menopausal women.

  • Wholesome sexuality Canvases intimacy during pregnancy

    Wholesome sexuality Canvases intimacy during pregnancy

    Vera Chikezie-Oke, a certified Clinical Sexuality Coach and convener of Wholesome Sexuality, recently took a message of hope and empowerment to pregnant women in Lagos Island axis of Lagos.

    Through her hospital outreach, she aimed to dispel myths and inspire women to embrace the health benefits of intimacy during pregnancy.

    “Our mission is to teach couples how to enjoy good sex in marriage, even during pregnancy,” Vera shared. “Sex isn’t just about pleasure; it’s God’s gift, and it brings couples closer even in this unique season of their lives.”

    Speaking on her motivation for launching the initiative, Chikezie-Oke said: “In my practice, I found that many women experience minimal or total shutdown in intercourse during pregnancy. This often leads to cranky or moody husbands who feel disconnected, which also affects the marriage. After delivery, it becomes even harder to resume intimacy because they didn’t maintain that tempo during pregnancy.”

    Read Also:10 essential dietary tips for managing blood sugar during pregnancy

    To address these challenges, Wholesome Sexuality decided to meet women in their familiar settings—antenatal clinics. “Today marks the beginning of many hospital outreaches where we’ll educate, empower, and inform women on how to enjoy sex during and after pregnancy,” Vera explained.

    Chikezie-Oke also tackled common myths about pregnancy sex, using personal anecdotes.

    “From my own experience, I enjoyed intercourse until the very last day of my pregnancy. Labour would start afterward, and I would give birth smoothly.”

  • 10 essential dietary tips for managing blood sugar during pregnancy

    10 essential dietary tips for managing blood sugar during pregnancy

    Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial during pregnancy to ensure the baby’s well-being.

    Below are 10 tips to look out for:

    1. Eat smaller, frequent meals (3 meals, 2-3 snacks) to prevent blood sugar spikes.

    2. Measure starch servings (1 cup cooked or 2 slices of bread per meal).

    3. Limit milk intake to 1 cup (8 oz) at a time.

    4. Consume one small portion of fruit at a time (1 small piece or 1/2 large fruit).

    5. Incorporate high-fibre foods: whole grains, split peas, lentils, and beans.

    6. Opt for whole grain breakfasts with protein for better blood sugar control.

    7. Avoid fruit juice, sugary drinks, and regular sodas.

    8. Limit sweets and desserts due to high sugar and fat content.

    9. Refrain from adding sugar, honey, or syrup to foods.

    10. Be cautious of sugar-alcohols in sugar-free products, which can cause digestive issues.

    Healthy Choices:

    – Whole grains (brown rice, wild rice, whole oats)

    – Protein-rich foods (lean meats, fish, eggs)

    – Vegetables

    – Whole fruits

    – Low-fat dairy

    Foods to Limit or Avoid:

    – Refined grains (white bread, white rice)

    – Sugary drinks

    – Fruit juice

    Read Also: Tems breaks silence on pregnancy rumours, questions link to Future

    – Cakes, cookies, candies

    – Pastries

    – Foods with added sugars (honey, syrup)

    By following these dietary guidelines, one would be able to manage blood sugar levels effectively and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

  • Ways to avoid pregnancy insomnia

    Ways to avoid pregnancy insomnia

    Pregnancy insomnia can be a challenging issue for many expectant mothers.

    However, it’s crucial to prioritise sleep during this period to ensure physical and mental well-being.

    Good sleep hygiene habits can make a significant difference in improving sleep quality but establishing a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine is essential.

    Creating a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or practicing gentle stretches, can help signal the body that it’s time to sleep.

    Read Also: How my sister body-shamed me during pregnancy – Frodd’s wife

    Other tips for improving sleep hygiene include avoiding exercise within a few hours of bedtime, practicing relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or guided imagery, and creating a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

    Additionally, limiting caffeine intake and avoiding screens (phones, laptops, TVs) at least an hour before bedtime can help improve sleep quality. Keeping electronics out of the bedroom and finding a comfortable sleeping position with supportive pillows can also make a significant difference.

    If heartburn or frequent urination is disrupting sleep, there are ways to manage these issues. Limiting late-night snacks and avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime can help alleviate heartburn, while reducing fluid intake before bedtime can minimise frequent urination.

  • UoN using AI to predict pregnancy risks for women in Africa

    UoN using AI to predict pregnancy risks for women in Africa

    • Prof Moses Obimbo Madadi, leading Clinician-Scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

    Africa has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the world, with 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, comprehensive research on the relation between pregnancy loss and reproductive health issues are not as readily available.      

    What is known is that vaginal infections, including Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), could have serious implications for women’s reproductive health and their pregnancy outcomes. Critical research is needed to better understand the microorganisms present in various vaginal infections, and their role in particular pregnancy outcomes.

    Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and next-generation sequencing technology, my team of researchers at the University of Nairobi are breaking new ground in understanding how the vaginal microbiome and vaginal infections affect a woman’s reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. This technology could enable us to identify whether women who deliver at term have a certain microbiome, compared to those experiencing pre-term birth.  

    This research is not only the first of its kind in Kenya – it is cutting edge research with significant tangible impact in improving pregnancy outcomes for women around the world. It also informs the development of faster and less invasive testing – such as a urine test – at the point of care, and potentially the development of more effective therapeutic treatments. If health workers can diagnose and treat an infection at the point of care, you mitigate risk to mother and baby, and reduce the cost of treatment.

    The risks of vaginal infections in pregnancy  

    Testing for vaginal infections – particularly asymptomatic infections such as bacterial vaginosis – is not routinely carried out in prenatal examinations. Healthcare providers seldom carry out a full screening for both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. They often do syphilis screening, and screenings in the case of premature rupture of the membranes, but there is no integrated approach for identifying asymptomatic infections.     

    Some studies indicate around 20% of women attending gynaecology clinics in Kenya have vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis and parasitic infections, or STIs including syphilis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas vaginalis. However, data suggests that as many as 73% of women have asymptomatic vaginal infections. Left untreated, these infections can lead to multiple adverse outcomes for pregnancy and gynaecological health, such as miscarriages, preterm birth, foetal growth restriction, premature rupture of the membranes, stillbirth, and endometriosis or infertility for the mother. 

    Early identification and treatment of vaginal infections would reduce the scale of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, even where screening is carried out for vaginal infections, the process does not always have the desired outcomes, as the usual diagnostic method requires a vaginal swab, which can be seen as invasive and requires follow-up visits to receive the results and get treatment. 

    When patients are asked to return repeatedly, the financial cost and time involved for patients discourages follow-up care, resulting in the loss of precious time for treatment. Though nearly 90 percent of women in rural Kenya seek antenatal care, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), many wait until the second or third trimester, when it is too late for effective treatment. 

    Improving pregnancy outcomes     

    Our five-year research project includes screening and monitoring over 1,500 women attending six medical facilities in Kenya over two years. The research follows first, second and third trimester development, with a control group, live births, and women with outcomes of interest such as preterm or stillbirths.      

    Having acquired advanced tools such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines to analyse bacteria, and an Illumina MiSeq sequencer for targeted and microbial genome applications, we will use next generation sequencing and AI to analyse microbial communities, and metabolomic profiling to identify predictive and diagnostic signatures of adverse pregnancy outcomes.            

    In the third year of our research, we will work with computational biology doctoral students to develop an AI model to analyse the data and develop prediction models that could be used to identify at-risk pregnancies for early interventions. Our aim is to show how differences in the composition in the vaginal microbiome impact pregnancy outcomes.      

    As part of our work, we have established new collaborations with the international Vaginal Microbiome Research Consortium (VMRC), a body which works to improve understanding on the stability of the vaginal microbiota, and risk for disease or adverse gestational outcomes among other functions. 

    In future, we also plan to drive improved education and awareness of the link between vaginal infections including STIs and pregnancy outcomes. We will sensitise communities and healthcare workers for them to understand that looking out for vaginal infections should be one of the standard pillars of prenatal care. 

    By working to identify predictive biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes, we may be able to improve reproductive health for women not only in Kenya, but around the world, and support health officials with better intervention strategies to support healthier pregnancy outcomes.

    Read Also: I had stillborn after eight months pregnancy – Debbie Shokoya

    Moses Madadi Bio

    Moses Obimbo Madadi, Clinician-Scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, will form a coalition of researchers and develop tools to study the vaginal microbiome and metabolites during pregnancy to help identify predictive biomarkers and intervention strategies for improving pregnancy outcomes in Kenya. Africa carries a high burden of severe pregnancy complications such as stillbirths and neonatal deaths. To address this, Dr. Madadi is leveraging his broad experience in clinical, basic, and epidemiological research to establish a unique niche of translational research to support the health of women in Kenya and around the world. He will perform a prospective cohort study at four hospitals in Nairobi by collecting clinical data and vaginal samples from over 1500 pregnant women. He will use next generation sequencing to analyse microbial communities, and metabolomic profiling to identify predictive and diagnostic signatures of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These data will be used to develop artificial intelligence-assisted prediction models that could be used as valuable screening tools to identify at-risk pregnancies for early interventions

  • Is sex safe during pregnancy?

    Is sex safe during pregnancy?

    Many women crave sex during pregnancy while others dread it. The good news – or bad news, depending who is looking at it – is that sex during pregnancy is extremely safe and desirous for most men and women.

    Sex on a regular basis is safe as long as the pregnancy is proceeding normally — but you might not always want to. Emotions and hormones often take a toll on one’s sex drive and can cause fatigue, nausea and potential adverse pregnancy outcomes.

    Miscarriages, preterm labour and excessive bleeding from sex is rare but still very important conditions to be aware of. Sex is generally not the cause of miscarriage as it is usually related to genetics and other chromosomal abnormalities — not due to anything you do or don’t do.

    However, poor lifestyle management such as an inadequate diet and lack of exercise can result in excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, hormonal imbalances and additional labour complications. These can increase the risk a large baby and the need of Caesarean delivery — also known as a C-section.

    Sexual activity – unless it’s excessively rough – won’t affect the baby. The baby is protected by the strong muscles of the uterus and suspended in a sac of fluid. The man-on-top position does become progressively more uncomfortable and should be avoided during the third trimester.

    At this time, the growing uterus can compress major abdominal blood vessels and cause an array of symptoms associated with diminished blood flow. A condition called supine hypotensive syndrome can develop if the blood vessels are compressed. This can change blood pressure, heart rate, and negatively affect the foetus.

    Experts agree that experimenting with positions is what works best. This approach allows you to keep safety in mind while still focusing on mutual pleasure and comfort. Popular positions include lying next to your partner sideways or have the female on top.

    Both men and women need to practice safe sex regardless of pregnancy status. Exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy can terminate the pregnancy or severely affect the health of the mother and unborn child. Conditions such as hepatitis B, HIV, herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and genital warts are easily transmittable.

    Anal sex is not recommended during pregnancy. Anal sex is often painful and uncomfortable with pregnancy-related haemorrhoids. Anal sex can cause trauma and bleeding that increases the risk of spreading infections between partners and foetus.

    If you choose to receive oral sex during pregnancy, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. This act can cause a deadly blood clot that travels to the lungs. Oral sex is generally considered safe during pregnancy but it also has risks of STI transmission.

    Use a latex condom each and every time you have sex. Limit the number of sexual partners if you’re single, unmarried or not committed. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch a STI. To reduce your risk, practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person.

     

    Regardless of if you’re pregnant or not, don’t use alcohol, tobacco or drugs before or after sex. These substances can damage the foetus and being drunk or high often prevents safe sex practices.

    Have fun, listen to your body and be responsible when it comes to sex during pregnancy. Sex during pregnancy is often better because the pressures are off.

     

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global health care education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. He can be reached via: 

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

  • The Puzzle of the ‘Pregnancy in Prison’

    THE inmate of the Calabar prisons that delivered twins at the General Hospital Calabar on April, 17th has died at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital due to postnatal complications”.

    The prison authority disclosed this on a statement by the Public Relations Officers of the State Prison Command, ASP Effanga Etim on Wednesday in Calabar. The Princess Files personally took the trouble to call an ASP of Prisons in Calabar who confirmed the said inmate’s death.

    The passing away of this woman is quite unfortunate. Inmate, whose name has never been disclosed came into our consciousness with a bang when she was delivered of a set of twins, boy and girl while still in prison custody. (It must be said here that contrary to some media reports, the twins were born at the General Hospital Calabar where their mother had been receiving regular anti-natal care while still in custody). The twins were NOT born within the confines of the prison in Calabar, as was wrongly speculated.

    However, this little detail was the least of the speculations surrounding the otherwise cheery news, coming from that axis of a state prison.         The question on every lips: WHO IS the FATHER of the twins? Since the mother is incarcerated, could the father possibly be …… the warden? The prison guard? Who??

    This puzzle of the pregnancy in prison (as Louis Odion called it) did not at all perturb the Cross River State Governor. Professor Ben Ayade, on hearing of the safe delivery, promptly sent a gift of One Million Naira in cash to the woman “for the upkeep of the twins”.

    And while this again raised such MORE PUZZLES, the clever (read crafty) mother promptly named her babies Ben and Linda – the Governor`s name, and the Governor’s wife`s name.

    Take a look at what Louis Odion said, in speaking the minds of many:-

    “We woke up Easter Sunday to read reports of a seeming biological feat unparalleled in the Guinness book of records. It is the delivery of two bundles of joy by the most unlikely: a prison inmate.

    What brought the publicity was the fantastic donation of N1m by Cross River State Government for their upkeep. Not surprisingly, the tots have been named after Governor Ben Ayade and wife, Linda.

    But while every kindhearted person must rejoice with the unidentified lucky woman, one difficult – if not mischievous – question is unlikely to go away. The report was silent on when exactly the woman found herself in detention. Now, unless it is established that the Calabar woman was already inseminated before being incarcerated, many are bound to wonder what ‘technology’ she adopted to get pregnant while supposedly in detention”.

    So now, whodunit, or as we usually say -“how manage”?!                         Here are some of the missing links. But firstly, let me say that it is a pity that the woman lost her life; this was as a result of complications in childbirth.

    Secondly, I am still a little puzzled. The woman passed away on April, 19th; two days after the birth; why was the release announcing her death only made 4 days ago on the 24th, one clear week AFTER her death?

    However, here is the news behind the news:

    • The late woman was incarcerated on 5th of November, 2018 with a six month pregnancy.
    • The woman was remanded by the High Court in Calabar FOR THE OFFENCE OF CHILD STEALING!

    I say it is a tragic error that she be the one rewarded with a Million Naira. She was made a millionaire when protecting her own offspring, while depriving another innocent mother of her own fruit of the womb.

    The final puzzle for me: please correct me if my thinking is wrong but how was an inmate expected to spend cash while still in prison?!

    So now she has passed away: what has happened to the Million Naira- enough for the minimum wage of one whole government agency?                     Your guess is as good as mine; even as I pray that the stolen child be recovered and restored and to the mother.

     

    Airtelling It

    I woke up one morning this past week wanting to eat just something in particular, and nothing else. I decided to make it myself and that sent me to the kitchen – a place I find myself very scarce in ,these days, even though if you were to ask me, I would say I love to cook.

    It was in the midst of stirring my saucepan that the phone rang, so in my distraction I didn’t recognize THE VOICE: it was Segun Ogunsanya, Airtel MD/CEO.

    He apologized profusely for all the inconveniences I had encountered, and assured me that measures were being put in place to bring about better customer care during SIM registration.

    Such as? Well, he said that no-one would leave their premises without their photo-capture being of the regulators’ standards e.g. both ears showing etc. etc. To ensure this, he promised better orientation for the operators and vendors.

    How about non-competitive and steep call rates? He told me that Airtel had a whole range of packages and plans not just for calls in general, but they even had something tailored to individual profiles, depending on one’s most regularly dialed networks. Someone was also asked to follow me up on choice of plan.

    That sorted, the Airtel big boss let me know that he read the Princess Files article himself, after which two of his female friends also sent it to him.

    Well, I frequently see his private jet parked at the airport, so if Mr. Ogunsanya is regularly strapped in and reading The Princess Files in The Nation, then I’m down with that!

     

    Re Abacha Loot

    Your story in The Nation 14/4 on Abacha refers please. This seems to be a piece of white washing for the most hated Nigeria Head of State (military/civilian). Abacha’s demise was one death Nigerians across the country went to town jubilating for divine intervention on his high handedness. Since 1998, why was nobody defending, even those listed in your article, the loot as deposit for arms? Tell your story to the marines, and not Nigerians. Good afternoon Madam.

    0708 _ _ _ 2400

    Thank you for your piece on Abacha Loot.

    Nnamdi from Port Harcourt.

    I liked your Abacha loot story.

    Roy from Uyo

     

    Re: I read your article of the subject matter, it is really interesting and good in educating Nigeria on the conspiracy that’s attached to people in power, in their country. I will like you to kindly send me the article directly to my mail. Will really appreciate.

    Bashir

     

    Simply go to www.staging.thenationonlineng.net and download it from there, Princess

    SMS/Whatapps 0705554703

  • How to deal with common disorders occurring in pregnancy

    Pregnancy, by all measures, is a normal occurrence or shall we say, should be a normal event in the life of a pregnant woman and the family.  However, by all accounts, most pregnancies will pass without trouble. That said, a significant number of pregnant women may experience illnesses that are either caused directed by the pregnancy or simply occurring in association with the pregnancy.

    Let  us consider Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy.  This condition is one that is caused by an ongoing pregnancy though in some occasions nausea and vomiting may be due to other disorder such as malaria that occurs during pregnancy.

    In traditional African culture and in Nigeria in particular, at least, a young novice girl might appear to the outside world, as chaste.  Often to the surprise of her guardians or parents, she may start to vomit without the girl knowing the apparent cause in spite of the fact that she had secretly been sexually active.  On intense questioning, she will often deny being sexually active. But the ancient wisdom will often reveal her hidden activities.  Our grandparents, especially older women, would discern a novice girl who is in denial of being pregnant.  Experience mothers will often look at the palm of the vomiting girl or like a doctor would, experience mothers will take a look at the eyes especially the conjunctiva and come to the conclusion, following the examination, that that girl is “pregnant” because the girl looks pale in both her hand and eyes. Suddenly, the girl who had until now been in denial, becomes calm and resign to her fate. Thus, taking the vomiting and the pallor together, our mothers had relied on ancient wisdom to make a diagnosis of early pregnancy.

    Notwithstanding, either planned or unplanned pregnancy, nausea and vomiting is a common development in early pregnancy.

    From about 2 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy is that the woman suddenly feels the urge to vomit (nausea) and as the days go by, this urge to “throw up” may be accompanied with actual vomiting.  This very unpleasant feelings of nausea and vomiting often occurs in the morning hence the name “morning sickness” that is known to billions of our able and honourable women worldwide.  The morning sickness though gets better as the day goes by may however occur at any time during the day. Rarely does nausea and vomiting become troublesome at night.

    Following the experience and the knowledge that she may vomit her food and water that she ingests, the pregnant woman may start to avoid food. So, her appetite goes down as a result.

    The good news is that by the end of the third month or 12 weeks since she last saw her period, the nausea and vomiting may stop.  In some occasions, the morning sickness can continue until 16-20weeks but rarely beyond.

    The frequent vomiting may give rise to irritation in the chest as a result of stomach acid coming from stomach, towards the throat.  Also, excessive salivation may accompany the nausea. The problem is how to dispose the excess saliva which cannot be swallowed.  Despite the trouble of nausea, vomiting and excess saliva, the pregnant women are often desiring to eat strange food which is not within her reach: a condition that doctors have termed pica!

    Treatment: The knowledge that the vomiting will stop eventually may be reassuring.  However, eating small bits of food in spaced intervals may help. Avoiding acidic food such as citrus may also help. Spicy foods should also not be consumed at this time. The idea is to reduce stomach acid to as little as possible.  Further, antacids which is available over the counter in pharmacies may be purchased to help this condition.  Bed rest may also help.

    Hyperemesis Gravidarum

    In some situations, the nausea and vomiting may be so severe that, the pregnant woman may suffer liver damage, jaundice, weight loss, poor appetite and low level blood vitamins. Such development from the common and benign nausea and vomiting is a very serious medical illness in pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum constitute a gynaecologic emergency and this should be taken very seriously.

    Attending a competent medical doctor is a top andurgent priority as this conditions threatens the life of the mother and the developing baby.

    The treatment is definitely at the hospital and admission is required to replace loss fluid and vitamins. The idea is to help the woman regain her strength, protect her growing baby and improve her liver function as well as bring the nausea and vomiting to a manageable level.

    At the hospital, the medical team is   likely to give medications that will control the vomiting. Admission and monitoring are likely to continue until such a time when the woman is sufficiently improved.

    As I mentioned earlier, the good news remains that the vomiting is likely to stop not later than 12-16weeks of pregnancy.

  • Man killed after suspending wedding over suspicious pregnancy

    A 34-year old businessman based in Malaysia, Olisemeka Egom, has been murdered  unknown gunmen.
    His killing has been linked to the suspension  of his wedding after he allegedly discovered that his would-be wife is carrying a questionable three months old pregnancy.
    Olisemeka was shot dead at his family residence at Akugbe Street, Off Okunseri Street, Off Dumez road, Sapele road in the state capital.
    He was killed in the presence of his father,  would-be wife and their three years old son
    His father said Olisemeka returned home to marry the girl who had a baby boy for him and has been living with her parents since he traveled out last year.
    He accused the girl of complexity in the brutal murder of his son.
    “My son and the girlfriend Judith have not been quarreling before, but when my son arrived last August he accused the girl of carrying another man’s pregnancy.
    “The girl agreed but said my son was responsible. My son said it is impossible because he has not been around, the last time he visited Nigeria was July 2017.
    “He said he would not go ahead with the wedding. So this was the issue on ground. My son opened well-stocked baby things shop for her. He said it was because of his son.
    “She is unhappy that my son has discovered, again, that he built a house, bought a car without paying her dowry,” Mr Emmanuel Egom bereaved father stated.
    The would-be wife identified as Judith said “I don’t know what to say, we can’t talk on phone, I will call you so that we meet, but you know you cannot publish the story without my consent”.
    Police said a case of murder was reported and advised the bereaved family to come forth with information.
    Spokesman for the Edo Police Command, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to be briefed.