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Baby questions

By on August 30, 2010

Photo © Elena Derevtsova

 

1. I didn’t know I was pregnant until my 8th week.  I had taken analgesics on various occasions. What steps should I take to ensure that baby is developing normally?

It is highly unlikely that occasional doses of analgesics (painkillers) would harm the baby if taken in early pregnancy.  While it is a sound rule to avoid all drugs in pregnancy, especially in the first three months, it may be said that paracetamol (acetoaminophen, also known by the trade names of Tylenol, Calpol, and others) is not known to be harmful in pregnancy.  There are no tests which can ensure that the baby is developing normally but the usual ante-natal care routine should be followed.

 

2. What can be done with water retention during pregnancy?  

Water retention, provided it is not due to high blood pressure or other disorders, is a normal adaptation to the pregnant state.  It usually affects the ankles and lower legs and this can be relieved by lying down with the legs raised.  Diuretics ("water pills") are not recommended.  If the water retention is severe, or if it is related to high blood pressure, medical advice should be sought.

 

3. How does one gauge if an expectant mother’s weight is above normal?

A woman of normal pre-pregnancy weight would expect to gain 9 – 15Kg (20 – 33lb) in pregnancy.  It is of doubtful value to weigh a pregnant woman at each ante-natal visit, as this merely tends to cause anxiety.  ("Have I put on the ‘right’ amount of weight?")  If weight gain seems excessive, or if the woman is significantly overweight before pregnancy, medical advice is needed, especially to rule out diabetes.

 

4. If taking pain relievers is harmful to pregnant women, what home remedies can be used to try to alleviate back or muscle pain, headaches, etc., during pregnancy? 

As mentioned above, it is almost certainly harmless to take occasional doses of paracetamol in pregnancy.  Back pain may be due to a disorder of the spinal or sacro-iliac joints for which spinal manipulation, performed by a qualified practitioner, can be safe and effective. 

 

5. What causes leg cramps and how should they be treated during pregnancy?

It is not known what causes leg cramps, but they can be treated and prevented by gently stretching the calf muscles.  One way to do this is to stand about with your hands on a wall about 1m (1 yard) in front of you, with your heels on the floor, and then gently do ‘push-ups’ against the wall, say a dozen times, before going to bed, or when the cramps are felt.

 

6. What activities are relatively safe for pregnant mothers in their first or 2nd trimester?

All normal human activities – with the single exception of scuba diving – are safe in pregnancy.  One merely needs to use one’s discretion and common sense.

 

Dr Gabriel Symonds is the founder and director of the Tokyo British Clinic (1992).  As well as general practitioner services, routine ante-natal checks and paediatric care, including immunisations, are available by appointment.. Tel: (03) 5458-6099.  

www.tokyobritishclinic.com

About Dr. Gabriel Symonds

Dr. Gabriel Symonds was the director of the Tokyo British Clinic. The clinic closed down in May 2014 after serving the expatriate community for 20+ years. Dr. Symonds has retired and the Tokyo British Clinic is now closed. Dr Symonds will continue to live in Tokyo and may be contacted by e-mail over any questions concerning medical records or related matters: symonds@tokyobritishclinic.com He will be available from another address for: smoking cessation psychotherapy/counselling circumcision information Tel: (03) 5458-6099 www.tokyobritishclinic.com