Dr X.B Mbongozi Inc.

16/12/2025

15/12/2025

We’ve been speaking Ge***al Herpes, now let’s go into what could cause reactivation?

***alHerpes

26/11/2025

Let’s continue from our previous post on ge***al herpes symptoms

*LET'S TALK GE***AL HERPES' with Dr X*📚💡: painful blisters turn to ulcers & heal. Some have NO symptoms or mild ones 🤷‍♀️. Initial outbreak = flu-like feels 🤒. Recurrences might bring tingling, itching, burning ⚠️ ***alHerpes "

22/11/2025

Check out this info on ge***al herpes from 'LET’S TALK GE***AL HERPES' with Dr X 📚💡 Learn about what ge***al herpes is & how it's contracted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

In the next post we will look at how they present, how they’re reactivated and what to do if you suspect ge***al herpes and prevention measures.

***alHerpes

18/10/2025

Stay informed, stay protected. 💪
HPV can cause ge***al warts — but prevention is possible with the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) and regular screenings.

05/10/2025

✨ Did you know? ✨
Ge***al warts are caused by certain strains of HPV and can spread even without visible signs.
Understanding how they spread, look, and affect pregnancy is the first step in protecting your health. 💡👩‍⚕️

14/08/2025

Why is Pap smear important? The first 5 people to give a more comprehensive answer will have free pap smear on the 19th August.

10/08/2025

✨ Pregnant and feeling the burn? 🔥 You’re not alone! Up to 80% of moms-to-be experience heartburn during pregnancy — especially in the later months. 🍼

Look through this read-along with Dr. Mbongozi to learn:
✔️ What heartburn really is
✔️ Why it happens during pregnancy
✔️ Common triggers to avoid
✔️ Tips to prevent or ease the burn
✔️ Safe treatments to discuss with your doctor

📌 Save this for later and share with a mama who needs it! 💛

15/07/2025

PREGNANCY VITAMINS

Prenatal vitamins are a critical part of early pregnancy health—and it’s best to start even before you conceive. We’ve broken down the essentials for you: nutrients, timing, and smart tips for making it work for you.

READ ALONG WITH DR X

Pregnancy vitamins—often called prenatal vitamins—are supplements designed to support the health of both the pregnant person and the developing fetus. They provide essential nutrients that may be difficult to get in sufficient amounts through diet alone during pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins come in a single pill that combines multiple nutrients, while others are available as separate pills.

🔑 Key Nutrients in Pregnancy Vitamins:
1. Folic Acid (Folate)
• Why it’s important: Helps prevent neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida).
• start before conception if possible.
2. Iron
• Why it’s important: Supports the increased blood volume and helps prevent anemia.

3. Calcium
• Why it’s important: Builds baby’s bones and teeth, protects your bone density.

Other Nutrients that may sometimes be necessary:

4. Vitamin D
• Why it’s important: Helps calcium absorption and supports baby’s bone development.

5. Iodine
• Why it’s important: Essential for baby’s brain and nervous system development.
6. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) – an omega-3 fatty acid
• Why it’s important: Supports baby’s brain and eye development.
•
7. Vitamin B6
• Why it’s important: May help reduce nausea during pregnancy.


🧃 Should You Take Them Before Pregnancy?

Yes—ideally start taking a prenatal vitamin at least 1 month before conception, especially for folic acid, which is critical in the earliest weeks.

⸻

🔍 Tips for Choosing a Good Prenatal vitamins:
• Check for the recommended amounts of folic acid and iron.

If you get nausea from your prenatal, try:
• Taking it with food
• Trying a gummy (though many lack iron)


⚠ Cautions:
• Don’t take extra high doses unless advised


”

01/07/2025

CONSTIPATION DURING PREGNANCY

Let's talk constipation during pregnancy! 🌟
Constipation is a common issue many expectant moms face. What's normal, what's not, and how can you manage it? 🤰🏼 Let's break it down and get the lowdown on digestive health during pregnancy 💡

READ ALONG WITH DR X

Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, affecting up to 38% of pregnant women. It can occur at any stage but is particularly common in the first and third trimesters.

Let’s define constipation:
* It is a common digestive issue that can comprise of infrequent bowel movements, hard, dry or lumpy stools or plain difficulty passing stools. It can also be characterised by feeling bloated or a sense of stomach discomfort.

Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy:
1. Hormonal changes: Increased progesterone relaxes smooth muscles, including those of the intestines, slowing down digestion.
2. Growing uterus: As the uterus expands, it can press on the intestines and re**um, making bowel movements more difficult.
3. Iron supplements: Prenatal vitamins and iron supplements can contribute to constipation.
4. Decreased physical activity: Fatigue or discomfort may lead to reduced activity, which can slow digestion.
5. Dietary changes: Cravings or nausea may lead to a diet low in fiber or irregular eating patterns.

There’s ways to relief yourself from constipation:
1. Increase Fiber Intake:
• Aim for 25–30 grams per day.
• Eat whole grains, fruits (like prunes, pears, apples), vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
2. Stay Hydrated:
• Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.
• Warm liquids, especially in the morning, may stimulate bowel movement.
3. Exercise Regularly:
• Walking, and swimming can help maintain bowel function.
• Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
4. Respond to the Urge:
• Don’t delay bowel movements as this can make stool harder and more difficult to pass.
5. Review Supplements:
• Ask your doctor if your iron supplement can be adjusted or switched to a more easily absorbed form
6. Consider Natural Remedies (with doctor’s approval):

Reach out to you Doctor if you experience any of the symptoms below:
• Have severe pain or bloating.
• Experience bleeding with bowel movements.
• Go more than 3 days without a bowel movement despite home remedies.
• Are concerned your supplements may be contributing.

"

24/06/2025

DISPELLING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT VAGINAL DISCHARGE DURING PREGNANCY

READ ALONG WITH DR X

🧠 Let’s bust 6 common myths about va**nal discharge during pregnancy!
Because understanding your body = less stress + more confidence. 💜

🔍 Myth #1: Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is always a sign of an STI.
Truth:
Leukorrhea, fungal infection and bacterial vaginosis are common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes.

N.B although fungal and bacterial vaginosis are not primarily sexually transmitted, they still require treatment.


🩸 Myth #2: All discharge is the same throughout pregnancy.
Truth:
The type and amount of discharge can change as pregnancy progresses.
• Early pregnancy: Often thin and white.
• Late pregnancy: May become heavier and can contain mucus streaked with blood, especially near labor (known as the mucus plug).

🧼 Myth #3: You should wash inside the va**na to manage discharge.
Truth:
Douching or using strong soaps can disrupt the va**na’s natural pH balance, increasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
• Best practice: Gently wash the external ge***al area with water or mild soap.
• Avoid: Douching, scented products, or va**nal “cleanses.”

🧪 Myth #4: Discharge means you can’t get a va**nal infection.
Truth:
Normal discharge is protective, but infections can still happen during pregnancy, such as:
• Yeast infections- (also called va**nal candidiasis or va**nal thrush) is a fungal infection of the va**na caused by an overgrowth of Candida, usually Candida albican. Candida is a normal part of your microbiome (the community of microorganisms living in your body).It becomes a problem when it grows out of balance, often due to antibiotics, hormonal changes, a weakened immune system, or other factors.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common va**nal infection caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria found in the va**na. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is more common in sexually active individuals.)

• STIs (can cause abnormal discharge)

🤰 Myth #5: Vaginal discharge is harmful to the baby.
Truth:
Normal va**nal discharge is harmless and actually helps protect the birth canal from infections.
However, if there is:
• Heavy watery discharge: Could be leaking amniotic fluid.
• Green, yellow, or bloody discharge (not near term): May need evaluation.

🧻 Myth #6: Discharge only increases late in pregnancy.
Truth:
It can increase at any point in pregnancy due to hormonal shifts and is often one of the first signs of pregnancy.

15/06/2025

WHEN VAGINAL DISCHARGE DURING PREGNANCY SHOULD BE A CONCERN

In our previous post, we talked about how va**nal discharge during pregnancy is common and completely normal. We also promised to return with information on when va**nal discharge might indicate a problem or concern

Let’s break it down…📝

READ ALONG WITH DR X MBONGOZI

When should you be concerned about va**nal discharge during pregnancy?

1. You should be concerned if the discharge changes color. As we mentioned in our previous post, normal va**nal discharge during pregnancy is typically milky white. A change in color—especially to green, yellow, or gray—can be a cause for concern, as it may indicate a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

2. Thick white(normal discharge is thin and milky white) with an itch or looks like cottage cheese, this usually indicates a fungal infection.
3. Brown or Bloody discharge- Especially early or late in pregnancy, it could indicate implantation(When a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining in order to turn into a fetus) Or it may indicate a miscarriage.
* If your discharge is brown and bloody at a later stage of the pregnancy it may signal preterm labour.

4. Strong or foul odor - The odour may be that of a string fishy smell and may be because of bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by changes to the amount of bacteria in your va**na ) or other infections.

5. Accompanied by other symptoms ;
* Itching, burning, irritation, swelling, or pain which may be caused by an infection
* Fever or abdominal pain, a sign of a more serious condition

6. Watery, continuous Leaking;
* This might be caused by amniotic fluid( the protective liquid that serves as a cushion for the growing fetus), more especially if it looks clear and is odourless

✅ What to Do 🤷🏽‍♀️
1. See Your OB-GYN or Midwife
• Always report abnormal discharge.
2. Avoid Self-Medicating
• Don’t use over-the-counter creams or treatments unless prescribed. Some treatments aren’t safe during pregnancy.
3. Keep the Area Clean and Dry
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear.
• Avoid douches, scented soaps, or va**nal wipes, which can disrupt the natural pH balance.
4. Monitor Your Symptoms
• Keep track of the amount, color, odor, and consistency of the discharge.
• Note any new symptoms like fever, cramps, or back pain.

Topics to come:
* Discharge is per trimester
* Tips/ Daily care of managing va**nal discharge during pregnancy.
* Dispelling common myths about va**nal discharge during pregnancy