Dr A. Mapanga Gynaecologist

09/12/2025

Planning to fall pregnant , here is a pre-pregnancy checklist:

🌸Preconception visit

This is a health consultation that takes place before a woman becomes pregnant.
One should see their doctor to review their medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension,thyroid and epilepsy
Some medications are unsafe in pregnancy and will need to be switched.
It is vyery important to review previous pregnancy experiences especially complications like eclampsia, stillbirth, uterine rupture, preterm birth or miscarriages.
Women with large fibroids may require assessment and treatment before falling pregnant .

🌸Stop contraception

Adequate birth spacing of pregnancies is important and needs to be considered when stopping current contraception.
Fertility may return immediately depending with family planning method.
Start tracking your periods and understand your cycle.

🌸Screening tests

These include STIs and other important blood tests.
Also an opportunity for cervical cancer screening.

🌸Vaccinations

Your doctor will review your vaccination status and advise accordingly.

🌸Lifestyle adjustments

Stop alcohol and smoking (including va**ng).
Aim to have a healthy weight
Choose a balanced diet.

🌸Start supplements

Folic acid is started before one falls pregnant. Women with higher risk are given higher dose.
Other important supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, Iron Vitamin B6, Zn and Magnesium.

1646 likes, 64 comments. “We recommend a preconception visit for women of reproductive age especially if you have had bad outcomes in previous pregnancies such as miscarriages or stillbirths and if you have medical conditions .Its a good opportunity to be screened for STIs and get cervical cancer ...

04/12/2025

"1 in 6 couples suffers from subfertility in their lifetime"

What increases the possibility of infertility?
🔸 Certain menstrual conditions
⚖️ Being underweight or overweight
🚭 To***co use
💊 Some medical treatments (e.g. for cancer)

But here’s the good news:
✅ Many cases are treatable with the right care.

If you're concerned, talk to your health care provider. bit.ly/4ol6cka

02/12/2025

•Schedule a check up with your doctor before traveling

•If you have conditions such as very high blood pressure , low lying placenta or twin pregnancy, travelling is not recommended especially near term.

•Research on nearby health facilities to your destination in case of emergency and always know your due date

•Remember to carry and continue taking your medication or supplements

•Deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in the pelvis or legs after sitting for a long time and is more common in pregnancy.
If travelling by car, take multiple stops to stretch legs , drink plenty of water and always wear seat belt

• If travelling by air take note of travelling restrictions for pregnant women for both international and domestic flights. Make a plan to get up and stretch often, drink plenty of water and make use of compression stockings where necessary.

Talk to your doctor and make plans for your individualised care

17/11/2025

"Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future"

A premature baby is a baby born before 37 completed weeks. Babies born too early may have organs not fully developed especially the lungs and brain. Some babies are born too early when continuing pregnancy is dangerous for the mother, baby or both. In some cases labour starts spontaneously before 37 weeks due to unknown causes.

During antenatal care some risks for premature birth can be identified and managed. With good neonatal care most premature babies grow and develop normally especially after 32-34 weeks.

06/10/2025

Cerebral palsy is a condition whereby one has a permanent disorder that affects their movement and posture. These problems are usually identified during infancy or early childhood . A child may present to paediatricians with delayed milestones, abnormal muscle tone , or abnormal postures and movements.

🌸They may also present with the following:

Seizures ( fits)
Speech and swallowing difficulties
Vision or hearing impairment
Learning difficulties
Poor growth
Drooling saliva
Behavioural and emotional challenges

🌸What causes cerebral palsy?

CP results from brain injury or abnormal development of the brain, especially areas controlling movement.

🌸Prenatal (during pregnancy) causes :

Brain malformations
Infections during pregnancy, especially Rubella, CMV, and toxoplasmosis
Maternal illnesses such as thyroid disease, uncontrolled DM, high blood pressure
Poor placental function
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Genetic factors

🌸Perinatal( During labour and delivery) causes:

Birth asphyxia/ fetal distress ( lack of oxygen)
Complicated labour, e.g, cord prolapse/cord around neck/placenta abruptio)
Prematurity
Low birth weight

🌸Postnatal ( After birth) causes:
Severe jaundice
Brain infections (Meningitis)
Head injury

🌸Most cases of cerebral palsy result from events before or around birth, so prevention is mainly on good maternal care and properly managed labour and delivery. While not all cases can be prevented, many risk factors can be reduced by good obstetric care.

05/10/2025

4 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every minute.

Breast cancer can have a variety of symptoms, especially when more advanced.
Early diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment.

05/10/2025

October is .🩷

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional immediately 👇🏿

01/10/2025

Happy new month!

23/09/2025

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a clear statement on the safety of paracetamol use in pregnancy, stating that there is no confirmed link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism in children.

Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.

Managing pain and fever during and after pregnancy is really important for the wellbeing of women and their babies. Pain can impact a woman’s physical and psychological health, while unmanaged fevers can pose risks for both the mother and unborn baby.

You can read the RCOG’s advice for pregnant people on the use of paracetamol to manage fever and pain here: https://brnw.ch/21wW1xA

23/09/2025

Pregnancy makes your body work harder to keep both you and your baby cool. Very hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and fatigue.

Here are some ways to stay safe and comfortable:

🌸Stay well hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.

🌸Rest often – Try to avoid overexertion and give your body enough time to recover.

🌸Dress comfortably – Wear light, loose-fitt💐ing clothes to help your body cool down.

🌸Stay indoors when possible – Keep cool in well-ventilated or air-conditioned spaces. A cool shower or bath can also be refreshing.

🌸Protect yourself outdoors – If you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.