Expert answers to common questions about pregnancy, women's health, and gynaecological care — from Dr. Amon Siveregi and the team.
You should attend your first antenatal visit as soon as you confirm your pregnancy, ideally between 8–10 weeks. This booking visit is crucial for:
Early attendance ensures optimal monitoring and early detection of any potential concerns.
We recommend prenatal supplements that contain iron and folic acid among other essential nutrients. Popular options include:
These supplements support fetal development, prevent neural tube defects, and maintain maternal health. Always inform your doctor of all medications (including herbal) you are taking so they can advise on the best supplement for your specific needs.
To protect you and your baby, avoid these dangerous foods:
Ensure all foods are adequately washed and properly cooked. Maintain good food hygiene at all times. Also avoid alcohol completely and limit caffeine to 1 cup per day.
Yes, exercise is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. We recommend:
Always listen to your body and consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Most women begin to feel fetal movements (quickening) between 18–22 weeks of pregnancy. First-time mothers may notice movements slightly later (around 20–22 weeks), while women who have been pregnant before may feel them earlier (around 16–18 weeks).
Initially, movements may feel like gentle flutters or bubbles. As your baby grows, movements become more distinct kicks and rolls. From 28 weeks onwards, you should monitor fetal movements daily and report any reduced or absent movements to your doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor or proceed to the nearest hospital immediately if you experience any of these danger signs:
Never hesitate to seek medical attention — it's always better to be safe.
Working: Yes, you can continue working during pregnancy if your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your job is not hazardous. Ensure you take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged standing.
Travelling:
Always consult your doctor before planning any travel during pregnancy.
Several pain relief options are available during labour:
We discuss your preferences during antenatal visits and create a birth plan. The available options may depend on your labour progress, medical conditions, and the facility where you deliver. Our team will guide you through the best options for your situation.
Yes, PCOS can affect fertility, but many women with PCOS do conceive successfully. PCOS often causes:
However, with proper management — including lifestyle changes, ovulation induction medications, and fertility treatments — most women with PCOS can achieve pregnancy. We offer comprehensive fertility assessments and personalised treatment plans to optimise your chances of conception.
Lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of PCOS management:
These changes not only manage PCOS symptoms but also reduce long-term risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer associated with PCOS.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and other pelvic structures.
Common symptoms include:
Symptom severity doesn't always correlate with the extent of the disease — some women with mild endometriosis have severe pain, while others with advanced disease have little pain.
Yes, endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility. Approximately 30–50% of women with endometriosis experience difficulty conceiving. Endometriosis can affect fertility through:
However, many women with endometriosis do conceive naturally or with fertility treatment. We offer comprehensive fertility assessments and tailored treatment options including laparoscopic surgery, ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF depending on your specific situation.
Endometriosis diagnosis involves a combination of approaches:
Unfortunately, diagnosis is often delayed by 7–10 years on average. If you have chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, or infertility, early consultation with a specialist is important.
Treatment is individualised based on symptoms, disease severity, age, and fertility goals:
Dr. Siveregi specialises in advanced laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, offering minimally invasive techniques with faster recovery and excellent outcomes.
There are several types of hysterectomy, classified by what is removed and the surgical approach:
By extent of surgery:
By surgical approach:
Dr. Siveregi specialises in minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy, offering faster recovery and less scarring.
Recovery time depends on the surgical approach:
General recovery guidelines:
We provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
It depends on whether your ovaries are removed:
Key points:
Menopause typically occurs between ages 45–55 (average 51 in South Africa). The transition (perimenopause) can start several years earlier. Early signs include:
Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Symptoms vary widely — some women have mild symptoms, others experience significant impact on quality of life.
The duration varies significantly between women:
However, some symptoms like vaginal dryness and urinary changes may persist or worsen without treatment. The good news is that effective treatments are available to manage symptoms at any stage.
For most women, HRT is safe and highly effective when used appropriately. The safety profile depends on several factors:
Benefits:
Risks (small and depend on type, dose, and duration):
Key points:
The decision to use HRT should be individualised based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. We'll discuss all options thoroughly.
Lifestyle modifications:
Medical treatments:
Complementary therapies: Some women find relief with black cohosh, soy isoflavones, or acupuncture, though evidence is mixed.
We'll work with you to find the most appropriate management strategy for your symptoms and preferences.
Menopause significantly impacts bone and cardiovascular health due to declining oestrogen levels:
Bone health:
Heart health:
We offer comprehensive menopause assessments including bone density scans, cardiovascular risk assessment, and personalised prevention strategies to protect your long-term health.