Dr. Pamela Adhiambo Muga

MMed

Expertise: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Education: University of Nairobi

Dr. Pamela Adhiambo Muga is a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist at the Nairobi Hospital and Willows Clinic for Women. She is registered with the Kenya Medical and Dental Practitioners Council and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetrician Gynecologists UK (MRCOG). A trainer in the Advanced Life Support courses run by the Kenya Red Cross (American Heart Association), Dr. Pamela advocates for reproductive health and reproductive health rights.

Our Review Process

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Articles Reviewed By Dr. Pamela Adhiambo Muga

Sex For Pregnancy: When To Have, Positions, Tips & Frequency
Couples planning to have a baby may examine various aspects of sex for pregnancy. You may wonder about the best positions and frequency of sexual intercourse to ensure maximum chances of becoming pregnant. Many couples may consider conception as a simple event of sperm fertilizing the egg, leading to embryo formation and pregnancy. However, several factors associated with sex could play a role in determining whether you conceive successfully. Other essential factors include the timing of sexual intercourse and the couple's overall health (1). Read on to know about the best time, frequency, and positions for sex to increase the chances of becoming pregnant. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/where-does-sperm-go-during-pregnancy_00785825/" title="Where Does Sperm Go During Pregnancy? Is It Safe?"] [mj-toc] When To Have Sex To Get Pregnant? Having unprotected intercourse around the time of ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary and is available for the sperm to meet) could increase your chances of getting pregnant. For women, who have a regular...
Is It Safe To Do Zumba During Pregnancy?
Regular exercise is a great way for a healthy pregnancy. To learn about the safety of Zumba during pregnancy, read the post. There are different Zumba workouts, and most women with healthy pregnancies may participate in the ones with moderate intensity. Zumba provides several benefits and helps pregnant women stay in a good mood. It also helps relieve pain and discomfort from the body. However, you should consult a doctor before beginning any workout and remember to listen to your body. Know the different types of Zumba, their benefits, and risk factors in detail. [mj-toc] Why Is It Important To Exercise During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_891402" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] According to ancient wisdom, exercising can help women enjoy a safe pregnancy. Here are the following reasons that back this fitness theory: Increases blood circulation in the body. Improves core strength, coordination, and endurance. Promotes overall health and wellness. Helps in increasing the oxygen supply to the organs. Prevents depression and helps...
Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a common experience in pregnancy. Heartburn during pregnancy affects most pregnant women at least once and may occur in any trimester (1). Pregnancy heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation near the chest, throat, and upper digestive tract. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and remedies for heartburn in pregnancy. [mj-toc] Does Pregnancy Cause Heartburn? Women who never had heartburn before may develop this problem during pregnancy. Experts believe that pregnancy hormones (especially [simple_tooltip text="estrogen" tooltip="A sex hormone responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics" ]and [simple_tooltip text="progesterone" tooltip=" A female reproductive hormone that plays an important role in menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding" ]) and the baby\'s growing size might have a role to play in this development (2). How Common Is Heartburn During Pregnancy? A research study states that around 17 to 45 percent of pregnant women may have heartburn during pregnancy. The prevalence of heartburn is...
Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics When Pregnant?
Antibiotics are medicines that treat infections caused by bacteria. They act either by killing the bacteria (bactericidal) or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply (bacteriostatic) (1). Infection during pregnancy may be harmful to both the mother and the growing fetus. Therefore, doctors prescribe antibiotics when their benefits outweigh the combined maternal and fetal risks. This post gives you an insight into the safe use of antibiotics while pregnant, the ones contraindicated, their side effects, and precautions. [mj-toc] Why Are Antibiotics Prescribed During Pregnancy? Antibiotics may be prescribed during pregnancy by doctors to treat: Severe respiratory or sinus infection Urinary tract infection Kidney infections [simple_tooltip text="Bacterial vaginosis" tooltip=" A condition caused by the excess growth of the normal vaginal flora, characterized by increased vaginal discharge with a fishy odor" ] Sexually transmitted infections Antibiotics may also be prescribed for intrapartum fever (fever during childbirth) and as preventive medication during cesarean sections (2). Many of these infections could...
Is An Eclipse Harmful To Pregnancy?
You may often come across various theories and questions that may confuse you during your pregnancy. For example, “Is an eclipse harmful during pregnancy?” is a common one. Eclipses occur when the sun is partially or fully blocked by the moon moving between it and the earth or when the moon is blocked out when the earth's shadow moves over it. However, people still debate about whether it negatively affects a pregnant woman. Pregnancy is a wonderful journey of fostering a new life inside you—and it comes with many responsibilities. You often try to do what’s best for the development of your fetus, which may stress you out, especially if you are pregnant for the first time. Moreover, the unending advice from near and dear ones can add to the confusion and anxiety. Read this post to understand the myths and facts surrounding eclipses and pregnant women. We also provide some scientific facts wherever applicable. [mj-toc] What Is An Eclipse?...
5th Month Pregnancy Diet - Which Foods To Eat And Avoid?
You may experience different cravings each month of pregnancy, and your diet can change accordingly. So, here we discuss the 5th-month pregnancy diet. As you enter the 5th month, you will notice changes in your body, such as growing belly and increased exhaustion. The second trimester of pregnancy may cause you to be hungrier and have strange food cravings as the baby grows (1). Therefore, it is especially important that you eat the right foods to stay healthy and keep your developing baby healthy as well. In addition, your hormones are constantly fluctuating, which adds to the cravings. Therefore, you should ascertain what you should eat and what you should avoid. Read on as we have put together all the pieces of information about a healthy and balanced diet that you may follow during your 5th month of pregnancy to have a complication-free and comfortable journey. [mj-toc] 5th Month Of Pregnancy Diet: What To Eat? 1. Beef Up Your Fluid...
Safety Measures To Take In Travel During Pregnancy
If you wish to travel during pregnancy, it is essential to understand that every woman is different, and hence the rules may differ for everyone. You may avoid traveling while pregnant if you have a history of a failed pregnancy, complications such as diabetes, or other problems. Even if you get the clearance, certain things need to be followed for a safe, harmless joyful trip. So you should consult your ob-gyn traveling to avoid any unfortunate situation. This post will tell you about all that is to know while traveling in pregnancy, including the dos and don’ts and some safety tips to follow. [mj-toc] When Your Doctor Might Say No To Travel? It is important to consider the risks associated with traveling during pregnancy, and you can best understand it from your doctor. If they say you have some complications and ask you not to travel, then please don’t. Here are some situations in which the doctor may ask expectant...
Lexapro During Pregnancy: Safety, Risks And Side Effects
Lexapro is the brand name for the generic drug Escitalopram. It belongs to the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drugs. It is used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (1). Many women, especially those who have the drug already, may wonder about its safety during pregnancy. This post answers whether you can take Lexapro while pregnant, its safe use, risks, and side effects. [mj-toc] Can You Take Lexapro When Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_892800" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had listed Escitalopram under pregnancy category C. This means that fetal toxicity was shown in animal reproduction studies, while there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Escitalopram might be prescribed during pregnancy only when its benefits outweigh the fetal and maternal risks (1). How Does Lexapro Work? Lexapro or Escitalopram acts by increasing the activity of serotonin, a naturally available chemical in the body. Serotonin...
Metformin In Pregnancy: Safety, Dosage, Side Effects And Alternatives
Metformin or metformin hydrochloride is a prescription drug available as immediate-release or extended-release oral tablets for treating [simple_tooltip text="type 2 diabetes mellitus" tooltip="A chronic disease resulting in high blood sugar levels because the body cannot use insulin properly" ]. Consuming metformin while pregnant helps lower blood glucose levels by improving the body’s response to naturally secreted insulin. It decreases the intestinal absorption of sugars from ingested food and controls the synthesis of sugars in the liver (1) (2). The drug also has proven benefits in treating [simple_tooltip text="polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)" tooltip=" A condition where the female body produces increased male hormone resulting in multiple cysts on the ovaries" ] in women of reproductive age and improving pregnancy outcomes (3). Continue reading this post to learn about the safety and efficacy of metformin during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is Metformin Safe During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_894662" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Metformin may be prescribed before or during pregnancy and is usually considered safe....
Vitamin B6 For Morning Sickness: Is It Safe During Pregnancy
Vitamin B6 for morning sickness in pregnancy helps reduce nausea and vomiting. A usual dose of 10mg to 25mg thrice a day is considered safe and effective. Hormonal fluctuations may usually cause morning sickness during pregnancy. Severe morning sickness may indicate a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. You should consult your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements as an overdose may cause temporary nerve damage (1) (2). This post talks about the efficacy of vitamin B6 in managing morning sickness during pregnancy, its safety, and alternatives. [mj-toc] How Does Vitamin B6 Help In Alleviating Morning Sickness? [caption id="attachment_892360" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Researchers are yet to confirm the exact mechanism by which vitamin B6 helps prevent morning sickness. Vitamin B6 has several forms, such as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxal phosphate, which participate in various enzymatic reactions in the body. It is not known which form has antiemetic (anti-nausea and -vomiting) effects. A study suggests pyridoxal 5′ phosphate (PLP), a vitamin B6...
Uterus Pain In Early Pregnancy: Causes And When To Worry
Uterine pain in early pregnancy is common and indicates your body is preparing for the pregnancy. The pain may be due to several reasons, such as stretching the uterus or hormonal changes. You are also likely to experience low-back or pelvic pain due to these changes. The pregnancy journey is accompanied by significant physical changes, some of which are natural to maintain a healthy pregnancy. However, it is essential to understand the symptomatic difference between the pains since some may indicate complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Learn about the common causes of uterine pain in early pregnancy, when to worry, and the treatment management. [mj-toc] When Does Uterus Pain Start In Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_893699" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You may start experiencing mild or sharp uterine pain during the first trimester or within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is similar to period or “stitch” like pain (1). What Causes Uterus Pain In Early Pregnancy? Some possible...
Chemical Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment
A chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that happens before five weeks, immediately after the embryo implants (1). It is a pregnancy that home pregnancy tests or blood tests may confirm but not seen on an ultrasound. It is also called a biochemical pregnancy (2). Most women do not know they are pregnant when they have an early miscarriage. About 50-75% of all miscarriages are chemical pregnancies (3). Read this post to learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis of chemical pregnancies. [mj-toc] Symptoms Of Chemical Pregnancy [caption id="attachment_894256" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The symptoms of chemical pregnancy may vary from one woman to another. While some women do not experience any symptoms, others may notice the following symptoms (2). A positive pregnancy test that soon turns negative. Spotting for a week before the period is due Mild abdominal cramping Vaginal bleeding after a positive result Low HCG levels in a blood test [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/hcg-blood-test_00598956/" title="HCG...
Safe Sleeping Positions During Second Trimester Of Pregnancy
The second trimester is usually considered one of the most comfortable periods of pregnancy. The uncomfortable symptoms of the first trimester usually settle down by this time, and your belly is not as big as it will be in the third trimester. However, if you have a troubled sleep during this time, you could try some of the suggested sleeping positions during the second trimester of pregnancy to have a more comfortable night. While some health conditions may lead to disturbed sleep in the second trimester, these sleeping positions can help you attain the needed rest. Read on to learn about the causes for disturbed sleep in the second trimester, some tips that may help you sleep better, the best sleeping positions, and some sleep positions you should avoid for a safe and uneventful pregnancy. [mj-toc] Reasons For Lack Of Sleep In The Second Trimester While your second trimester may be the honeymoon phase of pregnancy, you’re bound to have...
Can You Take Prednisone When Pregnant? Safety & Side Effects
Prednisone is a [simple_tooltip text="corticosteroid" tooltip="A group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that are used for treatments in synthetic form to reduce inflammation." ] medicine used to manage disorders such as asthma, [simple_tooltip text="irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)" tooltip="A digestive system disorder in which symptoms such as abdominal pain and frequent changes in bowel movement coexist." ], and some autoimmune diseases (1). However, you may be concerned about using prednisone during pregnancy due to the fear of adverse effects on the developing fetus. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive when on this medication. In this post, we explain whether prednisone is safe for pregnant women, when it is recommended for them, the recommended dosage, its possible side effects, and whether it causes withdrawal symptoms. [mj-toc] What Are Prednisone And Prednisolone? [caption id="attachment_891136" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Prednisone and prednisolone are synthetic corticosteroids, which work to suppress the inflammation...
8 Common Infections In Pregnancy, Treatment And Precautions
When you’re pregnant, your chances of contracting an infection increase. You may develop various bacterial or viral infections during pregnancy, including urinary tract infections, influenza, or STDs. While some of these infections primarily affect the mother, some infections may affect both you and your baby (1). Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs and causes of various infections you may encounter throughout your pregnancy as well as how to prevent and cure them. The human body is always in a state of defense to protect itself against bacteria and viruses that try to infiltrate it. As a result, the body produces a specific amount of certain antibodies to protect us. However, when your body fails to produce enough antibodies to defend you from these viruses and bacteria, it results in an infection. Read on to learn more about the many types of infections that can occur during pregnancy and the precautions and available treatment options. [mj-toc] When Does...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Pregnancy: Symptoms And Treatment
The carpal tunnel is a passageway containing nine [simple_tooltip text="tendons" tooltip=" Tissue connecting muscles to the bones and allowing movement" ]and one nerve (the median nerve) that runs through the base of the hand. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, the carpal tunnel swells and presses against this sensitive nerve, causing pain. Systemic illnesses, such as arthritis or trauma, and physical activities, such as repetitive hand movements, are common risk factors. Pregnancy also increases the possibility of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, which has an incidence rate of 62% in pregnancy. A report suggests that three to five in ten pregnant women experience the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (1) (2). Read this post to learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_894178" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The pregnancy-related causes of swelling in the wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome include Hormonal changes:...
HPV During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks Factors And Treatment
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent of sexually transmitted infections. Genital HPV infection is common, with 75% of sexually active adults being exposed to the infection at least once in their lifetime (1). Most HPV infections are asymptomatic (2). However, the mild [simple_tooltip text="immunosuppressed state" tooltip="A state in which the body has weak immunity or the ability to fight against infections mainly due to the effect of medications" ] and hormonal shifts during pregnancy may cause a woman to develop symptoms of HPV infection in pregnancy (3). Read on to know more about the symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and preventive measures for HPV infection during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Symptoms Of HPV Infection HPV infections are mostly asymptomatic. The most common symptoms of the infection are [simple_tooltip text="warts" tooltip="A small, painless bump on the skin caused by viruses and can spread from one part of the body to the other " ], which may appear on any part of the body....
Anovulation: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Ovulation is the process of egg release from one of the two ovaries (1). These eggs help you get pregnant, but some women may not be ovulating despite regular menstrual periods. But how can you get pregnant when you are not ovulating? This post helps you understand it better. The egg not getting released from the ovaries is termed anovulation. Also called chronic anovulation, it continues for a year or longer and is a common cause of infertility. According to the National Institute of Health, problems associated with ovulation account for around 30% of infertility cases (2). [mj-toc]What Causes Anovulation? Multiple hormones play a role in ovulation. Some of them include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Any imbalance with these hormones can cause problems with ovulation. Some other causes of anovulation are as follows (3): 1. Obesity High body weight or BMI (body mass index) can cause a chemical imbalance in the body if there...

Dr. Pamela Adhiambo Muga

<img data-defaultsrc=https://cdn2.momjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/static-content/noimage-medium.jpg src=https://cdn2.momjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/static-content/orp_icon.svg alt=checklist width=39 height=40>Our Review Process

Articles Reviewed By Dr. Pamela Adhiambo Muga

Sex For Pregnancy: When To Have, Positions, Tips & Frequency

Is It Safe To Do Zumba During Pregnancy?

Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics When Pregnant?

Is An Eclipse Harmful To Pregnancy?

5th Month Pregnancy Diet - Which Foods To Eat And Avoid?

Safety Measures To Take In Travel During Pregnancy

Lexapro During Pregnancy: Safety, Risks And Side Effects

Metformin In Pregnancy: Safety, Dosage, Side Effects And Alternatives

Vitamin B6 For Morning Sickness: Is It Safe During Pregnancy

Uterus Pain In Early Pregnancy: Causes And When To Worry

Chemical Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Safe Sleeping Positions During Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

Can You Take Prednisone When Pregnant? Safety & Side Effects

8 Common Infections In Pregnancy, Treatment And Precautions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Pregnancy: Symptoms And Treatment

HPV During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks Factors And Treatment

Anovulation: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Our Review Process