Dear Dr Hilary
I’m 22 weeks pregnant, and a recent ultrasound showed that my placenta is low lying. I read that this is what happened to Amanda Holden when she was rushed to hospital during her pregnancy. Am I at risk? Anna, via email
A low-lying placenta, or placenta praevia, is relatively common at 22 weeks of pregnancy. However, it can be a problem if it remains in this position to full term, as it gets in the way of the cervix and childbirth itself, causing heavy bleeding. After this early stage, your placenta should naturally migrate up and away from the cervix. Your doctor will recommend scans to check this. As the birth approaches, if there are doubts about the placenta’s position, a Caesarean would be performed to avoid any risk of blocking the birth canal. Check out the Dr Hilary Jones Pregnancy App for lots more information (iTunes, £2.49).
Dear Dr Hilary
I often feel faint after eating too much sugar. Because of this I have virtually cut all sugar out of my diet. I also get panicky when I’m hungry, so I need snacks to hand. As a result, I’ve become quite obsessive and almost paranoid about planning my meals. What’s wrong with me? Lorna, via email
Your GP can do a glucose tolerance test to see how your body responds to sugar and whether diabetes – where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body can’t use it properly – is to blame. However, there may be a psychological aspect to this, as you mention becoming obsessive. Cognitive behavioural therapy would help you understand why you feel the way you do, and give you realistic coping strategies. Your GP should be able to arrange this. For more on obsessive compulsive disorder, visit Ocduk.org.
Need advice? Email drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk
