Instant Appointment With Dr Chris Brown – Cheese in pregnancy/Too thin?/Itchy vagina
Posted 348 days ago
Easy cheesy
I’m trying for a baby so I’ve been reading up on what I’m allowed to eat in pregnancy. I love cheese and I’m really confused about what’s ok to eat!
Ellie, Stourbridge
It is confusing, but important to know. Some cheeses carry a risk of Listeria infection. This causes a mild illness for the mother but can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in the baby. Pasteurised hard cheeses like Cheddar and red Leicester is fine. Avoid blue cheese and all types of mould-ripened soft cheese like Brie and Camembert, and any made from unpasteurised milk. Soft processed cheeses and cottage cheeses are fine. If in doubt, give it a miss.
Too thin?
I haven’t had a period for five months, but I’m not pregnant. Mum says it’s because I’m too thin. I’m 5ft 6ins and weigh 7st 12lb. What do you think?
Mel, Sunderland
Sounds like Mum is right. Your BMI is between 17 and 18. People with a BMI less than 18.5 are at risk of a number of health problems, including stopping ovulation, so it may be why your periods have stopped. There are other problems that can lead to irregular, infrequent periods, so see your doctor for tests. He may want to talk to you about your eating habits and exercise with a view to you putting on a little weight.
Itchy bits
For three months I’ve had itchy patches on the outer lips of my vagina. It comes and goes, but the itch is driving me mad. What can I do?
Sophie, Portsmouth
This sounds like a form of eczema or dermatitis normally caused by chemical irritation. Biological washing powders, fabric conditioners and toiletries are common culprits. Wear cotton undies, and wash them in mild soap flakes and no fabric conditioner. Use an unperfumed soap to wash down below and banish bubble baths, vaginal deodorants, and perfumed panty liners. Try 1% hydrocortisone cream for up to two weeks to reduce the itch.
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