Q: I am a 34-year-old woman expecting my second child in April this year. My first child, now eight years old, had a normal birth. My labour experience last time was extremely painful. This time around I want to avoid the same situation. I have heard of the Lamaze technique that helps in minimising labour pains. Could you tell me more about it? Is it safe for me? Where can I learn more about the technique?

PT, Calcutta

In order to keep fit while you are expecting there are some general rules you should follow. Here are a few of those:

Take long walks for about 20 minutes to half an hour a day. t Drink a lot of fluid. t Avoid stress and exertions of any kind. t Rest in the afternoon if possible. t Be active and do all the chores you have to. t Take a healthy diet or avoid putting on excessive weight. t Lamaze technique is very good and safe. It teaches you the breathing exercises which mainly help you at the time of labour. You can buy a book on Lamaze and try and follow that at home. You should check with your gynaecologist. Most hospitals teach prenatal and Lamaze exercises.

Q: I am 40 years old. My work involves a lot of travelling during which I take occasional breaks to go trekking in the hillsides. Of late, my knees have been giving some trouble while trekking. My kneecaps get swollen and are painful. Why is this happening and what can I do to overcome this as trekking is my hobby? Has this got something to do with the kind of shoes I wear?

AC, Bhubaneswar

You need to consult an orthopaedic doctor for your knee problems. Please do not take it casually, as neglecting this problem can further damage your knees. Sometimes, with age, our joints and muscles undergo wear and tear and sometimes degeneration too sets in. So it is much better to treat it promptly. You should in any case wear good trekking shoes while you go trekking because bad shoes can also cause damage. There are a few exercises for strengthening your knees which can also strengthen your muscles which in turn will keep your knees strong. A physiotherapist should be able to guide you with the necessary exercises.