Ask Dr Chris: Tinnitus, pregnancy supplements

Ask Dr Chris Steele: Tinnitus and pregnancy supplements | Expert advice | Ask the doctor

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Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about tinnitus and pregnancy supplements.

The problem: My ears are ringing

I'm an air steward on long-haul flights. I've recently suffered from a high-pitched ringing in my ears which stops me sleeping. And advice?

Dr Chris' advice

See your GP, who may refer you to an ENT (ear nose and throat) specialist. You probably have tinnitus, which is more common in people in older people but also occurs in those exposed to excess noise. You may already have some hearing loss. I'm not aware of any link between tinnitus and your job, but there are several possible causes - anaemia, thyroid disease, even tumours - do get it investigated.

The problem: Baby checklist

I want to try for a baby this year. Which supplements should I take for a healthy pregnancy?

Dr Chris' advice

First, if you smoke, STOP! And get your partner to stop. Eat a good diet with lots of fruit and green leafy veg. Reduce your weight to normal before you get pregnant. Finally, take a folic acid supplement daily before you plan to conceive, and during your pregnancy. This protects against spina bifida. A high DHA fish oil capsule will enhance brain development in your baby.

See more questions answered by Dr Chris

You can email Dr Chris Steele at goodtoknow or womanhealth@ipcmedia.com, marking the subject 'Dr Chris'. Sorry, but Dr Chris can't reply to letters personally. For further advice, go to Dr Chris' website at www.thefamilygp.com