Q I am newly married and my wife and I are planning to have a child in about three years. Can she become pregnant if semen is deposited near her vagina? Her tummy seems bigger, but there are no other symptoms of pregnancy.

A There is still a possibility of a pregnancy even if the semen is not ejaculated directly into the vagina. If the plan is to have a child after three years, it is better to have a more effective contraceptive method. You may consider using condoms, or your wife may consider taking oral contraceptives, getting injections or having a hormonal implant.

There are many possible reasons for the tummy getting bigger. Apart from pregnancy, the tummy can become bigger because of 'wind', fat or possible growths such as fibroids or cysts. If your wife's abdomen is getting distended, she should see a doctor immediately to determine the cause.3

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on May 14, 2008.