Q: My wife is six weeks pregnant. She got a stone in her submandibular gland. It seems she got an infection due to blockage of saliva. She saw a doctor, but he was hesitant to prescribe antibiotics due to pregnancy. Some of my relatives suggested that drinking lots of fresh lemon juice with melting seashell would help in getting rid of the stone. Now my question is will this help in dissolving any calcite stone in the body? Is it safe to drink lemon juice in the first trimester of pregnancy?

A:Drinking lemon juice increases the production of saliva. This often helps in flushing out small stones. Am not sure if melting seashell is of any advantage. Drinking lemon juice is safe in pregnancy. If antibiotics are really necessary, consult your obstetrician who would advise you what is safe to take.