The Natural Beat » Pregnancy, Birth

Three Things They Dont Tell You About Using a Breast

Tess — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:06:54 +0000

Three Things They Dont Tell You about Using a Breast Pump for Breastfeeding

There is no doubt that breast pumps are miraculous contraptions for any mom who wants to breastfeed. They help stimulate the initial buildup of the milk supply, they work wonders if you must nurse twins, they are great if your baby does not fully empty one breast, and they are a godsend for any mom who is going back to work. Nor surprisingly, in the hospital, nurses encourage new moms to invest in breast pumps for at home use. At the same time, they also refer them to rental agencies, if it turns out that the expense of a breast pump is simply too much for the mom to handle. Unfortunately, there are three things they dont tell you about using a breast pump for breastfeeding.

First and foremost, sometimes using a breast pump hurts. This should not discourage any mom from using one of these machines, but knowing ahead of time that this is a very real possibility will actually lessen the likelihood of her quitting for fear of doing something wrong. It is not always a comfortable feeling and depending on the actual breastfeeding you may have done at the time prior to pumping, the pain and discomfort may be amplified. Soreness of the breasts should be expected, after all, you are most likely pumping three to five times daily for an ongoing period of time. Unfortunately, this point is not fully explained and thus makes women uncomfortable with the breast pump or the entire breastfeeding experience, when it is really simply something that might happen and should be treated as such.

Secondly, failure to disclose that pumping breast milk is a lot of work and requires planning as well as time spent cleaning, sanitizing, and drying the equipment discourages women from using it in the first place. Moreover, the management of the expressed milk also requires a bit of planning. After all, breastfeeding moms need to calculate how much the baby might use in the next few hours, how much can be refrigerated for a later time, and how much should be frozen for the times away from home some time in the future. This should not discourage moms from breastfeeding, but instead encourage them to early on enlist their husbands and other support persons to help out. Moreover, it is a good idea to know what the time requirements are, so that the babys needs can be met consistently.

Third and last, the consistent use of a breast pump causes breast milk to remain available for a prolonged period of time. Even after moms decide to wean their little ones from the breast and on to cows milk or formula, the breasts will continue to produce milk. This might be painful, somewhat embarrassing, and it may take a few months for the milk to finally dry up. Once again, women who are not made aware of this side effect of consistent pumping may fear that there is something wrong with their bodies, and they may continue pumping on to later on discard their breast milk.

This is not necessary and with the proper naturopathic means the milk production can be stopped. It is simply a sad state of affairs when women are kept in the dark about some of the less than pleasant aspects of breast pump use for fear that they will not breastfeed at all.

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Originally posted 2009-04-08 05:13:03.

Pregnancy And Sciatica – Take Care While Treating

Tess — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:19:51 +0000

Pregnancy is one of the major causes behind pain in the lower back in women, which is similar to sciatica. Sciatica is primarily caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve due to any one or more reasons behind the compression.

Typically, sciatica is the compression of the sciatic nerve roots in the lower spine. A condition known as pseudo sciatica causes similar debilitating pain when the peripheral sections of the sciatic nerve are compressed.

As it is, pregnancy on its own has nothing to do with sciatica. Pregnancy leads to true-sciatica only in rare cases. It is the changes that occur in a women ’s body in late preganancy that may lead to sciatica-like pain. Either of these changes can cause sciatica type pain.

* The uterus presses the sciatic nerve.
* Abdominal and lower muscles become tense and put pressure on the nerve.
* Vertebral compression due to the extra weight of the fetus.
* Postural changes that accompany pregnancy.

Rarely, during pregnancy a spinal disc may be damaged, which too can lead to sciaitca.

Sciatica pain mostly occurs in the lower back, buttocks, legs and feet. Typical sciatic pain can be:

* Pins and needles
* A shooting pain
* Pain that extends from lower back to legs along the buttocks.
* Numbenss in leg or foot.

Whether due to preganancy or otherwise, pseudo sciatica is mostly associated with postural defaults such as:

* Sitting cross legged for long periods.
* Sitting in a chair that does not support the back properly
* Sitting on a wallet

There may be cases of the pregnancy causing tension in the piriformis muscle, which in turn, may pinch the sciatic nerve.

If sciatica is actually diagnosed during pregnancy, sciatic nerve treatment should only be done under the supervision of a specialist qualified to treat pregnancy related sciatic pain. Painkillers have side effects and should not be taken without consulting your gynaecologist. Any recklesness in this respect can cause irreparable damage to the baby you are carrying.

Sciatica alternative remedies play an important role in treating both typical and pseudo sciaitca. Pregnancy is a delicate matter and the primary concern should be of the saftey of the child that is developing within your body.

Even alternative remedies that are generally safe should be taken under medical supervision. Herbs are normally touted as safe but indisciminate use of even the safest herb can be harmful. Exercises, yoga or any other therpay should also be undertakne under constant guidance from a therapist.

Swimming and a very gentle stretching exercise program.are two of the safest measures of getting relief from back pain during pregnancy. In addition, avoid getting too tired, learn to relax yourself, always sit straight or try applying a hot or cold pack to the affected area.

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Originally posted 2008-03-25 17:52:24.

Getting Your Body Back After Pregnancy

Tess — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:11:00 +0000

You have just spent nine months creating a new life. It’s during that time period your body deposited fat behind your shoulder blades, on your hips and in your butt in preparation for nursing. Your abdomen expanded to at least three times its normal size and your ligaments all stretched out of shape from hormonal activity in preparation for delivery.

Now you turn on the television and are faced with svelte and shapely celebrity models who delivered their children on the same day that you did. It just makes you not want to look in the mirror again!

But, before you lose heart, remember that it is the job of these celebrity mothers to look great at all times. They have personal chefs, personal trainers and workout facilities available to them at all times. They have nannies who watched their babies while they’re working out and housekeepers to keep up their homes. They nap when they need to and workout when they should. And, if all you had to do was hold your baby, workout and take a nap you would look as good as they did to.

So, considering you live in the real world, let’s look at some of the things that you can do in order to get your body back after pregnancy. Obstetricians and workout experts warned moms that getting their free pregnancy weight back after a difficult pregnancy, cesarean section or if they are breast-feeding can actually be damaging to their bodies and their child.

The worst thing that any woman can do is to do too much, too soon. This only engenders exhaustion and discouragement which makes it less likely that the woman will continue with any exercise program or nutritional regimen. When breast-feeding, a woman should be eating at least 1800 calories a day because if they eat less they will not shortchange only themselves but they will also shortchange their infants with the quality of milk that their body can supply.

How long it will take each woman to lose the weight they have gained during their pregnancy is really individualized to each different woman. Some are able to lose the weight within the first three months while others are faced with the same 10 pounds two years later. Unfortunately, even though all the weight may come off there is a good chance that the body has now rearranged where all the weight is being carried. Some moms report that their ships are now wider, their rib cage is our wider, their size and rear ends have gotten larger or their feet have gotten bigger.

No matter what the changes it is almost unanimous – most women will notice a change in the way that their bodies proportion once their baby has been delivered and they have lost their pregnancy weight.

Another area of the body which seems to travel a bit south are the breasts. Most women notice that their breasts become fuller and larger during the pregnancy and grow even more if they are breast-feeding. Women who wear a good supportive bra throughout pregnancy as well is during breast-feeding find that the travel south is a bit less than those women who enjoy the feeling of freedom.

Unfortunately, it does not matter how much weight you lose or how much exercise in you do your breasts will never go north again. This is because the tissue is held by one tendon that, when stretched, does not rebound. That is why it is so important for women to continue to wear a supportive bra during their pregnancy and afterwards.

Women who want to lose weight after delivery of their child should wait until at least the second or third week to think about watching their calorie intake. Up until that time the body is recovering from a significant event as well as adjusting to lack of sleep and nursing. And even when calorie counting is started it should never go below 1800 calories per day.

The trick is to eat calories which are high in nutritional value and not junk food or processed foods. Breast-feeding can burn up to 500 calories per day which means that many women can eat more than they did before they were pregnant and still lose weight. Be aware that once you to stop nursing the number of calories you burn will also plummet so it is important to consider calorie counting once you stop nursing.

Empty calories, such as soda and potato chips, will eliminate your intake of needed vitamins and minerals that will affect the quality of milk you produce for your baby as well as your overall health. Top with your obstetrician about when you can consider exercise. The best exercise to start with is going for long walks with your little one. Unless the weather is very cold or raining both of you will benefit greatly from getting outside and getting some fresh air.

Do not do anything more strenuous than walking for at least six weeks after delivering your child, whether you deliver vaginally or by cesarean section. Talk with your obstetrician about the types of exercises that you can begin once he gives you the go-ahead to start working out.

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Dressing During Pregnancy

Tess — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Being pregnant can take a huge toll on your self-image. While you are thrilled to be having a baby you are now faced with at least 7 months of body-changing, weight-gaining, baby-growing growth. For seven months you will be gaining weight in places you didn’t think baby weight was gained and popping out of your favorite jeans before you thought possible. The prospect of giving up your fashionista clothing for tent dresses and sweats doesn’t fit with your overall image of dressing for success at the office.

Don’t fear! With a few tweaks and help you can continue to be a business woman, fashionista or just plain mommy with whatever image you want to portray.

The key to addressing when you are pregnant is to wear the kinds of things that you would wear when you are not pregnant. If you wore a lot of black then don’t change your colors just because you’re pregnant. If you want to feel confident and comfortable in that means wearing some of the same types of clothes as you did before.

Don’t worry about being shoved into clothing full of big prints and frilly bows. The days of every maternity top and dress adorned with a frilly bow has long been gone.

Maternity clothes can also be expensive, especially when you consider that you only wear them for a few short months. For this reason you may be able to find expensive suits and business wear at consignment shops that specialize in maternity clothes. And before you purchase anything consider borrowing it. Many of your friends also have maternity clothes that they only war for a few short months. People often saved them in preparation for their next pregnancy but too many times a month in which they are large are a different season of clothing than they already own.

Don’t forget to look through your own closet as well. Especially in the early months when maternity clothes are not necessary but your own clothes may not fit anymore, you can find a few pairs of pants or dresses that you usually wear when you’re a few pounds heavier than usual. Any loose tops, pants or skirts will be terrific pieces that will help to get you through that early weight gain prior to your belly actually popping.

In those first early months, as your body is changing, you’ll find that it’s your waist that expands first and not your lower belly where the baby is actually growing. In order to extend the life of your favorite pants you can loop the rubber bands through the buttonhole and wrapped it around the button. This will give you a few extra inches of breathing room, especially when worn with a shirt that goes over the waist.

And you continue to grow there are certain styles of dress that are more becoming, such as in a line or empire waist dress and tops. Pencil skirts that are paired with a larger top also look great on women who are pregnant.

When you are away from the office, or at least not going out in public, you can also rate your husband’s closet for a larger shirt that you might wear. A men’s shirts with the sleeves rolled up and buttoned over a tight T-shirts looks great over the top of the stretch pants. It’s a comfortable look and something you can actually answer the door in.

And don’t forget the accessories. These can help transform any maternity dress or outfit, especially when you’re sticking to a few basics. Accessories will also help draw attention away from your body if you are feeling self-conscious. Scarves, purses, jewelry and any other piece of clothing that can be added to your outfit will help to make you feel as dressed up as you want to be.

Remember that you will only be pregnant for a short time and so the outfits, dresses and shirts that you purchase should be able to mix and match so you can get through those last five or six months without breaking your budget.

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Fertility Diets

Tess — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:02:22 +0000

The old adage “We Are What We Eat” holds truth in many different healthcare scenarios, not the least of which is when couples are attempting to become pregnant. It has almost become a clich in the news media that diet, exercise and lifestyle choices will affect everything from the health of your heart to health related issues or the development of cancer. The reality is that all of those things are true. When we feed our bodies the right vitamins, minerals and antioxidants cells are able to reproduce appropriately and the body has more optimal health.

Fertility is really no different. Interestingly farmers, ranchers and animal scientists know more about how nutrition affects the fertility in their cows and eggs then physicians and researchers know how it affects reproduction in humans.

Using information from the Nurses Health Study, a long-term research project using 18,000 women looking at the effects of diet and other factors on chronic conditions, researchers have found several interesting facts. For instance, women who ate a high amounts of easily digested carbohydrates, such as white bread and sodas fountains themselves struggling with ovulatory infertility. But health choices of carbohydrates isn’t a factor that exists in a vacuum. The study also showed that women who got nearly 60% of their calories from carbohydrates also ate less fat, less animal protein, drank less alcohol and coffee and consumed more plant proteins and fibers. These women were not as likely to smoke or more physically active and weighed less. Choosing the right carbohydrates is more important than eliminating them altogether.

Fertility experts have determined that women to maintain a normal weight range are more likely to become pregnant easily than those who are either underweight or overweight. The amount of fat cells in the body impacts hormonal regulation and balance upon which ovulation and conception is determined.

According to be American Pregnancy Association which is a nonprofit organization promoting reproductive health physicians believe that a woman should allow three months to a year in order for dietary changes to have a significant effect on the overall health of herself and her soon-to-be baby.

While an occasional glass of wine or beer won’t impact the odds of getting pregnant any amount over that can affect the developing baby as well as change the hormonal balance which controls ovulation and menstruation. Caffeine is another drug which can affect fertility. Many experts believe that 28 ounce glasses of coffee each day won’t get in the way of getting pregnant but it can impact women who are going under in vitro fertilization because it constrict blood vessels slowing flow to the uterus and potentially making it harder for an egg to implant. If drinking caffeine has a negative impact on women undergoing infertility treatments because of a physicians intimate knowledge of how those treatments affect a woman’s body it only stands to reason that it affects all of us in the same way.

Going through yo-yo dieting can also significantly impact your ability to conceive a child. Eating too much junk food or being overweight will cause fertility problems as will waiting to little or not eating enough. And, the process of yo-yo dieting, weight going up and down over short periods of time, will significantly impact your hormonal balance in a negative way.

We may like to think that there is a fertility kill that we can get over the counter or an herbal supplement which will make all of our problems go away lead in reality those fertility diets which have no research to back them up are preying on the needs and desires of couples. Instead, eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables and minimal animal fats will help a woman and man to get the vitamins minerals and antioxidants they need in order to produce healthy sperm and eggs.

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Embarrassing Fertility Questions

Tess — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:18:29 +0000

As more and more couples are putting off family-planning until the woman has established for working career the results have been an increased number of women who want to have children but are now struggling with issues of infertility. The process of having a baby seems to be natural and normal, and for some couples it happens at the drop of a hat. Others have to struggle through issues that may or may not impact their fertility but which are often too embarrassing to ask.

Here are several of the more common embarrassing fertility questions that both men and women have as they’re seeking to achieve conception and a new little one in their lives.

Did you know that the cervical mucous that is secreted during the month can actually discolor or “bleach” the crotch of your underpants? Because this mucous is supposed to be acidic and hostile during the rest of the month to protect the cervix and uterus from bacteria it also will stain or ‘bleach’ the underwear.

Did you know that it isn’t necessary to have an orgasm in order to achieve pregnancy? In theory experts believe it can help to propel the sperm through the reproductive tract but in reality it isn’t necessary. It is more important to timing intercourse to correspond with the best fertile period of the month than it is to force an orgasm each time you have sex. This is only a recipe for disaster since it can stress you to the point of not wanting to have sex at all.

Did you know that sperm can make it to the Fallopian tubes in 15-20 minutes after ejaculation? So, while popping out of bed immediately after sex isn’t a great idea you also don’t have to ly in bed with your feet in the air for 30 minutes either. The vagina normally slopes rearward naturally helping the sperm on their journey. This means that an position for sex where the sperm is deposited next to the cervix is just fine. Spend 10 minutes in bed cuddling before running to the bathroom and you’re covered.

Did you know that the quantity and quality of the sperm are affected by both the environment, the diet and the number of times a man ejaculates? In other words, the quality of the sperm takes up to 3 months to change based on dietary changes (get rid of the junk, alcohol, drugs and smoking to improve the health of the sperm 3 months before trying to conceive) and only 3 days to make a change in the amount, or quantity. Two days of ejaculation in a row doesn’t usually have an effect but three can decrease the sperm count. This is another reason why specialists recommend sex every other day during the fertile period and no masturbation in between.

Women come in all shapes and sizes. There have been interesting studies which show that sociologically men are more attracted to women who have larger breasts and slimmer waists, who coincidentally also have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. However, there are no studies that compare pregnancy rates. Instead, it is important to focus on a health diet, healthy lifestyle choices and recognizing your fertile period.

Did you know that having a regular menstrual period often signifies a nromal ovulation history. Menstruation is tied to the hormonal changes in the body once an egg isn’t fertilized. When the cycle is regular then ovulation is happening and menstruation occurs. In rare instances this may not be the case. But, even if you are ovulating it doesn’t necessarily mean that the egg is of good quality and that you can get pregnant.

Reproductive specialists recommend that couples who are younger than 30 wait at least 12 months before seeking the advice and counsel of a doctor regarding their fertility. This is because of the incredibly complex process required to acheive this goal. In the meantime women can use some of the over the counter ovulation kits to determine when their most fertile period of the month is, and also confirm that they are indeed ovulating.

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When to Seek Medical Advice When Trying to Conceive

Tess — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:09:42 +0000

Once a couple has decided to have a baby each month brings with it anticipation and potential frustration. For those couples who have practiced six to 12 months of preconception planning further are waiting can be even more frustrating. In these instances trying to conceive can turn from excitement to anxiety and even stress.

Reproductive specialists believe that on average a woman younger than 35 years old should only seek the advice of her physician if she is not been able to become pregnant in 12 months. Because of the variety of different issues that can occur in the life and health of both men and women it can sometimes take up to 12 months for normally healthy individuals to conceive a child.

It is also reasonable for a woman who is older than 35 years to check with her reproductive specialists after six months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully. Women over the age of 40 may want to speak with their physicians immediately – especially if they have a history of irregular or painful periods or pelvic inflammatory disease.

When going in to see the practitioner most will want to have a menstrual cycle and body change calendar in order to do an initial evaluation of where the problem may lie. For this reason women younger than 35 may want to start a calendar after nine months of being unable to conceive and women older than 35 after four months. In this way they will be able to bring in several months of data to the physician at their initial visit without having to go home and wait three to four more months.

Reproductive specialists will want to see the changes them body basal temperature and have a record of vaginal mucus. Using a regular calendar women can plots the dates they have their period, changes in vaginal mucus, basal body temperature each day and any pain or discomfort throughout the month.

In a study published with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in 2008 clinical researchers attempted to estimate the probability that in fertile couples will seek medical consultation. They designed a retrospective study in both the UK and France using 901 women between the ages of 18 and 60 years who all successfully achieved a live birth between 1985 and 2000.

The results of this study show that 45% of women who had not yet see the child and were infertile after 12 months sought medical consultation and 75% thought advice after 24 months. Interestingly, the probability of seeking a doctor’s advice was half that for women who had already had children and only 45% who sought medical advice actually received infertility treatment.

Women under the age of 35 may want to start their infertility journey with their obstetrician but those women over 35 should most likely start their investigation with a reproductive specialist who is more likely an endocrinologist. These specialists are well educated in the hormonal changes and problems that can lead to infertility for women.

While the recommendations for when a woman would seek the advice of her reproductive specialist is fairly laid out the types of testing or how they will discover whether there is a problem or not isn’t. Infertility testing is an art form and not a science so women should choose they should their physicians carefully.

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Thyroiditis And Trying to Conceive

Tess — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:41:46 +0000

For women who suffer from thyroid disorders conceiving a child may be a tricky thing. There are two main types of thyroid disorders: too little hormone such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and too much hormone such as Graves’ disease. Both conditions are difficult to diagnose because in some cases the symptoms are very mild. Many times they are misdiagnosed as depression, aging or other causes of fatigue and forgetfulness.

There are several different tasks which women can take in order to determine the causes of their symptoms, be a Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. But the final conclusion is that a woman who experiences either one of these thyroid disorders, and more commonly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, will have a difficult time conceiving a child.

In a study published in 2004 researchers from Italy strove to compare the effects of pregnancy on this very room thyroxine levels in two groups of women who suffered from primary hypothyroidism. They concluded that the results suggest is that women who are hypothyroid and anticipate pregnancy should have their dosages adjusted to results in adequate maternal function up to the first post conception evaluation in order to increase the chances of a safe pregnancy. But this is the opposite effect of women who have hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.

The thyroid gland secretes a hormone that is important to the overall function of the human body. Hashimoto’s disease or thyroiditis is a condition that affects that thyroid gland. It is actually the most common form of thyroid problem in the United States and affects more women than men. At this time researchers and physicians believe that Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune response in the body where are the body’s own immune system attacks the cells of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is located on the lower part of the knack and is shaped like a butterfly. It is wrapped around the outside of the trachea (windpipe) and secrete hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones assist the body in the functioning of heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the metabolism of food. Women who have low thyroid secretion are often placed on a synthetic thyroid hormone in order to regulate their heart rates, blood pressure and stabilize their metabolism.

The thyroid gland also secretes calcitonin which is another hormone designed to keep bones healthy and strong.

Some of the more common symptoms that women will experience when they are suffering from Hashimoto’s disease is fatigue, weight gain, weakness, dry skin and hair, cold intolerance, depression and heavy menstrual cycles. The goal of treatment is to bring the thyroid gland in two balance. Because thyroid levels are low the doctor will use a prescription called Synthroid to help raise these levels.

If it’s left untreated Hashimoto’s disease can actually affect ovulation and menstruation but once diagnosed and treatment be gone there is not usually a problem with getting pregnant. Women must have their TSH levels monitored regularly, especially if they become pregnant because the metabolism will change in the body as well as the need for specific doses.

During the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy the incident is completely dependent on the mother is a hormonal production of thyroid but by the end of the first trimester babies on thyroid gland begins to produce hormone.

Hypothyroidism can also occur in a woman during pregnancy. If it is suspected the doctor can perform a blood test which will show a lower level of thyroid hormone in the blood. Thyroxine, the most common medication used to treat hypothyroidism, is safe to take and well absorbs during pregnancy. However, because of the variation in metabolic rate due to the growing influence doctors must monitor low-level and increase the thyroxine dose if necessary.

Postpartum thyroiditis can happen in eight to 10% of women. This can also happen in the non-postpartum period and is also an immune disease related to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It usually lasts between six weeks to three months followed by hypothyroidism between three and nine months after delivery. Women at rest will be those who have had a previous history of postpartum thyroiditis or who have thyroid antibodies in their blood but are not taking thyroxine. Usually no treatment is required for the hyperthyroid phase in a short course of thyroxine for six to 12 months is sufficient for the hypothyroid phrase.

When determining how thyroiditis may affect the conception of a new child physicians and potential new parents showed fully discuss the options and potential side effects of treatment for the thyroiditis. There is equal concern for the welfare of both the mother and baby but it is fortunate that most conditions can be recognized and problems can be anticipated. In the case of thyroiditis the outcome is almost always a healthy one for both mother and baby.

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Preparing for Pregnancy

Tess — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:45:48 +0000

Many couples find a happy ending with an unplanned pregnancy but physicians and obstetricians are now urging couples to plan ahead for between six and 12 months prior to conception. Most of us take the process of procreation for granted. It seems natural and practically automatic but the idea of consciously preparing for conception is a rather recent phenomenon following several studies and current knowledge.

By preparing to become pregnant couples give their babies the best chance possible for a healthy birth. It provides a window of opportunity to optimize the health of both partners and identify any risks which may be present. Most of these recommendations can be done either individually or including the obstetrician.

Almost every aspect of our lives and our bodies can be adversely affected by the living conditions in which we find ourselves today. Our exposure to toxins, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco all negatively affects the way in which our cells reproduce in the overall health of our bodies. We truly are what we need is in the lifestyle we lead in the months before conception can have a profound effect on the health of our babies.

Researchers are now finding that preparation prior to pregnancy can help prevent miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births and some congenital abnormalities and can even enhance the fertility and couples who are having trouble conceiving on their own. Women are also finding that pregnancies are healthier and they recover more quickly after the birth process.

While we may believe that it is the overall health and well-being of the female who provides a healthy environment in which the baby grows studies are now finding that if either parent is deficient in wine or a number of essential nutrients the babies can be missed. Or suffer from her variety of malformations. In the past these malformations were believed to be genetic but researchers are now finding they can be manipulated in the laboratory environments in animal studies by inducing a deficiency.

What this means is that we can make a significant impact in the health of our children by making some changes in our own lifestyle prior to becoming pregnant. Everyone qualifies for doing preconception planning and lifestyle changes, especially those who have had difficulty conceiving or who have had one or more miscarriages. Couples with a personal history of breast the facts, prematurity, low birth weight or who are now seeking treatment for infertility will also benefit from preconception planning.

While we don’t always think about it, protecting our fertility should actually began in the teen years when we are the most fertile. However, realistically couples who are interested in improving their ability to conceive a healthy baby should start 6-12 months prior to beginning. For instance, the creation of sperm takes about four months so changes in lifestyle (such as diet and chemical exposure) should have at least that much time to have the greatest effect. And female eggs also take about 3 months to mature.

Some of the lifestyle changes that are important to consider are removal of alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs and caffeine from the diet. All of these are toxic to cell development. Exercise is another factor that can contribute to cellular health – if it is too much, too little or an appropriate level. Weight should also be close to ideal. Pregnancy is no time to diet and women who are obese have lower fertility levels.

Have a dental check up because gum and dental disease can also adversely affect a pregnancy. By regulating any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure, will also help to improve overall health and the health of your new child. Review any medications or supplements you might also be taking to ascertain if they will adversely affect conception or the development of your new baby.

Preparing to become pregnant will will help the couple to engage and lifestyle choices and changes that will improve overall health as well as improve the likelihood of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby.

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Pregnancy Tests

Tess — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:08:12 +0000

Getting the right answer to the question “am I pregnant?” is important to the future health and wellness of your baby. He if a woman thinks she is pregnant she often wants the correct answer as quickly as possible. In past years women had to seek the advice of their obstetrician or primary care physician to determine whether or not they were pregnant. The quick urine based pregnancy tests that were once only available in the doctors office became commonly available to the general public only in the last 10 years.

Today, these home pregnancy tests are virtually foolproof and almost as accurate as those given in the doctors office. According to manufacturers there are about 99% effective when used as instructed. Those last four words “when used as instructed” are the basis of the 99% effectiveness.

In other words, if you expect this chemical reaction to work appropriately then you must also follow the directions from the manufacturer as closely as possible. These home based pregnancy tests measure chemical hormones that are excreted in the urine when a woman has conceived a child. In order to accurately measure these hormones, namely hCG, the test must be done correctly.

One distinct advantage of these tests is that they allow a woman greater privacy and flexibility in finding out the results. Especially when the couple is attempting to become fragments these tests give the woman an answer quickly and privately and in just a few minutes.

Home based pregnancy tests to measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which become detectable in the urine approximately 10 days after conception. If you use the pregnancy test less than 10 days after conception it may give a false negative response. This means that it will show that the woman is not pregnant when in fact they may very well be.

However, while these tests are designed to be accurate 10 days after conception most experts recommend that women wait between five and 10 days after it missed period before taking the test to ensure the best accuracy. At this point if the test is negative and you still haven’t gotten your period you might wait a few more days and retake the test again.

Not all pregnancy tests are identical and some are more sensitive than others, detecting lower levels of hCG in the urine. To give your home pregnancy test the best possibility of testing successfully there are a few things that you can do. First, use the first morning urine because this is when hCG will be at its highest in the excreted in urine. He if you can’t wait until the next morning make sure your urine has been in the Blatter for at least four hours before testing. Don’t drink an excessive amount of fluid for the test to increase the volume because this will dilute the amount of hCG in the urine if it’s present. By diluting the hCG it decreases the chance that the pregnancy test will accurately measure a pregnancy.

Since all home pregnancy tests are done just a little differently be sure to read the directions thoroughly before starting the test and follow every step precisely. Check the label and packaging of the pregnancy test because there are some fertility drugs or other medications that can interfere with the test results.

If the pregnancy test is positive and shows you are pregnant you should call your obstetrician or primary care physician immediately. Your doctor can then use a more sensitive test, with a pelvic examination, to confirm these results. By seeing the doctor early in the pregnancy and following his advice and woman can increase the chances that she and her baby stay healthy.

Some home pregnancy tests may indicate that the woman is not pregnant but she’s still does not get her period. In this case the woman should test again in a few days or a week. Because each woman ovulate at different times in the menstrual cycle and because a fertilized egg can implant at different times the accuracy of the test will also vary from woman to woman. If the test continues to be negative but you feel you might be pregnant speak with your physician in order to confirm the pregnancy and start down the right path for a healthy child.

Home pregnancy tests can be purchased at nearly any store including grocery stores, drug stores in major chain retailers like target, Wal-Mart or Meijers. Some women may also choose to buy pregnancy tests online in bulk when attempting to become pregnant. These will contain less packaging but will work just as well.

Some women require a pregnancy tests that may be designed specifically for their medical conditions. For instance a woman who’s been trying to conceive for over six months may want to use a home pregnancy test which is much more sensitive to lower amounts of hCG in the urine.

While becoming pregnant is often a blessed event in the life of a couple getting to that point can be stressful for some. Just by choosing the right home pregnancy tests to evaluate your status in understanding the challenges that are associated with doing the tests correctly most women can navigate this challenge well.

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Infertility Testing for Women

Tess — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:25:50 +0000

Infertility testing is a serious concern for many couples because the diagnosis has the potential to dramatically alter the life plans and dreams that you always imagined. However, using today’s technology and advanced medical practices, infertility is not as bleak as it once was.

Prior to seeing a reproductive specialist or obstetrician couples younger than age 30 are encouraged to try to conceive a child for at least 12 months and those over age 30 are encouraged to try for six months. A person might be considered infertile after one full year of trying but a study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that the majority of women who did not become pregnant in the first year did so in the second year without any medical assistance.

The act of becoming pregnant and conceiving a child is very natural and normal one but it is also complex. The body orchestrates the secretion of a variety of different hormones in order to mature and release an egg at just the right time that it will meet up with viable sperm. So even if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 12 months it does not mean that you are on able to get pregnant.

Infertility tests are often not covered by insurance companies so before undergoing them check with your physician about the cost. A reproductive specialist will want to ask questions about medical history, use of prescription and recreational medications, use of caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes, your exposure to toxins are radiation and your sexual habits. Believe it or not even your choice of underwear (if you’re the man) will make a difference in your ability as a couple to have a baby. Tightfitting briefs will keep the scrotum temperature to warm to allow for normal sperm production.

The history will also include if the woman had ever been pregnant before and the outcome, the frequency and regularity of periods over the last year, any changes in the flow or parents, what methods of birth control have been used and whether you have seen a physician for fertility problems in the past.

At this point the physician will decide on some basic information gathering techniques. He may ask the woman to go home and keep a basal temperature charts and fertility chart for two months to get a baseline information about ovulation, mucus changes in temperature changes. This can give him significant information about what testing should be done first. Depending upon this information the physician can order several different blood tests.

At day three FSH test is done on the third day of the menstrual cycle and will measure the follicle stimulating hormone in the system. When a woman has high levels of FSH it indicates a lower quality of an egg which also is significant when seeking conception. Also on the third day of the menstrual cycle is a day three estradiol test. This is also a blood test that will evaluate the amount of estrogen in the body because too much estrogen will also affect egg quality.

During these tests the physician may also do a Clomid challenge test during which he he gives the woman three to five days of Clomid, a fertility drug, to challenge the development of the ovaries. Another blood test is the plasma progesterone level test which evaluates the level of progesterone. This is done just before the first day of the menstrual cycle. If the progesterone level is low it indicates a likely problem with ovulation.

The luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone tests can actually be done for both men and women. When he is hormone levels are high it suggests that fertility problems are an issue with the ovaries or the testicles. Low levels may indicate a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus glands.

If the physician finds no observable problems or issues with these tests they may move on to things that are slightly more invasive. The reproductive specialist may want and abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. This is a tool using a high frequency sound waves which are balanced off the body in order to produce an image. The abdominal ultrasound is done on the exterior of the body with a hand-held instrument on the top of the abdomen while the transvaginal ultrasound uses a probe that is inserted into the vagina. Because the transvaginal ultrasound is closer to the pelvic structures the reproductive specialist will get significantly clearer images.

At other times the physician may recommend a sonohistogram which is a slight variation on an ultrasound. It uses water or sterile saline to inflate the uterus which gives the doctor a clearer view of the organ.

Slightly more invasive is a laparoscopy which is a surgical procedure done under an anesthetic but on an outpatient basis. During this procedure and illuminated to is inserted through a small incision so that the doctor can get a good view of the ovaries, uterus and Fallopian tubes.

During a laparoscopy the doctors also able to insert very small tools to help correct any problems, locate any scar tissue and take an endometrial biopsy. An endometrial biopsy is often taken during the 21st day of the cycle and gives the doctor a detailed analysis of the endometrial development in the uterus. The biopsy can show whether the lining is thick enough for implantation and is helpful for women who have experienced multiple miscarriages.

Related to the laparoscopy is a hysteroscopy which uses a fiber-optic telescope in order to look around the pelvic region and uterus. It is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus and is also possible to use small tools to fix any problems. A hysterosalpingogram is a special type of machine that takes an x-ray of the uterus and Fallopian tubes but only after a water or oil-based dye is injected into the uterus and Fallopian tubes. This is often used to locate blockages and other problems that may be fixed using a laparoscopy or open surgery.

Using information from this testing procedures reproductive specialist and obstetricians are able to give excellent estimates as to how conception will potentially be achieved and what infertility treatment methodologies will be best attempted first.

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Infertility Testing for Men

Tess — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:39:14 +0000

For many infertility is still thought of as a woman’s problem. However, up to half of all cases will involve difficulty with the man. For this reason it is crucial for both men and women to be tested for infertility problems when the couple is having difficult time becoming pregnant. It might be in Paris thing, but discovering these problems early can mean earlier treatment in a successful pregnancy. Testing men for infertility problems is also less invasive and easier then it is for the women.

The arbitrary timeline is 12 months when the couple has not conceived a child after having unprotected infrequent facts. Instead, the better description might be in paired fertility since those couples who continue to try will usually get pregnant in the second year or later. This is because conception is a complex events which is orchestrated by different organ systems in the body and developed through the secretion of several different hormones all of which must culminate in ovulation at the same time that sperm is present in the vaginal vault.

When a couple presents to their physician as on able to conceive after 12 months (when they are younger than 30) or unable to conceive after six months when they are older than 30, the physician will often approach this problem in the most cost-effective and time efficient manner possible. By asking the woman to gather two to three months of fertility charts information and testing the man during that time period the reproductive specialists is often able to save time, energy and money.

Identifying the cause of a man’s infertility is as much art as it is science-as is everything else in the health field. In the case of a man’s infertility it should be evaluated and diagnosed by a urologist and not the reproductive specialists.

The urologist will do a thorough history and physical examination. During the physical exam day will look for testicular size and potential varicocele’s which may give clues to any hormonal problems. The man will also be asked to give a sperm and semen sample so that an expert will be able to count the sperm, evaluate their shape and movement and include other variables that impact the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg.

During the semen analysis the lab technicians will also evaluate pH levels, white blood cell counts, fructose levels and liquification time. All of these criteria have a factor in the ability of the sperm to conceive a child.

Prior to his sperm were semen analysis the man should avoid any ejaculation or two to five days so that the sperm count is at its highest. However, they should not avoid ejaculation for more than one to two weeks because this can lead to sperm which are less active. Men should also avoid any alcohol in the time before the test and avoid as many medications and herbs that are not necessary for any underlying medical conditions. Results of the semen analysis are usually ready within a day or two.

In general terms, the higher number of normal shaped sperm will mean a higher level of fertility. Men who have a lower sperm count or abnormal semen can also still be fertile. If the first semen analysis is normal the physician may order a second one to confirm the results. Having to test on does not mean that there is a significant problem in just that the urologist does not want to overlook any problem which may not have shown up in the first test.

If something does look irregular in the tests the doctor will also order further testing to pinpoint the problem. Interestingly, if there is no semen or sperm at all this can be a good thing because it suggests a blockage that can be corrected with simple surgery as opposed to a hormonal imbalance which is a more complex problem.

A simple issue that happens to some men is wearing their underwear too tightly which elevates the scrotum to close to the body. The extra heat from the body will kill the sperm and render the man infertile. A second reason for increased heat in the scrotum are varicoceles of the testicles. These are similar to varicose veins in the legs. When one or more of the veins becomes inflamed the valves get worn out and the blood runs in the wrong direction overheating the testicle and damaging the sperm cells.

While testosterone and multiple other hormones control sperm production, release and storage they are not usually the cause for the majority of the problems of infertile men.

Although somewhat embarrassing for men, testing and evaluation for infertility is less invasive and saves their partners more painful and uncomfortable testing if the issue lies in their court. Because the testing also simple it can be done quickly while the woman is gathering her data about ovulation and fertilty for the reproductive specialist.

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How to Increase Fertility

Tess — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:41:30 +0000

Having a baby having a baby may seem like one of the most natural and normal things for a couple, especially in the early years. But it is actually a complex process that requires orchestration of hormones, health, wellness and the fortuitous meeting of egg and sperm. Having difficulty conceiving can actually make the pregnancy journey more frustrating and aggravating than it was really ever meant to be. There are several ways of increasing your fertility and improving your chances of becoming pregnant. Some of these are more natural than others and some of them may seem like common sense but all of them, when coupled together, will actually improve your chances of welcoming a new little baby into the world nine months later.

The first factor to improve your fertility is to remove any barriers to conception. This means stop using birth control, stop taking the pill and evaluate any other medications you may already be taking and their effects on fertility.

Some of the factors which affect fertility are lifestyle choices. In a study released in Obstetrics and Gynecology researchers drew the link between the relationship of a healthy diet and a reduced risk for infertility. Women who follow the combination of five warm more healthy lifestyle factors would experience more than an 8% last risk of infertility due to a population problems as compared to women who engaged in that none of these lifestyle choices to improve their overall health and their fertility.

By maintaining a healthy overall weight, actually losing weight if you’re overweight and gaining weight if you’re under way, will help to improve your fertility. Doctors know that hormone levels are affected by the amount of fat stored in the body. When there is an over abundance of fat cells it affects the way in which the hormones are released and interacts in the body. And, without enough fat stores the quality of hormones released is sub optimal.

Excessive sugar, refined carbohydrates and trans fatty acids all affect the immune system as low as the hormonal system of an individual’s body. In the case of a woman who is trying to conceive they also impact the way in which ovulation is a coordinated. Improving your diet by getting more protein from vegetables rather than animals, eating fiber rich foods and considering a multivitamin to make up the differences will also improve your chances of conceiving. Vegetable proteins are lower in fat and calories as well is more easily digested and absorbed by the body. Fiber rich foods will help to decrease the chances of constipation and eliminate the toxins which build up in the lower intestines.

Exercise is another factor which affects the hormonal system of men and women as well as the overall health of the individual. Although dairy products continue to be important nutritionally a recent report showed that a full fat dairy may help to increase fertility in women more so than a low-fat nonfat dairy products. However, these are loaded with calories and saturated fats and should only be one of your daily servings of dairy products.

One habit that has a significant impact on fertility is smoking. Both men and women’s reproductive systems are affected by cigarette smoke, whether it’s inhaled directly or as secondhand. Cigarettes include over 250 carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds which means that they have over 250 chemicals having known to cause birth defects and cancer. Researchers from Great Britain found that smoking diminishes the ability of the woman to conceive a child by two thirds and has long lasting substance which concentrates in the ovaries and affects conception. According to University of Iowa study cigarette smoke decrease the number of eggs and decrease the amount of estrogen which is the hormone responsible for producing fertile mucus and making the cervix more receptive to sperm.

Smoking also interferes on the ability of the body to absorb specific vitamins. Interestingly, smoking interfered in the ability of the body to absorb vitamin C in both the men and women. With the decreased amount of vitamin C men’s bodies were unable to produce vital sperm. A research team from Galveston Texas found that after receiving supplementation these levels could improve within the a week with full recovery of sperm health in three months.

Another interesting fertility fact is that all bow with seasonal changes have minimal impact on modern society our bodies still respond to changes in the seasons. Research has documented that men’s semen quality and quantity will reach a peak as winter ends in spring begins. Although investigators have no concrete evidence or reason why this is happening there is a possibility that the pituitary or pine needle glands are more active during these times which affects the endometrial layer in the uterus.

And finally, figure out when you’re the most fertile by using a fertility charts. Women can use the basal body temperature thermometers to take their temperature prior to getting out of bed in the morning. By charting these results women are often able to determine the exact several days during which ovulation has happened. This allows them to understand exactly when they would be at their most fertile.

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How Does Stress Affect Fertility

Tess — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:43:35 +0000

Have you ever been on friends with someone who has been trying to conceive for years? Eventually the couple turns to adoption in some way are in the process of adoption or immediately after the child comes home the woman becomes pregnant. “Relax and it will happen” is advice that is often given to women who are having trouble with conception.

But, it is far too simplistic to say that stress either does or does not play a role in fertility. Women have become pregnant in far more stressful situations than what individuals in industrialized nations considered to be stressed today. In countries where there is open warfare and starvation conditions women continue to become pregnant.

The number of people who really and will never be able to conceive is actually fairly small. And, while stress does play a role in infertility it should never be considered in the same category as endometriosis. More than anything, stress will injure sex drive and the production of sperm in the development of the egg. In some instances stress can delay ovulation, and if it is severe or it can prevent ovulation in a specific month. However, this is not a situation which is consistent from month to month but rather something that can affect fertility on a month by month basis.

At this time physicians don’t believe that there is enough data to draw a clear and obvious conclusion from the studies which have currently been done. But many believe it’s only a matter of time before we’re able to connect the dots between all of the things that affect our fertility and the bigger picture.

Physicians do know that stress will affect the secretion of hormones, the ability of the body to produce an egg or sperm and the sex drive. All of these factors are imminently importance in the conception of a child. Some physicians also believe that by reducing stress a woman can help enhance proteins with in the uterus lining that’s involved in implantation.

Obstetricians also know that women who are undergoing a severe amount of stress will stop menstruating. So while there may not be consistent data doctors do believe that reducing stress may help some couples conceive more quickly.

Stress reduction techniques may be used in the workplace and the extended family members. When couples are able to keep the lines of communication open between them it also helps to reduce the amount of stress that votes are under. Unfortunately, this is not always enough to reduce stress levels and couples may need to seek emotional support outside of the family. Counseling, support groups and some books can help by learning that you are not alone in helping you to choose between other available options.

It is never appropriate to use medication in order to reduce perceived stress levels but by using yoga or other meditative techniques you can decrease the amount of stress you perceive. Physicians also know that by decreasing the amount of caffeine and other nutritional stimulants as well as increasing the amount of exercise regularly you can relieve both physical and emotional tension.

So, while stress can significantly of fact the fertility of some couples it is not a challenge or obstacle that is significantly difficult to overcome. With a bit of practice and injecting fun back into your life this infertility challenge can be quickly eliminated.

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Folic Acid Why, When And How

Tess — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:43:47 +0000

Folic acid, which is sometimes called folate, is a part of the vitamin B complex vitamins. It is vitamin B9 which is found mostly in Greenleaf he vegetables such as kale or spinach. Because of the necessity for folic acid in the primary development of a baby the federal government actually enriches orange juice and other grain products with folic acid in order to help ensure an adequate amount of this vitamin in the bodies of childbearing women.

Repeated studies have shown that women who do get 400 mcg per day before conceiving a child will reduce the risk that their baby is born with a serious birth defects involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord by up to 70%. These defects are called neural tube defects because they involve the development of the nervous system.

The most common defect is spina bifida which is an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column as well as anencephaly, which is a severe underdevelopment or absence of the brain. All of these defects will happen in the first 28 days of a pregnancy which is usually before a woman even know she’s pregnant. This is the reason why it is so important for women to receive enough folic acid who are of childbearing years. Because only 50% of pregnancies are planned, not just those who are planning to get pregnant should be aware of the amount of folic acid they are getting.

Folic acid is a water-soluble be complex the vitamin and is the most stable form of the vitamin. Folate are found in foods as well is in metabolically active forms of the human body but is folic acid occurs rarely in food and more commonly in vitamin supplementation and fortified foods.

Folate also helps keep the blood healthy and not receiving enough can cause a specific type of anemia. This medical condition means that your red blood cells are either fewer in number or less able to carry oxygen from the lungs. This makes it hard for the cells of the body and brain to function appropriately leaving people feeling tired, headache, sore mouth and tongue or pale skin.

Foods that are high in folate include beans and lentil, peas, juices, oranges, honeydew, avocado, raspberry, green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, potatoes, green onions, nuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, liver and giblets. Because of the importance of receiving enough folic acid other things are fortified with this vitamin including breakfast cereals, breads, flowers, pasta, corn meals and white rice in an effort to reach as many women in the childbearing years as possible.

The folate that we get from foods will not cause problems if eaten in large amounts but it is possible to get too much folic acid in a vitamin supplement. Taking more than 1000 mcg a day can cause nerve damage in people who do not have enough vitamin B12.

Pregnant woman have the option of being tested for neural tube defects using an alpha aceto-protein tests. This is a blood test which is Don between week 16 and 18 gestation and measures a substance that is produced by the baby. The level will peak between 30 and 32 weeks but abnormal amounts of alpha-fetoprotein may mean that the baby has a neural tube defect. In other cases women who are carrying twin is, who may have a problem with the placenta, who have diabetes or liver disease themselves may also have an elevated alpha-fetoprotein tests. Other birth defects which may be presidents are severe kidney disease, liver disease, intestinal blockage, down syndrome, urinary obstruction or osteogenesis imperfecta.

A woman who has an elevated alpha-fetoprotein tests may opt to get a second test, an ultrasound or an amniocentesis to confirm the results. Because of the severity of the problems related to low folic acid levels in a woman’s body prior to conception it is of significant importance for women to pay close attention to their dietary habits and their plans for children.

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Fertility Tips

Tess — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:25:30 +0000

Many couples who are trying to conceive their first, second or even third child may want to control the situation in off that there are chances of conception increase the highest rate possible based on their situation. Using just a couple of fertility tips many couples can improve their chances of conceiving in the first several months of trying.

Most reproductive specialists and obstetricians recommend that couples who are less than age 30 tried to get pregnant for at least 12 months before seeking the advice of a medical professional. Couples who are older than 30 can seek advice after having no luck for six months. This is because although it may seem that having a baby is normal and natural, the actual act of conception is a minute orchestration of multiple different hormones, organs and body systems all coming together at the same time to release a viable and fertile egg which will eventually meet with a single sperm cell.

But most couples aren’t willing to wait. When you want to get pregnant, you want to get pregnant now! Patience is great in theory but difficult to practice.

All women and couples who are interested in conception should begin by taking folic acid and a multivitamin now. These extra added vitamins and antioxidants will help to improve the overall quality and quantity of both egg and sperm. Folic acid will also reduce the chances that a baby will be conceived who has a neural tube defect. This defect is a problem with the developments of the baby in the first 28 days which results in spina bifida or anencephaly (little to no brain development). Folic acid and vitamins should be started three to four months prior to conception.

It is also important to understand and know your fertile cycle and days. Women can start by tracking and using a fertility chart. On this chart they should keep track of their basal body temperature (taken before rising out of bed in the morning) as well as keeping track of their cervical mucus. By tracking it over a couple of months women will be able to know the exact three to five day period in which she is most fertile and most likely to become pregnant.

Peak fertility happens in the mid-20s and is already starting to fall in the late 20s. Fertility isn’t a guarantee in those couples who start their families earlier are re-warded with decreased effort and improve chances of having that family.

Improving your fertility, whether man or woman, means getting the right nutrition, the right number of vitamins and minerals and antioxidants as well as the right number of hours per sleep and regular exercise. Smoking is a bad habit that significantly impacts the health and wellness of an individual but will also decrease the fertility of women and men. Tobacco contains over 250 different carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals which are inhaled into the lungs and absorbs into the body. This means that there are over 250 different chemicals which can cause cancer and create birth defects in children.

Alcohol intake and recreational drugs also have a negative effect on the fertility of both men and women. It decreases sperm motility and quality as well as inhibiting ovulation and messing with a woman’s reproductive hormonal system. Other environmental toxins which can have an effect on fertility include chemicals used in rigid plastic packaging for foods and phosphates in sodas.

Women who are underweight or overweight have a significantly different fertility rate than women who carry a normal body weight. This is because fat cells play an integral role in the way in which hormones are either secreted or absorbed and used inside the body. Women who are significantly overweight had a much lower rate of conception as to women who are significantly underweight.

Women who are using a fertility chart to track basal body temperature and cervical mucus can also use an over-the-counter urine ovulation tests which detects surges of hormone called luteinizing hormone. This is the hormone responsible for ovulation and when the urine test indicates that the surge has happened it is the most fertile time of the month for the woman. To decrease the number of tests used a woman can use for fertility chart and confirm her ovulation using a urine test.

However, having sex the day before ovulation will actually increase the chances of conception. It usually takes around 12 hours for the sperm to go through a special process called capacitation that allows them to fertilize the egg. Daddy can also take a cold shower about 30 minutes prior to intercourse because the cold water will stimulate blood flow and may improve motility.

Women should avoid going to the bathroom immediately after intercourse and should instead spend 30 minutes with a pillow propped under her behind in order to give the sperm boost upstream.

Using all of, or a combination of, from these fertility tips will help the majority of couples to conceive a child within five to six months. There will be a certain percentage of couples who will have issues and problems with infertility and that percentage will be based on the age of both the man and the woman at the time they are trying to conceive. However using these tips will also boost the success rate for couples who require infertility medications because they help the medications to work with the overall goal of achieving a child.

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Fertility Supplements

Tess — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:11:53 +0000

The desire to search for a fertility supplements that will help enhance fertility and improve the chances of conceiving a baby is forefront on the minds of couples who may not have conceived within the first two to three months of trying. As more and more women are putting off the air family-planning in an effort to launch their careers there are also more women who are seeking the advice and care of reproductive specialists after they are on able to conceive for six months or more.

Obstetricians and reproductive specialists recommend that a couple younger than 30 tried to conceive for 12 months beef for seeking the advice of their physician. Those couples all over the age of 30 may try for six months before seeking the advice of their doctor. This is because all low becoming pregnant seems natural and normal it is actually a process that requires minute orchestration of hormone release in order to control the entire reproductive system.

Trouble with conception can result from a variety of reasons, some of which can be helped with some alternative medicine. The question of whether fertility supplements works or don’t work is not a realistic question because of the variety of different reasons that women have trouble becoming pregnant. Trouble with conception can stem from structural abnormalities, abnormal hormone release, too little or too much fat in the body, poor in quality or poor sperm quality as well as a host of other issues. It is unreasonable to expect that fertility supplements will be able to address all of these issues but it is reasonable to expect that fertility supplements can address some of these issues.

Fertility supplements for the male are a little bit more straightforward. In one study man who took a combination of acetyl l-carnitine and l-carnitine showed increased sperm motility. Another study using men who had low sperm counts and were given vitamin E. E. had a higher rate of fertilization than those who took a placebo. A few other studies have suggested that coenzyme Q10 and folic acid can also improve sperm count or motility.

Fertility supplements for women are a bit less encouraging. Women who have ovulation disorders may be able to use vitamin C to improve their fertility along with improving their diet, removing alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs from their system and including enough rest and exercise in their daily regimen.

According to standard Western medicine there is no current compelling evidence for herbal therapy or supplements as a treatment for infertility in women. And, because herbal and nutritional supplements are subject to to limited regulation by the FDA, women are not always assured of the quality and quantity of the supplement in the bottle.

Women who are interested in using fertility supplements show in the use them separate from any conventional hormone or drug treatments for infertility. This is because those drug treatments are complex regiments and it is not known how herbal supplementation will interact with these treatments.

One such fertility supplement is FertilAid and is sold online having been developed by Dr. Grumebaum. This particular supplement is a combination of vitamins, antioxidants and herbal ingredients and has both the men’s and women’s formula to assist in improved sperm quality and quantity as well as ovulation and improved uterine environment.

However, as recommended, Dr. Grunebaum does not recommend that women who are currently taking any fertility prescription medication also use his product. As much as we like to believe that herbal supplementation is always safe and natural they are nothing more than chemicals being introduced into the body, much like any other medication we may take. The difference is that these herbal supplements have been harvested from plants directly and not manufactured through a chemical combinations in a test tube. However, because they are chemical combinations they can also interact with any other medication the woman or man is taking.

Fertility supplementation is a personal choice for a couple who may be struggling to conceive. It is often the first line of defense for couples who are less than 35 years invade each and have been trying to conceive for up to six or seven months.

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Fertility Predictors

Tess — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:27:58 +0000

Being able to predict when a woman is the most fertile will increase the chances that conception will happen that month. When a couple has decided to have a baby may usually want to be pregnant right now. Unfortunately, while it may be a normal and natural events it is also one that is highly complex and a unique orchestration of hormones and environmental effects, namely sperm meeting egg.

Ovulation is defined as the release of a mature eggs from one of the ovaries each month. It typically takes place during the middle of the menstrual cycle and, once released, the egg is able to be fertilized for between 12 and 24 hours. If it is not fertilized within 24 hours it is usually disintegrated and passed out through menstruation which begins about 15 days after ovulation.

By being able to determine when that a has reached maturation and ovulation has occurred the couple is more likely to have intercourse at the right time so that sperm meeting egg is a much more likely event. There are several different ways to achieve prediction of fertility. The first way is a natural process used by women who practice natural birth control in an effort to avoid that time of the month when they are the most fertile.

Often referred to as the rhythm method women will evaluate cervical mucus on a daily basis to do time and when it has become more “sperm friendly”, often in a good indicator that ovulation is occurring. Between watching cervical mucus, charting the dates of their last period and a good knowledge of how long their common periods usually are most women using this rhythm method are able to avoid pregnancy successfully.

However, this same process can be used in order to determine when to have intercourse to increase the success rate of conception. By using that same information women can determine when ovulation is likely to occur and can have intercourse with their spouse or partner every other day for six days in order to increase the chances that they become pregnant.

Another method is to use a basal temperature chart. Women need to chart their basal temperature or use a special thermometer not designed to measure fever but rather to measure the ever so slight temperature changes associated with hormonal surges. The basal temperature should be taken directly before getting out of bed. In other words the woman shouldn’t even get up to go to the bathroom before taking her temperature in the morning. In this way are basal temperature, the baseline temperature for the day, can be measured accurately and she can most accurately assess when ovulation is occurring.

Today science and technology also offers another option for women called and ovulation predictor test. These tests measure the secretion called luteinizing hormone in the urine. This luteinizing hormone, or L. H., is responsible for ovulation each month.

The ovulation predictor tests are designed to help couples have intercourse during peak fertility which is usually about four days before ovulation and ends about 24 hours after the release of the egg. Sperm can live in a woman’s body for up to five days and so her fertile period is actually longer than the 24 hour lifespan of the egg.

The most common ovulation predictor tests measure for luteinizing hormone in the urine but with even more advanced technology there are several other options available to women. The first of these is be fertility predictor watch. In the late 1950s and early 1960s researchers noted that different types of salts in a woman’s the sweat would fluctuate in relationship to the time on in the month of her menstrual cycle.

Today, using this knowledge and a patented sound server, be fertility watch will measure a baseline salt levels for each woman and then accurately predict ovulation based on the timing of the release of salts. Interestingly it will detect a chlorides surge three days before the estrogen surge in four days before the LH surge in giving the woman five days notice prior to ovulation and making an earlier prediction of ovulation and other chemical measurements can.

Another option for fertility testing is a saliva ovulation tests. This product will track your estrogen levels throughout the cycle and you view a visual graphs when ovulation occurs by measuring hormone release in your saliva. There are two different types of monitors that evaluate saliva and estimate fertility. One product also offers a vaginal sensor which helps to confirm ovulation and fertility prediction. While it is not necessary or required it does provide confirmation for the couple.

Predicting fertility and increasing the chance of becoming pregnant is a process that can consume a couple’s life. While the use predictor tests and processes can be fine or increased success for couples who have extremely busy lifestyles they also should not become the focus of the process.

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At What Age Are You Most Fertile?

Tess — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:51:20 +0000

The age of fertility. . . it’s a question that plagues women older than 30 and younger than 16. The likelihood of getting pregnant decreases significantly when a woman reaches age 30 and reaches 5% when she gets to 45 years of age. Interestingly the age at which the percentage of women who suffer from infertility rises drastically is age 40.

In their 20s women have an 86% chance of getting pregnant within the first year of trying which drops to 52% by age 35 and 36% by age 40. The likelihood that a woman is in fertile is 3% at age 20, rising to 8% by age 30%,15% by age 35 and jumping to 32% by age 40.

When considering infertility the real question an issue is the quality and quantity of eggs which are produced over each month. This quality translates into the quality of child after fertilization. In other words women who become pregnant over the age of 35 have a greater risk of miscarriage because the infant was not viable.

Many women are now putting off having their families until later years in order to put their careers on track. By waiting until they are 30 or 35 there are a greater percentage of women who will require infertility treatments and consultations with reproductive specialists. Unfortunately, there is also an unrealistic expectation that medical science can undo the effects that aging has had on a woman’s reproductive system.

A successful pregnancy, even with treatment, is really related to the age of the woman, especially when using her own eggs. When donor eggs are being used is the age of the egg donor which is an important issue. Interestingly, the age of the woman receiving the eggs does not seem to affect the chance for success which means that the age of the egg is most important in the age of the uterus is not.

While it would be nice to have a reliable test in order to determine the quality of eggs an individual woman has that any specific points there is no conclusive tests at this point. There are some screening tests for what is called “ovarian reserve” but they also are far from perfect. Most of the tests for ovarian reserve evaluate the quantity of eggs that are remaining rather than the quality of those eggs.

Because a successful pregnancy depends not only on the age of fertility of a woman but also on the quality of this wrong it is important to evaluate and understand how age affects men. In a study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility researchers found that men over the age of 40 are also less fertile than men who are younger. The results showed that women who were younger than 30 or 25% less likely to have a baby if her partner was 40 years old and older.

There is a lot more evidence now that the age of the manic conception will affect the women’s ability to become pregnant which means that men also have their own biological clock.

Following in the footsteps of the death of the world’s oldest mother who conceived her twins at age 65 using IVF (she lied about her age) questions have arisen as to how old should women be before infertility treatments are unavailable. At this time that question remains in the hands of the infertility clinics and physicians who are willing to treat women and couples.

The bottom line is that fertility drops with age, both for men and women. The most fertile time in a woman’s life is between age 16 and 25 and from there the percentages are only get smaller. A man’s fertility doesn’t seem to be adversely affected until he reaches his mid-to upper 30s. In any case, these statistics should help to guide couples when they are planning their families – when to take maternity leave and when to consider infertility treatments.

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Pregnancy Exercise And Diet Tips – Sensible Advice For Expectant Mothers

Tess — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:26:42 +0000

Mothers-to-be have many questions about pregnancy nutrition and exercise. The tips and advice below will help you get started on a healthy pregnancy.

A diet containing the essential nutrients and vitamins are vital to the development of both mother and child. Vitamins are imperative to the health of a developing baby and the well being of the mother. Choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and other nutrients are a critical part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan and supplemental vitamins are necessary as well.

Follow a well-planned pregnancy diet to help avoid complications such as morning sickness, fatigue, anemia, and constipation. Your healthy diet must continue after pregnancy if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

Pregnancy food recommendations

* Your pregnancy diet should include plenty of complex and unrefined carbohydrates as they contain important B vitamins, trace minerals, and fiber that are essential to a fit, healthy pregnancy.

* Appropriate quantities of yellow and green leafy vegetables are vital for the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.

* Dairy products contain calcium that will assist in the developing baby’s teeth and bones. If your diet is lacking calcium your body will draw calcium from your bones to meet it’s increased need.

* Avoid excessive amounts of fat must be avoided during pregnancy, as it will only serve to add excess pounds, which will be hard to lose after the birth of your baby.

* Vitamin C in generous amounts is crucial to a healthy pregnancy, bone growth, and various metabolic processes. Including berries, citrus fruits, raw broccoli and cabbage can help provide you with the Vitamin C that you need.

Ideally, your pregnancy diet should include 3-4 servings of protein and meat, 2-4 servings of fruit, 6-11 servings of grains, 4-6 servings of dairy products, and 6-8 glasses of water, milk, and juice. A pregnant mother must follow a healthy diet that will benefit the developing baby but that will also maintain her general health as well.

Exercise recommendations during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy will promote strength, muscle tone, and endurance. Regular activity during your pregnancy will help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache. If you expect to remain fit during your pregnancy you will need to work your heart and major muscle groups. The type of exercise you do during your pregnancy will depend on your fitness level prior to pregnancy. Walking, pregnancy yoga videos, and swimming are excellent pregnancy exercises combined with stretching and other low-impact activities.

Exercises that involve a risk of falling or injury should be avoided such as bicycling, racket sports, horseback riding, and skiing. You will need to alter your exercise routine from trimester to trimester to accommodate your growing body. Avoiding over-exertion is necessary to avoid complications such as faintness, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and premature contractions. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising to reduce the risk of dehydration, which can raise your body temperature and cause harm to yourself and/or your baby.

A regular exercise program is beneficial to both mother and child, but check with your health care provider to make sure you have no conditions or risks that will prevent you from participating in a regular exercise routine or could cause potential harm to yourself or your child.

About the Author

Tina Titas is a columnist for Fun Videos, where you’ll find the latest pregnancy exercise videos at a great price.

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Originally posted 2005-12-16 15:26:50.