The “Couples Can Only Hope For an IVF Pregnancy Every Time They Go Through the IVF Procedure” plus 4 more

Couples Can Only Hope For an IVF Pregnancy Every Time They Go Through the IVF Procedure
How to Naturally Cure Infertility in You Or Your Spouse
The Top 7 Christmas Pregnancy Survival Tips!
Foods to Eat During Pregnancy - Fats Make For Healthy Mom and Baby
Weight Loss and Healing After Pregnancy

Couples Can Only Hope For an IVF Pregnancy Every Time They Go Through the IVF Procedure

Posted: 11 Dec 2009 07:22 AM PST

Being able to conceive a child and bear a child is one of life's greatest miracles. It is the one thing that a woman can do and a man can't. Although, man's participation is not discounted because a child can never be conceived without the man's sperm cells and the woman's egg cells. However, it is no longer easy to conceive a child. So many couples are childless because of fertilization problems. There are many reasons why there is difficulty in conception but there are also ways to make it happen such as in vitro fertilization. Couples who go through IVF can only hope for an IVF pregnancy.

It also does not mean that when a couple undergoes through IVF, you can expect to bear a child 9 months from now. In fact, 20% of those who try this method do not end up with a live baby. So many things can happen such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm delivery, small birth weight, stillbirth rate, perinatal death, congenital abnormalities and others although 80% is still a good number for an IVF pregnancy. In fact, there is a slightly higher chance for multiple pregnancies because there is an increase in the number of embryos transferred.

Doctors usually recommend the procedure as one of the last resort when it comes to conceiving. There are options that usually involve fertility pills and making sure that the hormones are regular before resorting to IVF. The truth is the procedure is expensive and sometimes the frustration that goes with it especially if it is not successful is great. Thus, other options are explored first.

fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger

How to Naturally Cure Infertility in You Or Your Spouse

Posted: 11 Dec 2009 07:02 AM PST

Best time to get pregnant

The best time to get pregnant is definitely the time when both the partners are not just physically but also psychologically, spiritually and monetarily prepared to share their love and lives with another individual and they have prepared themselves for the responsibility that lies ahead. When all of these requirements are met and the timing is right, you've found the best time to get pregnant.

The best or most fertile time to get pregnant is the period of ovulation in your menstrual cycle. Period of ovulation is the time when, a mature ovum is released into the uterus from the follicles. This egg or ovum is ready to be fertilized and stays so for about 12 hours after which it starts degenerating. The best way to determine your most fertile time is to figure out the physical signs of ovulation, and thereby the best time to get pregnant

It is important to calculate your most fertile time by counting days- generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before your next menstrual period begins. That means if your menstrual cycle is a 28-day one, and day 1 is the first day when your last period began then day14 as your most fertile day. Similarly in a 30-day cycle day 16 and in 32-day cycle day 18 will be the best days to get pregnant.

Another important indication is keeping track of your basal body temperature. It needs an inexpensive basal thermometer to be purchased.Your basal temperature will go up about one half degrees when you ovulate.

You can certain of the best time to get pregnant by purchasing an ovulation predictor kit. This accurately detects the increase in luteinizing hormone; the amount of LH hormone usually elevates in women 24-48 hours before ovulation.

Monitoring your cervical mucus also shows ovulation. As your cycle progresses, your cervical mucus increases in volume and changes texture indicating rising levels of estrogen. The best time to get pregnant is when the mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy comparable to raw egg whites.

Mittelschmerz is felt by about one-fifth of women who actually feel ovulatory activity, ranging from mild aches to twinges of pain in the lower abdomen indicates the best time to get pregnant.

Now male counterpart also forms an integral part of this unmemorable venture of pregnancy. Studies have suggested that regular intercourse can substantially reduce the sperm count thus producing lesser number of sperms or sperms with less motility and vitality which will be wasted.on other hand longer abstinence can produce stale and low vitality sperms having lesser reproductive value. Research studies have shown that after 10 days of abstinence, sperm quality and quantity is greatly diminished. Sperm quality and quantity peaks, however, after one or two days of abstinence. So it is recommended by fertility experts that weekly twice coitus should be made to increase the chances of impregnating. Many experts believe that the egg can only live between 12 and 24 hours

(But many experts argue it is closer to 12-16 hours), and the sperm can survive from 2 to about 5 days in the woman's body. So it is critical that the sperm are there "waiting" when the egg releases. After one has ovulated it is actually late to have intercourse as by the time the sperm will travel up the fallopian tube, the egg will be disintegrating.

So ideally, in order to get pregnant one needs to calculate the ovulation and then consider having coitus at least 2 to 5 days prior to ovulation.

There are many couples who after several approaches also have difficulties to get pregnant naturally and think that conventional methods like hormonal treatment are the most effective ways to get pregnant but there are many instances which prove it wrong. The holistic approach has not only no adverse side effects but also a higher rate of providing the desired results.

The holistic approach is a combination of different things that one should consider to get pregnant naturally. It includes healthy diet and lifestyle changes. For example omitting coffee, chocolate, cocoa, tea and any kinds of energy drinks from your diet plan as these are rich in caffeine. The holistic approach emphasizes on acupuncture and herbs and deals with practical things like the best time to get pregnant (during the ovulation), how to define your period of ovulation (for example the BBT-method), missionary and the right time for coitus (five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation).

fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger

The Top 7 Christmas Pregnancy Survival Tips!

Posted: 11 Dec 2009 06:44 AM PST

For Early Pregnancy or if you're still experiencing nausea or morning sickness... Christmas dinner may turn your stomach! Stick to small portions - and some fresh air will help - don't stay indoors around all the cooking smells. Similarly in Later Pregnancy, where heartburn may be a problem, avoid big meals, rich, fatty foods, spicy dishes, chocolate and citrus fruit. Try to avoid smokers (assuming you're not smoking yourself; and if you are - stop!).

Pregnant at the Christmas Party? What's Safe to Drink? Alcohol... sorry:-( but this is NOT your year to indulge! The bottom line is there is no 'safe limit'. Enjoy sobriety and no hangovers! Cold ginger beer or tonic water with lime are refreshing, nausea-busting alcohol alternatives.

Pregnant and Going Out to Eat? Avoid shellfish, undercooked meats (sorry, that steak has to be well-done for now!) or any of the foods mentioned above - especially if you're not sure of their source or freshness. Common Christmas foods such as unpasturised cheeses, cured (rather than cooked) meats and for some, nuts (if you have a family history of allergy, eczema or asthma), should all be off the menu. Homemade cakes may contain raw eggs in the icing.

Put your feet up! Avoid long periods of standing at parties or shopping trips... swollen ankles or swelling may also be a sign of pre-eclampsia so if it persists for more than few minutes - check with your midwife. Drink plenty of fluids and take it easy!

Baby Positioning and Comfort Remember that your Fitball isn't only for exercise or labour - sit on it instead of a chair at the dinner table - you'll be more comfortable as you can move your hips around occasionally and it's much better for your posture! Lean over the ball in front of the TV or whilst opening presents with children - you'll have support and be much more comfortable than leaning over your bump from an armchair or slumping into a sofa and finding it hard to get up again.

Avoid Stress! Don't offer to host a big family Christmas or allow yourself to be roped into staying up later than you would like so you can drive everyone else home! Do your shopping online and let others look after you for a change!

Exercise - get as much fresh air as possible by walking as briskly you can comfortably manage - aim to do this every day for at least 20 minutes... and but do your kegels (pelvic floor exercises) every day!

Happy Christmas... enjoy the peace and some sleep before baby arrives!

fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger

Foods to Eat During Pregnancy - Fats Make For Healthy Mom and Baby

Posted: 11 Dec 2009 06:26 AM PST

When being advised about what foods to eat during pregnancy the Food Guide Pyramid, prenatal practitioners and other health sources tell pregnant women (and everyone else, for that matter) to greatly reduce, even eliminate fat for a healthy pregnancy and baby. The problem with that advice is that all "good" and "bad" fats are lumped into the "it's all bad" category. Another problem with that advice is no one addresses the issue of quality vs. quantity. This article will discuss why expectant mothers should not eliminate fats from their diets.

Throw out everything you've ever heard about fat intake and listen up. Reducing or cutting fats out of your diet during pregnancy can prove detrimental to you and your unborn child.

Did you know that fats, including saturated fat and cholesterol, are essential -yes, vital- to nourishing a developing brain, build the immune system, and synthesize vital hormones? Fats are a key macronutrient (nutrients that the body uses in large amounts) needed to develop properly.

Now I'm not saying to go out and eat a pound of butter each day. However, current research shows that reducing or cutting fats out of your diet does not guarantee vibrant health, weight loss, or a healthy baby.

Since fats are all-important for both you and your baby's health, it is vital to understand the role and importance of fats in supporting a healthy pregnancy. You and your growing fetus need a regular supply of fats. If ample amounts of fats are not present in your diet during pregnancy, your developing baby's nutritional needs will take first place and you'll end up with deficiencies that may lead to more serious health issues long after pregnancy, including inadequate breast milk production, postpartum depression, and a compromised immune system.

Therefore, sufficient consumption of fats is of utmost importance if you wish to protect both your health and the health of your baby.

fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger

Weight Loss and Healing After Pregnancy

Posted: 11 Dec 2009 06:23 AM PST

The period of pregnancy for a woman is indeed a very challenging one particularly in terms of ensuring the health of her baby and that of her own. However, the period after pregnancy would be even more challenging as it would not be confined to just nine months. In fact, it has to be done over a number of years and perhaps forever. During the after pregnancy period, the healing process would include weight loss or attempts to lose weight.

To a woman, healing and weight loss after pregnancy need to be undertaken as soon as possible after pregnancy. The longer the delay, the greater the difficulty. In fact, the healing and weight loss effort or program can start immediately after her pregnancy with the right diet. This is vital as diet contributes to 80% of weight loss while exercise accounts for the other 20%.

In trying to heal and lose weight after pregnancy, many women will have to deal with fatigue. Taking care of baby will be just one of the causes. Sleep deprivation would be another. Next comes the household chores. It would help where there is someone to help. However, even with help, a woman would be hard pressed to find the time to heal herself and lose weight. Therefore, in trying to lose weight after pregnancy, a woman needs to use a weight loss program that is easy and simple to follow. If the diet takes hours to prepare or the exercise routines are difficult and last for long periods, it would not be suitable.

To heal and lose weight, a woman would also have to overcome mental and emotional fatigue. To cope with this,she has to find some time for herself. Experts recommend at least 45 minutes of recreational time. During this time, reading, a leisurely walk, catching up with friends or any activity not centered on baby would be beneficial. As adequate sleep would be a very important part of the after pregnancy healing process,one way of ensuring enough sleep is to sleep when baby does.

A woman needs to take care of herself so that she can take better care of her baby. She has to be fit and healthy. She cannot afford not to lose weight as excess weight would affect her health. Given the circumstances, she has to incorporate the right diet and proper exercise for effective weight loss. Any weight loss solution she chooses, must cater for her special constraints especially in terms of time.

fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger