The “Foods to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant” plus 3 more

Foods to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant
Want to Conceive? Three Questions New Moms Ask
My Pregnancy - 10 Things I Needed to Survive!
Tips For Talking to Men About Infertility

Foods to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant

Posted: 16 Feb 2010 10:06 AM PST

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Before you plan to get pregnant, it is necessary to bring some essential changes in your lifestyle and food habits. You need to consult your doctor to know exactly what foods you must avoid when you are trying to get pregnant and during the period of pregnancy.

You need to plan and prepare before you get pregnant. The couple needs to prepare themselves physically, emotionally and psychologically. The lifestyle needs to be changed in order to have a safe pregnancy.

A lot care and attention has to be given to what you eat as whatever you shall consume will be going in a direct or indirect manner to the baby before you conceive and while you are pregnant. So here you will know about what foods to avoid when trying to get pregnant and other such important things.

A baby's organs start forming about 17 days after you have conceived. Before a woman decides to get pregnant, it is essential that she meet a doctor and discuss her physical and emotional health with the doctor. The doctor might prescribe certain lifestyle changes and food habits before you become pregnant. Pregnancy is no child's play and must be handled with complete care and attention so that you have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Some of the foods that must be totally avoided when you are trying to get pregnant are mentioned below.

Avoid soybeans and foods that contain soy. Estrogen that is present in soybeans can lead to a hormone imbalance which could in turn affect the production of egg and ovulation. Hence, it is important to decrease the use of soybeans few months before you are trying to get pregnant.

Stay away from frankfurters, bologna and lunch meats as they contain nitrates and nitrites that are not good for women who are trying to conceive. One must not consume peanut butter as well as spinach as they deplete the level of calcium in the body which is essential for the development of the baby.

Refrain from soda, sugary foods and drinks as it can lead to decrease in blood sugar that can in turn upset the level of reproductive hormones. Caffeine must be strictly avoided. Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, chocolate and many other products. Having caffeine may prevent you from getting pregnant.

Other than that, it can also cause miscarriage. One must strictly refrain from smoking, alcohol and drugs. Do not take Vitamins A, C and D in high quantity. Do not eat raw meat or meat that is undercooked. Similarly do not consume raw eggs or eggs that are undercooked. Soft cheese should also not be consumed.

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Want to Conceive? Three Questions New Moms Ask

Posted: 16 Feb 2010 09:58 AM PST

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Best Time to Get Pregnant: Is Your Body Really Ready?

If you want to conceive a baby and are trying to get pregnant for the first time, you probably have dozens of questions, concerns and even some fears. Becoming pregnant is a first time event for every new mom. Anything new can be a little scary and unsettling, especially becoming pregnant.

After all, having a baby is not like putting a nickel in a gum ball machine. You don't just turn a crank and out comes baby. No, pregnancy involves a nine-month process of growth where your body changes drastically to build a home for a tiny human being.

There is so much information available, you need to make sure that you read and practice the right things.

When Can I Get Pregnant?

When new moms decide to start a family, there is a lot of pressure to get started quickly. Knowing your body and preparing it for pregnancy involves more than knowing your menstrual period calendar. Your body and your husband's body need to have positive hormones present. What have you been eating? Did you know that there are foods that create a more fertile environment and other foods create an infertile environment?

Your body gives you fertility signs so that you can discover exactly when you are most ready to make a baby.

Why Can't I Get Pregnant?

Your body is like a magnifying glass which makes healthy conditions or unhealthy conditions larger. For example, there are 17 common household products you MUST avoid that interfere with your hormonal production system and significantly contribute to the development of infertility. There may be every day activities that have a negative impact upon your fertility; insomnia and stress are big factors. You don't want to develop negative habits out of ignorance and then spend years fighting infertility problems.

Fortunately with the proper information, if you want to conceive, you can get pregnant quickly and give birth to healthy children: once you know the secrets of women who have. By getting the answers to these three questions, you are well on the way to a healthy pregnancy. All you need is a natural system that will get your body ready to conceive.

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My Pregnancy - 10 Things I Needed to Survive!

Posted: 16 Feb 2010 09:10 AM PST

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Looking back, there are some things I would NEVER have got through pregnancy without. Here are my recommendations for what were really essential during my pregnancy.

A body pillow. Basically a pillow that was 5′ long. I would never have been able to sleep without it. I would sit my bump on it and cross my leg on top of it to get 'comfy'. We named it Rachel. This seemed to make it easier for hubby to sleep with 'her' every night!

A desk fan. Mine was an oscillating, 3 speed fan. It was a hot summer and I just couldn't cool down. The fan was on 24/7 and followed me around the house.

My mum. She had 'been there, done that' and therefore was a comfort and a mine of information. (Some of which I ignored!)

The TV. Yes I watched so much daytime TV it dulled my brain. But it made kids TV seem so much more interesting!

A plentiful supply of chocolate. It was weird. Chocolate normally went straight to all the wrong places but when I was pregnant I could eat LOADS of it. I think my baby was eating it with me, cos he loves the stuff now!

Online grocery shopping. Supermarkets that delivered all my shopping and put it in the kitchen, were just brilliant. No more lugging potatoes and juice cartons. Just wait for the van to arrive and unpack the chocolate!

Bigger clothes. Having said that by the end I was wearing my pajama bottoms and nightie all the time. Fashion experts were glad I didn't leave the house.

A baby names book. It took 9 months to think of a shortlist of girls and boys names. We even tried randomly opening a page and picking the 1st name. We didn't choose Happy Daffodil though - wonder why?

My midwife. She kept reassuring us that everything was OK. We were over anxious 1st time parents who worried about every hiccup and gurgle emanating from my tummy.

Last but by no means least...
My partner.

Because:

He emptied the cat litter tray.
He put the bins out.
He cooked more meals than I care to remember.
He put up with my grouchiness.
He rubbed my back when it ached.
He put my socks on my feet when I couldn't reach them anymore.
He got excited at every new stage of pregnancy.
He got the food cravings and nesting instead of me.
He read all the pregnancy books with me.
He stayed with me throughout a very long labor.
He became the best dad in the world.

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Tips For Talking to Men About Infertility

Posted: 16 Feb 2010 08:12 AM PST

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In America, approximately 7.3 million women of reproductive age have sought reproductive services (1), sometimes with less than cooperative spouses. Women and men approach infertility differently and this can cause tension in the relationship. As women, trying to consider the reasons behind men's reluctance to undergo fertility treatment may contribute to harmony that restores the unified effort of trying to conceive.

So, why might a man deny why help is necessary in the first place? Women are often more open to medical testing of any kind, and may not see a problem with getting checked out, particularly if it is a test covered by insurance. Men don't necessarily think of it that way.

First of all, there is the barrier of actually making the appointment and giving the semen specimen to the lab. Men often don't want to have to collect a semen specimen at the clinic, which can be embarrassing. Using the collection room, which is usually a bathroom with some adult magazines, can make men very uncomfortable, especially when the walls are not sound proof and they can hear people walking or talking nearby. Having to "perform on command" can be daunting for some men, increasing their stress level. It helps to ask if the clinic allows men to collect their specimen at home. This can give a man the freedom to produce the specimen in the comfort of his own surroundings. His wife may offer to take the specimen cup into the lab for him, to avoid the awkwardness of facing the lab staff.

The next barrier is the fear of the results. Many men identify their masculinity with their sexual performance and the quality of their sperm. Even the possibility of getting a negative diagnosis in the form of a poor semen analysis result can stop a man in his tracks.

How can a woman broach the subject without creating a fight or argument? It is good to approach this topic with sensitivity. A woman should consider his perspective: the embarrassment, the fear of negative results, and the potential attack on his identity as a man. These can be very real issues, and cause a man to drag his feet. Studies have shown that it can take a man several months to go in for a semen analysis after it has been ordered.

The idea of getting a semen analysis done can be discussed from a financial stand point. The test is usually one of the least expensive fertility tests available and may be covered by insurance. Also, the results can give the couple peace of mind; they will know what they are facing.

There is the very real possibility, however, that the problem may lie with the man. Unfortunately in this situation women have to sometimes be cautious and not share the concern that he may have a problem with his semen bluntly. A gentle, non accusing approach is appropriate here. This is not the time for pointing fingers, it is important not to assign blame; 20-40% of the time the diagnosis is shared. (2) For example, he could have a low sperm count and she might not be ovulating. As a couple, they are in it together no matter where the problem originates.

To fully address the deeper relational issues, using the services of a counselor, particularly a fertility counselor, may be of help. Of course, men who have unspoken objections about participating in fertility treatments may be unwilling to see a fertility counselor. For men who are not very open about the process, seeing a counselor may be seen as putting themselves into another kind of vulnerable situation, similar to having the testing done. If a woman able to convince her partner to go to some counseling, the fertility counselor can take the lead so that it is not seen as an attack coming from her. Also, being open minded in the process is vital; the counselor is not there to take either side, but to help both process their emotions so that they can make good decisions. The counselor can point out the spectrum of issues involved in infertility. Of all diagnosis, about fifty percent of the time it is related to the male. There is also a good chance that the problem is both male and female related. Seeing a counselor both individually and as a couple can certainly be beneficial.

How can a woman help a man to feel like a real partner in the fertility process? Men can definitely feel left out, with "the couple" becoming the woman and her doctor. Suddenly, the doctor becomes the person who is going to get her pregnant; a further challenge to his masculinity and role in the relationship. Being sensitive to this and offering to include him as much as possible can help. Considering using an at home based Conception Kit is a good way to start. (3) Using the Conception Kit can allow the man to get involved with the cycle planning, if he wants. The best part is that the couple gets to have sex, not just having to collect the sperm in some bathroom. Using the kit, the semen is collected in a non-spermicidal, non-latex condom, and then transferred to a silicone cervical cap, which is worn by the woman. The Conception Kit can also be used prior to getting a semen analysis, which will remove some of the hesitation on the man's part. This may allow a reluctant couple to get started sooner!

It is possible that the man may not want to be more involved in the process. Women tend to really dig in and learn all that they can, tracking their cycles religiously and watching for all the fertility signs. Men take a more laid back, simplistic approach. Realizing these differences can be a strength, the man and the woman can balance each other out. It is important to not insist that he reacts the same way that she does to the challenges of trying to conceive. Let him be himself, and appreciate him for who he is, and don't push him too hard.

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