Archive for the 'Pregnancy and Family Planning' Category



7 Ways to Boost Progesterone Naturally

Friday 7 August 2009 @ 2:41 pm

Low progesterone is a primary cause of miscarriages. According to a study 753 infertile women participated in 62 percent had low progesterone, which was found to be the main cause of their infertility.

What does this mean?

Luteal phase is the post ovulatory phase characterized by increased progesterone production which is also called the secretory phase. During this phase corpus luteum (the left over of the burst follicle which released an egg during the ovulation) is producing progesterone, which is preparing the endometrium (the inside lining of the uterus/womb) for implantation, should the egg become fertilized. If there is not enough progesterone being produced to sustain implantation pregnancy is unlikely. This can also be attributed to abnormal thyroid function.

How does this lead to infertility?

Even though the woman can ovulate and the egg can be fertilized, the endometrium is not prepared for implantation due to the lack of progesterone. Furthermore even if implantation takes place, there is not enough progesterone produced to sustain pregnancy and miscarriage can occur.

Signs and symptoms of progesterone deficiency

* Spotting before periods
* Breast tenderness
* Sugar cravings
* Irregular periods
* Ovarian cysts
* Water retention
* Low body temperature
* Irregular periods
* Miscarriage

What can you do?

1. Ensure you are getting enough micronutrients.
2. For optimal progesterone production the body requires adequate intake of B-Complex vitamins, in particular vitamin B6.
3. The other key nutrient in progesterone production is magnesium.
4. Eat plenty of organic dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, black strap molasses, seeds, nuts and beans. They are all good sources of B vitamins and magnesium.
5. Eat a serve of good quality organic protein, the size of you palm 3 times a day. Hormones are made of protein so you want to make sure you are getting plenty in your diet.
6. Chart your cycles, to see if your temperature rises in the second half of your cycle.
7. Avoid dairy and non organically grown meat and eggs. Animal products are the highest source of hormones in the human diet. One study found that a major source of animal derived estrogens in the human diet are milk and dairy products, which account for 60-70% of the estrogens consumed.

We usually associate dairy and drinking milk with calcium, and never think about what else we may be consuming along with the calcium (and dairy, by the way is not the best source of calcium). Here is a list of hormones which have been found in cows milk:

Prolactin, somatostatin, melatonin, oxytocin, growth hormone, lutenizing releasing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, estrogens, progesterone, insulin, corticosteroids and many more. Do you think an excess consumption of all these hormones could disrupt your own hormonal balance? You bet!

Most of these hormones are found in the animal, but many are also given to the cows by the farmers to make them grow big and fat, so that they get more money when they sell the meat. Charming!

So eat a diet abundant in organic fruit and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds and drink 2L of filtered or mineral water a day. Consult your naturopath if you wish to take supplements. Practitioner grade supplements are of higher quality then over the counter products and you will get better value and results for your money.

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the ‘Ultimate Fertility’ ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP.
Get your Free Fertility Advice
To see more articles like this one see Iva’s Blog

[tags]natural fertility, can’t get pregant, infertility, ivf, icsi, miscarriage, sperm abnormalities[/tags]




Ways To Improve Fertility - Your Way To Getting Pregnant Easily

Friday 7 August 2009 @ 12:36 pm

If you and your partner have been trying to have a baby but are still waiting, you may probably want to find ways to improve fertility - may it be yours or your husband’s fertility. Indeed, in this fact-changing world, you might probably be putting your fertility at risk.

If you are planning to get pregnant, you have to prepare your body for conception and you have to check if you are putting your fertility at its peak performance. Here are some things to watch out for and some ways to improve fertility and increase your chances of having a baby.

- Quit smoking. Studies have proven that women who smoke may have lesser chances in getting pregnant. Smoking is said to cause problems during the implantation of the egg on the wall of the uterus - which is probably the reason why smoking is one of the causes of miscarriages during pregnancy. For men, smoking does not only affect the quality of the sperm but it also slows down the sperm’s motility.

- Quit alcohol. For men, alcohol can reduce the levels of the male hormone testosterone and thus would reduce the production of sperm. Excessive drinking can even cause impotence. For women, pregnancy and alcohol do not also go together. Even if you still trying to get pregnant, alcohol should be totally eliminated in your lifestyle as it can reduce your fertility levels up to 50%.

- Practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted diseases are among the major reasons for infertility, thus one of the ways to improve fertility is to keep yourself safe from these diseases by being loyal to one partner. Sexually transmitted diseases may also cause other diseases that may also lead to ectopic pregnancies which can also be fatal to your health.

- Take your vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are not just during pregnancy but even before conception. If you are trying to get pregnant, prepare your body and keep it healthy by taking vitamins that are important in helping your reproductive system function well. Vitamin B6 and folic acid are among the vitamins that would help your reproductive hormones as well as help a good development of your baby. For men, Vitamin C and E can help them in producing healthy sperms.

- Manage your stress. If both you and your partner live a busy life, the stress and pressures of everyday living may reduce your chances of having a baby. If you are planning to get pregnant, have enough rest, and manage your stress levels. You can do yoga or meditation, have enough sleep or simply take a rest if you had enough of the stress for the day.

- Eat right. One of the best ways to improve fertility is to eat right and eat healthy as this is a main factor in regulating your hormones as well as nourishing your reproductive system. Also maintain a healthy weight as this can also boost the production of your sex hormones.

- Get your body moving. Exercise is also one important factor in improving your fertility, but do not overdo it as excessive exercise can also lead to fertility problems. You can do swimming, walking and some simple aerobic exercise to help your body function well and help you maintain good levels of hormones.

These are just some ways to improve fertility that you can actually do at home, but you can also seek the advise of your doctor for possible problems in your reproductive system of you have been waiting for too long to get pregnant.

Carolyn Anderson loves to share natural solutions to our common problems. To learn more about getting pregnant, check out Getting Pregnant Bible. Also check out Pregnancy Without The Pounds, for some great tips in staying beautiful during and after pregnancy.

[tags]pregnancy and fertility,planning to get pregnant,ways to improve fertility[/tags]




Planning To Get Pregnant - Tips on Fertility and Pregnancy

Thursday 6 August 2009 @ 9:39 pm

Getting pregnant can be easy for some but for others, it might need a little planning and a little lifestyle change. If you are planning to get pregnant, or you have been trying to get pregnant for some time now and you seem to be not successful, you might probably need some tips in fertility and pregnancy.

If you have been trying and planning to get pregnant, you will need to prepare your body and understand your fertility to help you facilitate the process. One important thing to keep in mind when planning to get pregnant is to understand when you ovulate or when you are most fertile - as this signifies your chances of getting pregnant easily.

For tips and techniques to get pregnant easily, you might find these helpful.

- Know when to have sex. If you have a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, count 14 days after your first day of menstruation and mark that as your fertile period. If you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant, make sure you have sex on those fertile times.

- Be creative with your lovemaking. Explore new positions and explore other venues or places for your lovemaking. Although some sex positions may somehow help in making the sperms reach their destinations, exploring new positions and venues will help lovemaking more exciting and will lessen the pressure of thinking about getting pregnant. Have fun and enjoy the act.

- Spend a few minutes lying after sex or support your buttocks with a pillow to help give time for the sperm to swim to its destination.

- Check if you are not killing the sperms. Some artificial lubricants, vaginal sprays and douches may alter the pH level in the vagina that may lead to infection or may wash the mucus that helps transport the sperm, or may kill the sperms before even reaching its destination. Saliva as well can be harmful for the sperm, so make a healthy environment for the sperms as possible if you are planning to get pregnant.

- Quit smoking and alcohol. It has been proven that smoking can reduce your chances of getting pregnant and if you successfully were able to conceive, smoking also poses health risks to your baby.

- Exercise but do not overdo it. Have a regular exercise to help your body perform its functions well but do not overdo it. Excessive exercises can also lead to absence of menstrual periods or may cause fertility problems.

- Complement your fertility check by observing your vaginal discharge. If you are marking the fertile period in your calendar, complement it by observing your vaginal discharge. When it has a consistency similar to that of an egg white, you probably are ovulating.

- Have the right diet. Diet plays an important role in fertility and pregnancy. Increase fruits and vegetables in your diet to get good amounts of vitamins needed for your body to function well. When you are planning to get pregnant, have a good dose of zinc as it can help in boosting fertility for men and women. One very good source of the zinc are oysters.

So if you have not yet done some of these tips, start with them and find other natural ways to help your body prepare for that wonderful feeling of finally having your baby.

Carolyn Anderson loves to share useful resources that may help you get pregnant easily. To learn everything about getting pregnant, check out Getting Pregnant Bible. Also check out Miracles Do Happen, for some fertility tips to help you get pregnant easily.

[tags]pregnancy and fertility,planning to get pregnant,ways to improve fertility[/tags]




Pregnancy and Fertility - Checking Your Chances Of Conceiving

Thursday 6 August 2009 @ 8:32 pm

If you and your partner want to check your chances of having a baby, it may help a lot to understand pregnancy and fertility. For some, getting pregnant may be easy but for some, it may also be a challenge.

If you have been trying to conceive but not yet getting results, here is a checklist that might help you check your chances of conceiving. Although seeking help from the doctor is recommended, you can also try to do your own checklist about pregnancy and fertility and find out if you have been doing the best you can to bring your fertility at its peak.

Are you having sex regularly? Getting a good chance to in conception may mean proper timing during a woman’s fertile period but if you are having sex regularly, the chances of hitting a fertile period also increases. Being creative with your lovemaking also helps in spicing up lovemaking and not just making it like a chore. Making it more fun and exciting helps you get rid of the pressure of ‘getting results’ with the lovemaking act.

Are you eating healthy? Diet indeed plays an important role in pregnancy and fertility. Boosting your hormones and nourishing your reproductive system start from eating healthy. Add more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Avoid crash dieting and starving - that will not help in your quest to increase fertility.

Are you taking your vitamins? Not just for pregnant women, supplementing your body with the required vitamins to help your system gear up to pregnancy is also a good way to prepare for conception.

Do you smoke? If you do, your chances of getting pregnant may indeed be reduced. Aside from reducing fertility, smoking is also harmful during pregnancy, not to mention that it is one cause of many miscarriages and birth defects.

Do you drink? If you do, you may also be putting your fertility at risk. Alcohol greatly reduces your fertility by 50 percent and it affects the quality and number of sperms for men.

Are you overweight or underweight? If you are overweight or underweight, your body could be having imbalance in your hormones that affects fertility for both men and women. So work on maintaining an ideal weight if you want to increase your chances on getting pregnant.

Do you practice safe sex? Sexually transmitted diseases can have serious effect to pregnancy and fertility for both men and women if left untreated. Some sexually transmitted diseases also do not have any symptoms thus may remain untreated and thus can be a culprit in some infertility issues for men and women.

Are you stressed with your work? Aside from reducing sex drive, too much stress in life can also lead to impotence in men. High levels of stress can also bring negative effects to the body that affects pregnancy and fertility, thus if you want to get pregnant easily, find ways to manage stress in your life if you cannot totally avoid it. Yoga and meditation as well as moderate exercising are among the best options you can have.

Carolyn Anderson loves to share these helpful resources if you want to build a family. To learn more about pregnancy and fertility, check out this complete guide to getting pregnant. Also check out End Morning Sickness, for a safe and natural relief from nausea.

[tags]pregnancy and fertility,planning to get pregnant,ways to improve fertility[/tags]




Discover the Secrets to Losing Weight after Childbirth?

Sunday 2 August 2009 @ 5:47 pm

It is a fact that most women gain weight during pregnancy. And right after giving birth, most women are eager to lose extra weight. But the problem is they don’t know how and where to begin. Here are some proven tips to get back the body you had before pregnancy.

1) Don’t start a diet immediately after childbirth. You must wait for at least two months before being on a diet because you still need the nutrition if you are breastfeeding your baby. It is important that you eat healthy for the first 3 months to allow your body to heal after delivery and to have enough energy to cope with the demands of a baby.

2) Breastfeeding will really help you lose weight faster. This is because your baby will consume your calorie excess while you feed him. If you are not increasing your calorie intake while breastfeeding, then you can lose about one pound a week.

3) Start eating smaller portions. Now that you have delivered, you don’t need to eat for two anymore.

4) Be active. Go for a walk with your baby wherever and whenever you can. It will help you burn calories, increase your metabolism and reduce your stress level. Your walks should be 20-30 minutes long. Exercising is certainly a good option to lose weight. Walking, stationary cycling, and swimming are all good starter workouts.

If you have delivered by a Caesarean-section, exercise must be supervised and medically approved to assure that you do not do unnecessary damage to the surgery site. If the stitches have not healed yet, only walking and gentle stretches should be attempted. In all cases, you must wait until the doctor gives you the go-ahead.

5) Eat healthily. After delivering, it is important to make sure that you are maintaining a healthy diet. If you are breastfeeding, remember that everything you ingest ends up in your breast milk and is then passed on to your baby. Avoid eating junk food. Instead, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and chicken. This change in your diet will increase the quality and quantity of your breast milk and will help you control your weight loss.

Avoid drinking sweetened drinks and alcohol. Water will be your best friend to lose weight. Because hydration is extremely important, particularly if breastfeeding, drink plenty of water. 8 glasses of water a day is what you should target. If you find water insipid, you can add a few drops of lemon in it. For a change of taste, you can drink soup. It is also excellent for your health.

6) Do not get discouraged. Remember that it took 9 months to gain all that weight, so it will not disappear in just a few days. As long as you make positive changes in your lifestyle by exercising and eating right, you will be able to lose a significant amount of weight, but it will take some time and efforts.

Don Meyer is the founder of My Rapid Fat Loss, where you can find out the latest information and hear the opinions of others on
weight loss, nutrition and living a healthy life style.

http://www.MyRapidFatLoss.com

[tags]childbith, weight loss, weight loss after childbirth, exercise, pregnancy[/tags]




How Clothing Plays an Important Role in a Maternity Photography Session

Thursday 30 July 2009 @ 2:34 pm

There are two ways to look at a pregnancy. Some women think of it as a time when they are unbelievably fat and unattractive, while others view it as a time of utmost and almost otherworldly beauty. It’s really the latter group that has the right of it. A woman’s pregnancy is one of the most special times in her life, and it should be enjoyed, celebrated, and remembered. Getting some maternity photographs taken is a fantastic idea, but it has to be done just right. One important part of that is choosing the right clothes - or lack thereof.

A lot of women who are having maternity photos taken opt to do so in their birthday suits, or topless with some flattering underwear. This really plays in to the purity and beauty that is a woman with child. Obviously not every woman is going to be comfortable with that idea, but keep in mind that naked doesn’t have to mean exposed. You can always shoot from different angles or cover up the most private areas with an arm while still presenting that beautiful form. However, if that isn’t something that the mom-to-be is into, there are plenty of clothing options.

When choosing clothes, keep in mind that the primary focus of any maternity photo should be on the woman’s belly. At the very least, this area should be open and exposed to the world. That means any tops should be open around the midriff area - obviously a belly shirt isn’t really the thing to go for, but a flyaway blouse or something similar is great. Even just a normal shirt rolled up over the stomach can look really good. Make sure that the clothes are not too loose; otherwise the belly will not appear as defined.

Bottoms are also important. If mom doesn’t want to make memories in your ‘pregnancy pants,’ she might take her favorite pair of jeans instead and just wear them unzipped. There’s nothing wrong with getting a little sexy in a maternity photo shoot. Obviously, sexuality is a big element of pregnancy, and it should be celebrated as such.

One important piece of ‘clothing’ that is sometimes overlooked is the woman’s partner. While motherhood and parenthood are two very different things, the special connection that two people share when they have a baby together should also be honored. The mom-to-be’s partner should be in some shots, showing their deep love and affection for mom and the baby to come. For that matter, including the whole family in some pictures can be a great idea.

Ultimately, there are relatively few ‘wrong answers’ when it comes to choosing clothing and accessories for a photo shoot. Whatever type of clothes speak to the mother should work perfectly. If she wants to stay casual, then casual clothes are great. If she wants to celebrate her more matronly qualities, then a nice maternity dress is just as good. There’s no reason to shy away from a little experimentation and variation in order to get some perfect pictures.

Toronto maternity photographer specializing in maternity and Toronto newborn photography in the the GTA, Canada.

[tags]art,photography,photographer,newborn,maternity,baby,child,family,live birth,pregnancy,clothing[/tags]




Top Tips For Breaking The News You’re Pregnant!

Monday 20 July 2009 @ 10:42 am

These are the top tips for breaking the news that you’re pregnant to your husband, partner or spouse. Lets cover the Don’t’s first:

Don’t:
1.Break the news when you’re driving, if you’re in a really busy place, late at night when he’s tired or when he’s just arrived home from work.

2.Try to manipulate his response by saying “Isn’t it great?” or “Aren’t you excited?”.

3.Be horrified by his initial response if it’s a surprise pregnancy that you were not planning or expecting as he may get excited later on after he has processed the information that he’s about to become a father. While he may initially be against the idea, it may just take a little while to come around to the idea later.

4.Finally whatever you do, don’t start talking about buying the cot and the pram and how are you going to change his study where he sits on his computer and gets his private space into a nursery for your new addition immediately after you’ve broken the news.

In a nutshell, timing is everything and you have to give him a chance to absorb the news particularly if it’s a surprise pregnancy. Moving on to the Do’s.

Do:

1.Choose a moment when there is time for the two of you to talk. Preferably where you can go for a walk, do something that you enjoy doing together or tell him over his favourite meal you’ve made specially for him.

2.Make sure you are both calm and relaxed and in a place where you won’t get interrupted. Not at the pub!

3.Be honest about how you are feeling as it can go a long way to allowing him to express himself as well.This is a very important point.

4.Do give him space to think and absorb the the idea of a new baby and becoming a dad. This gives him a chance to come around to the fabulous news.

5.Set ground rules about who you can and can’t tell until you are 12 weeks. Everybody is different about how they decide to tell friends and family the news. For example; I can’t wait to tell everybody and I find it very hard to wait until 12 weeks.

6.Think about how it’s going to affect your relationship and once he’s come around to the idea, it would be a good idea to talk about how you are going to adjust your lifestyle in order to accommodate your lovely new baby and the prospect of being parents.

7.Be prepared to answer all his questions ie how long have you known? when is it due? How did this happen? That is what my husband asked me each time I told him I was pregnant! My answer to that question was a very Homer Simpson “Doh!”

You know your partner, you know what their moods are like and when they are at their best. You have to think about all those things. So plan breaking the news that you catch him at the best possible moment, when he’s the most receptive, the most relaxed and the most open. Good luck and happy parenting.

Fern Joseph is a mother of three who is passionate about pregnancy and general nutrition. For your FREE Pregnancy Diary visit her website at Fit Healthy Pregnancy

[tags]pregnancy,baby,father to be,pregnant[/tags]




Most Common Things Used in a Newborn Photography Session

Monday 20 July 2009 @ 3:58 am

and memorable pictures of a newborn child. All it takes is a standard camera, a slightly artistic eye, and some fun props to really make the shot interesting. Even the most amateur photographer can use some of the following tips to take great newborn pictures.

When it comes to choosing things that will be in your shot along with the new baby, you have to keep in mind the location that you’ll be shooting in. Remember that most new moms won’t be too crazy about the idea of making a big trip so soon after the birth of the child, so it may be in everyone’s best interests to just take the pictures at home. If you do, just make sure you choose a place with lots of natural light, as that makes for the best photos.

If you decide to go the professional route, then you’ll be shooting in a studio. In those situations, the photographers will probably have some fun props that you can include in the shot. This can be a good choice for those who just aren’t sure what to do. If you’d like to have professional shots but still bring your own props, then you should talk with the photographers beforehand.

Now, to start with, you need something to either prop the baby up with, or to lay the baby down on. Pillows are perfect for this task, and as you know pillows come in all sorts of wonderful designs. A pillow can be both functional and act as a prop to really make the picture perfect. One slightly different option is a boppy pillow, which is a ring-like pillow that a baby can be placed in the center of for some really charming shots. Another simple prop to add is sheets or curtains. Draping beautifully designed sheets or curtains around the room can create a really appealing backdrop for taking pictures of a newborn child.

Another thing you must decide on is clothing. Some people prefer to shoot their newborn babies au naturel, as this is really the optimal time to do it and really emphasizes purity and innocence. Others would rather have some sort of clothes, and of course there are many different options to choose from. Stuffed animals or other baby toys can also make great props. Try putting some toys around the baby and see what they do - you can catch some wonderful and surprising shots.

You can also consider using the mother or a sibling as a ‘prop.’ One of the popular poses for newborns has someone hoisting the newborn over their shoulder. Other great photos can be taken with the newborn cradling their mother or sibling’s arm. There are literally endless possibilities, so just have fun experimenting and mix and matching. The baby is going to look cute no matter what, so you really can’t go wrong!

Toronto newborn photographer specializing in maternity and Toronto newborn photography in the GTA, Canada.

[tags]art,photography,photographer,newborn,maternity,baby,child,family,live birth,pregnancy[/tags]




How to Get Pregnant Naturally - Increasing Your Chances to Get Pregnant

Friday 17 July 2009 @ 9:33 pm

Your fertility is a major factor to watch out for if you want to get pregnant easily. Your health, the proper timing of sexual intercourse, your body weight, even the sex position matter if you are considering ways on how to get pregnant naturally.

Of course, it takes two to tango so it would also help to check the fertility of your partner to maximize your chances of conceiving. If you want to maximize your chances with your own efforts, the natural means is always a good and inexpensive option. Here are some ways that may help you on how to get pregnant naturally.

* Monitor your monthly period. This way you can determine your most fertile days and the best time to engage in sexual intercourse.

* Monitor your ovulation through basal body temperature or cervical mucus. You can do it manually or you can find ovulation kits to help you determine if you are ovulating.

* Have regular sex. Regular sex for sure can increase your chances of hitting a fertile period. One of the best ways on how to get pregnant naturally is to have sex daily during the fertile period. That for sure will give you good chances in conceiving.

* Maintain a good body weight. Obesity could be a factor of non-fertility thus you should shed those extra pounds to allow yourself to conceive.

* Exercise. Exercising is not only good for a body who wants to conceive but also for your total health. Make sure though that you are not doing it excessively as excessive exercise can also cause you to skip your menstrual period, thus absence of ovulation.

* Have a healthy diet. Aside from getting benefits for your overall health, there are also food that may increase fertility. Oysters are the best example, as they are rich in zinc that enhances your fertility as well as you partner’s.

* Avoid alcohol. Alcohol has adverse effects on your fertility and can also affect sperm quality and quantity in men. So avoid it.

* Avoid caffeine, chocolates and soda. Studies have shown that increased caffeine in the body can reduce your chances of getting pregnant as the stimulant may affect your ovulation, start getting rid of coffee as soon as possible.

* Quit smoking. Not only will this affect your fertility, it can also cause birth defects on your baby.

* Reduce stress. Stress and even being desperate to conceive can affect fertility too. Some studies have shown that pregnancy is likely to occur when couples are relaxed and stress-free. Stay happy and avoid negative emotions.

* Be safe from sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes the culprit of not being able to conceive are health issues like sexually transmitted diseases. Practice good hygiene and be loyal to your partner to prevent STDs.

* Take your vitamins. There are certain vitamins that are essential if you want to conceive a baby. Folic acid, iron and calcium are among these. You can always ask your OB-gyne for guidance on what you need to supplement your current health.

* Opt for a better sex position. If you can help the fertilization process by helping the sperm get to its destination, you can do it by choosing a better sex position. Avoid sitting and standing positions as well as positions with you on top.

* Watch your medications. Some medication can affect your chances to conceive, so if you are trying to get pregnant, always consult your doctor for prescription and advice.

These are just some of the ways on how to get pregnant naturally. It will of course need time, effort and patience but all these will pay off in the end if you will finally have that cute little baby in your arms.

Carolyn Anderson is a book reviewer and a wide reader. If you want to have a complete guide on getting pregnant naturally, she recommends Personal Path to Pregnancy. She also recommends Miracles Do Happen, w where you can find a way to get pregnant naturally.

[tags]Ways to improve fertility,natural ways to get pregnant,how to get pregnant naturally[/tags]




Natural Ways to Get Pregnant - Find Out What You Can Do to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Friday 17 July 2009 @ 6:21 pm

Getting pregnant seems to be very simple for some while some may be trying very hard to be one. If you are one of those who want the natural ways to get pregnant, do not lose hope. There are still options for you to have a baby.

The natural ways to get pregnant require an understanding on how your reproductive cycle works and timing is important. It is also important to note that getting pregnant naturally may be a cheaper option to conceive but it also needs time and attention to achieve success with it.

Understanding when you are most fertile is essential in achieving success in getting pregnant. Each month, an egg is released from the ovary to prepare for a possible fertilization, and it is this time that conception can occur when a man’s sperm swims into the uterus to meet with the egg - and this is the period that you should be paying attention to.

Proper Timing of Sexual Intercourse

If you have regular menstrual cycle of 28 days, the release of the egg in the ovaries or the ovulation usually starts 14 days after the start of your last period. This is your most fertile period and having sex at this period will increase your chances of getting pregnant. Timing may however be difficult if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Getting your basal body temperature can also be a way to determine if you are ovulating, as there will be a slight increase in your body temperature when ovulation begins. You can also detect ovulation by the nature of the cervical mucus. When there is increases cervical mucus and it becomes clear and has similar consistency with an egg white, it could be a sign of your fertile period. A more convenient ovulation predictor kit can also be purchased to conveniently determine your fertile days.

Maintaining Proper Weight

Your weight can also be a factor in your likelihood to get pregnant easily. If you are overweight, it may cause problems with your ovulation and thus resulting to infertility. If you are also underweight, it can also lead to skips in your menstrual period which is also a problem in your being fertile. Maintaining a proper body weight is indeed important if you want to conceive naturally.

Having a Healthy Lifestyle

Aside from maintaining the proper body weight, one of the natural ways to get pregnant is to improve your fertility by having proper nutrition. A healthy diet, good exercise and managing stress are essential in achieving a healthy body that maximizes your fertility. Avoid caffeine as it can also affect your fertility. Smoking and alcohol may not only decrease your chances of conceiving but can also cause birth defects if you eventually become pregnant.

Choosing a sex position

For some couples, sex position matters when you are trying to conceive. Helping the sperm reach the cervix could also be a factor in getting pregnant. Sex positions with the woman on top may be giving the sperm a hard time to travel to the cervix, as well as sitting or standing positions. Elevating your hips with a pillow underneath also helped some couples.

The natural ways to get pregnant may seem so simple but sometimes there are infertility issues that we may never have known. If you have been trying to get pregnant for about a year you can also opt to consult your Ob-gyne for other possible factors that hinder your pregnancy.

Carolyn Anderson loves to share tips in addressing women’s issues. To learn more about getting pregnant naturally, check out this Personal Path to Pregnancy. Also check out Pregnancy Without Pounds to find ways to be a healthy and sexy mom.

[tags]Ways to improve fertility,natural ways to get pregnant,how to get pregnant naturally[/tags]




«« Previous Posts