Saturday, December 30, 2006

New IVF--Improved Pregnancy Rate?

Anyone who's considered or undergone IVF to conceive a baby, knows it is a tremendous undertaking, both mentally, physically and financially.  One big part of the expense and potential for nasty side effects is the drugs needed to stimulate the ovaries to produce many mature eggs.  There is now a new procedure called IVM (InVitro Maturation), which is having tremendous success without the need for expensive stimulation drugs.  More...

It involves removing immature eggs from a woman's ovaries and maturing them in laboratories before fertilising them with a man's sperm, rather than using hormone drugs to stimulate the release of mature eggs.

Telegraph | News | New IVF 'is a stunning success'




technorati tags:, ,

Friday, December 29, 2006

Seven Fertility Myths

Here's a neat article that lists seven myths about getting pregnant.  See how many you have heard, and if any of them are keeping you from getting pregnant.  Listed here is the first one.  Go to the article if you want to read the rest...

Myth Number One: You should have sex on day 14 of your cycle if you want to get pregnant. You have probably heard that most women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. This is simply not true. It is based on the calendar method of predicting ovulation. If you have a perfect 28 day cycle, where your luteal phase (the second half of your cycle) is exactly 14 days long, you would likely ovulate around day 14. Most women, however, do not have perfect cycles and even the women who do have regular cycles, usually do not ovulate at exactly the same time each month.

Seven Fertility Myths That Could be Keeping you From Getting Pregnant






technorati tags:,

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Can The Moon Help You Get Pregnant?

You may have heard of something called "lunar fertility."  It has to do with your menstrual cycle being effected by the different phases of the moon.  The theory, is that with accurate charting, and knowing what phase the moon was in when you were born, you can predict a time of the month when you are fertile and can conceive a child.  This is not the same time as when you are ovulating, which is called biological fertility.  This is very interesting reading although I don't know if it is reality or myth.....Read on for more details.

The lunar fertility cycle works on the premise that you can be fertile during your menstrual cycle when the moon is in the same phase it was when you were born. For example, if the moon was in the waning phase when you were born, then, once menstruation begins during puberty, you will be fertile whenever the moon is waning. It is thought that the reason for this fertile phase happens at birth when the moon arouses certain biochemical and hormonal states in your body, which then continue to influence your body for life.

Menstruation: Your Menstrual Cyle and the Lunar Phase Fertility




technorati tags:, ,

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Infertile Couple Gets A Dream Come True...Times Two!

I remember when I was struggling so hard to get pregnant, it meant alot to me to hear other people's success stories.  If you have been trying to conceive and it hasn't happened for you yet, you might find it encouraging to read about the difficulties other couples faced, especially when there is a happy ending.  Here is a story about a couple struggling with infertility, but after many years of not giving up, they finally had their dream come true.  Read here...

Recent Christmasses have been miserable. Some years I didn't even bother to put a tree up - and presents meant nothing. All I wanted was a baby.

Mirror.co.uk - Your Life - Kids & Family - IT'S TAKEN 19 YEARS OF HEARTACHE AND £45,000




technorati tags:, ,

Monday, December 25, 2006

For Women Trying To Get Pregnant...

Just want to say to all the women out there who are having some difficulty getting pregnant...warmest wishes for the holiday season...may you find peace and happiness in the New Year and may your dreams of adding a baby to your family come true...sending lots of baby dust your way for 2007..........

-Beth


     


technorati tags:, ,

Saturday, December 23, 2006

A Global Guide To Making A Baby

This is a really interesting article about babymaking. The components needed to make a baby..sperm, egg and womb are often sought after by couples who, for various reasons, can't use their own. Because there are different legal issues from country to country, women may have to travel to different countries to get what they need. For more info....

http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/
ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/
Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=
1166827812516&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112188062620



technorati tags:, ,

Friday, December 22, 2006

The Pain Of Wanting A Baby

The holidays can definitely be a very difficult time for you if you've been trying to have a baby for a while.  So much about the holidays "speaks to" children.  It is not unusual for women who have been trying to get pregnant to feel more depressed at this time of year.  This article is about one woman's story of dealing with her struggle to have a baby.


Overcoming despair and becoming a mom - The Courier News


Overcoming despair and becoming a mom
The Courier News, IL - 23 hours ago
... last. After eight months of trying and failing to get pregnant, I started imagining ways to end my life. Those thoughts scared me. ...

technorati tags:, ,

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Can Prayer Help You Get Pregnant?

I came across this really interesting article about the power of prayer to increase the chances of pregnancy.  This particular study involved women participating in IVF, but could apply to other women struggling with fertility issues.  I thought the results were fascinating, albeit a little hard to  believe.  Have a look....

http://www.ncpa.org/iss/soc/pd100901d.html

technorati tags:, , ,

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Infertility Issues in Canada

There is already a sperm shortage in the U.K., and now Canada is experiencing a shortage as well.  It is now illegal to pay donors, so Canadian men are not interested in donating to heterosexual couples, single women looking to get pregnant or lesbian couples seeking sperm.

Currently it is legal to import sperm from the U.S. but that is not expected to last.  More...

Sperm donor shortage hits Canadian infertility clinics
CBC Ottawa,  Canada - 20 minutes ago
Sperm stocks in Canada are significantly down since the federal government made it illegal to pay men for the donations, and the supply of sperm imported from ..

technorati tags:, , , ,

Monday, December 18, 2006

Trend of Older Moms Increasing In Australia

In Australia, there is increased concern over the trend of women having babies later and later.  It seems there is a lack of awareness that delaying pregnancy can contribute to fertility problems or even problems with the baby.  Read more...

Experts voice fears over older mothers (The Australian)

An infertility expert has today called for a government-funded education campaign targeting both men and women to tackle the trend. Statistics released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare today show the average age of first-time mums has increased again to 28.

technorati tags:,

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Avoid Certain Painkillers When Trying To Conceive

When you are trying to get pregnant, it is very important to be aware of what pain medication you may be taking, as some can increase the risk of miscarriage.  Basically, you should avoid all painkillers other than acetaminophen or Paracetamol (otherwise known as Tylenol), which have no harmful effects.  But do avoid ibuprofin, aspirin, and others, which could effect the ability of the embryo to implant into the womb.  It's especially important to avoid these medications around the time of conception, so stay away if you are near ovulation.  Read more....

Some Painkillers Raise Risk of Miscarriage
PakTribune.com, Pakistan - 12 hours ago
... They found that use of aspirin and other non-steroid based anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased the risk of miscarriage by 80 percent. 

technorati tags:, , ,

Friday, December 15, 2006

Coping With The Holidays

When you are struggling to get pregnant, sometimes the holidays can be a difficult time.  Alot of this will depend on your particular circumstances...how long have you been trying to get pregnant, do you already have other children..etc.  For those who have been trying to conceive for a long time to have their first child, it can be particularly stressful.  The holidays are a time for family gatherings, usually involving lots of children.  Here is an article with some tips on how to get through the holidays if you are feeling a little down about not being pregnant yet....

http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_mis_cwh_gh

technorati tags:, ,

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Who Else Wants To Get Pregnant?

It seems the media is obsessed with JLo's struggle to get pregnant.  Everything that this woman does is now scrutinized to see if it's being done in an attempt to get pregnant.  It is hard enough to deal with fertility problems--it can be an extremely painful roller coaster of emotions.  I wish the media would just back off and stop watching her every move.  The latest article is about her attempts to incorporate Scientology into her efforts to conceive.  If you're interested, here's the link...

JLo is guzzling cooking oil to help her get pregnant!
DailyIndia.com,?FL?- Dec 8, 2006
... only could drinking cooking oil cause damage to the liver, but that it was highly unlikely that it would help the 'Waiting For Tonight' singer get pregnant. ...

technorati tags:, , ,

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Chocolate Can Reduce Miscarriages

Good news for chocolate lovers!  New research suggests there is a reduced risk of miscarriage if you eat a certain kind of chocolate.  Read on to find out the specifics...

If you're pregnant, you may be happy to know that chocolate cravings may be good for you. New research shows morning sickness lowers the risk of miscarriage by almost 70 percent -- and eating chocolate daily also appears to lower the risk of miscarriage.

TransWorldNews | Press Release |Chocolate found to reduce risk of miscarriage


technorati tags:, ,

Monday, December 11, 2006

Moms Who Struggled To Have A Baby

This video takes a look at a group of moms who had difficulty having a baby, as they discuss some of the issues they have dealt with, including infertility and adoption.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Reduce Miscarriage Risk

Another article touting good nutrition when it comes to pregnancy. The idea is that eating healthy foods will reduce your odds of having a miscarriage. We already know that eating a healthy diet does wonders to improve your fertility too. And of course, once you're pregnant, it's much better for the baby. So the bottom line is, if you're trying to get pregnant, make sure you're eating healthy! Read the article here....

The consumption of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy can reduce the chance of a miscarriage, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Eating fruits and vegetables cuts risk of miscarriage, says study


technorati tags:,

Saturday, December 09, 2006

The Grief Of Infertility

I found this article which details the personal journey of an infertile couple...the intense struggle they went through, and the emotional journey that they have in common with other infertile couples.  Whether you are suffering this emotional rollercoaster or know someone who is, you will find this article insightful...

When you are suffering through infertility, every day that you awaken NOT PREGNANT opens a new wound. It's another death in the family. Yes, the pain can be that significant. Every minute of every day is spent mourning the loss of a child -- your child.

Infertility: I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me - Women's Health




technorati tags:, , ,

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Pre-Conception Care Demands More Attention

This is a great article on the topic of pre-conception care.  While many women are led to believe that they need to start taking care of themselves (and in turn the baby) as soon as they become pregnant, the truth is that it is necessary to get your health in order several months before trying to conceive.  You need to be healthy when you get pregnant, not as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.  By then, the baby has been developing for a few weeks, and can be harmed in these early weeks if the woman is not taking care of herself properly. More..

Step 1: Get healthy Step 2: Get pregnant
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 23 hours ago
... have had it drummed into them that prenatal care is the key to having a healthy baby, and that they should see a doctor as soon as they know they are pregnant. ...

technorati tags:,

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

"Why Can't I Get Pregnant Again?"

This article takes a close look at the issue of secondary infertility, a problem whereby couples already have at least one child (sometimes easily conceived, sometimes not), and now experience a struggle to get pregnant another time.  For those who conceived easily before, it is particularly traumatic, as they had no expectation of encountering any difficulty upon trying to have another baby.  Read more...

Indeed, one of the best-kept secrets of the fertility industry is that nearly a quarter of couples seeking treatment are already parents.

We Can't Get Pregnant Again




technorati tags:, ,

"Why Can't I Get Pregnant Again?"

This article takes a close look at the issue of secondary infertility, a problem whereby couples already have at least one child (sometimes easily conceived, sometimes not), and now experience a struggle to get pregnant another time.  For those who conceived easily before, it is particularly traumatic, as they had no expectation of encountering any difficulty upon trying to have another baby.  Read more...

Indeed, one of the best-kept secrets of the fertility industry is that nearly a quarter of couples seeking treatment are already parents.

We Can't Get Pregnant Again




technorati tags:, ,

Monday, December 04, 2006

Can Hypnosis Aid Conception?

Here's an interesting article...a new book has been released which suggests the use of hypnosis to help women get pregnant.  The theory is that for couples who can't get pregnant, the problem may be "in their head."  It's an interesting theory, as there are so many cases of unexplained infertility, where there is no medical reason found for a couples inablility to conceive.  So perhaps, a little hypnotherapy can help...

Thousands have used hypnosis to quit smoking and lose weight, but what about using hypnosis to get pregnant? Lynsi Eastburn, author of a new book titled It's Conceivable, says women can increase their chances of conception through hypnotherapy.

It's Conceivable: New Book Reveals How Hypnosis Aids Pregnancy: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance




technorati tags:, ,

Sunday, December 03, 2006

More Risks For Underweight Women

There's been some substantial evidence that women who have a low BMI (body mass index) may have a more difficult time getting pregnant.  The same goes for women with a high BMI.  The point being that your fertility is compromised if you are underweight or overweight.  Now a new study suggests that women who are underweight, when they do get pregnant, have an increased risk of miscarriage.    Read more...

Skinny women at 'miscarriage risk' - Metro



Metro
Skinny women at 'miscarriage risk'
Metro, UK - 1 hour ago
The 'size zero' debate has highlighted how anorexia can affect a woman's fertility – but this is the first time thinness has been linked to miscarriage. ...


technorati tags:, , ,

Saturday, December 02, 2006

New Treatment For Smokers Fertility

It has long been established that smoking can be harmful if you're trying to have a baby.  It can be harmful to the developing baby, and it also can reduce fertility in men.  Obviously, the best way to avoid this is to simply quit when trying to conceive.  However, for those that don't choose this path, there is new hope.  A substance has been found that can help improve fertility in men who smoke and are trying to conceive a child.  More..




New compound may improve fertility of smokers
WSTM-TV, NY - 41 minutes ago
BUFFALO, NY A reproductive medicine specialist at the University at Buffalo has found that a new compound may improve the fertility of male smokers. ...

technorati tags:, ,