Amniocentesis Not Linked To Miscarriage

Sometimes pregnant women over age 35 contemplate the idea of getting an amniocentesis to check for chromosome abnormalities in the developing baby.  While this procedure is quite safe, there has always been a reportedly small risk of miscarriage, which prompts many women to decline the test.  A recent study suggests that this risk factor doesn't exist, and that having an amniocentesis does not increase the chance of having a miscarriage at all.  More..

Amniocentesis not linked to miscarriage Reuters - 3 hours ago ... performed during the fourth through sixth month of pregnancy, known as the "midtrimester," does not increase the rate of miscarriage, according to a report in ... IN THE NEWS Parents.com

technorati tags:miscarriage, pregnant, infertility, fertility, amniocentesis

Does Male Fertility Decline With Age?

There seems to be alot of focus in the media recently on various factors that may affect male fertility (such as smoking).  Yet it has always been presumed that age was not a factor.  Lots of older men seem to have no trouble fathering children.  Alternatively, women are extremely concious of how increasing age affects their fertilty.  This report suggests that increasing age among males may in fact contribute to some health issues in the children they father.  More..

Male Biological Clock In Focus CBS News, NY - 1 hour ago ... for men. While fertility doesn't decrease as dramatically as for a woman, a man does have a biological clock, experts say. But these ... Men's Biological Clocks Are Ticking, Too CBS News

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Can This Allergy Prevent Pregnancy?

Believe it or not, it is actually possible for a woman to be allergic to her partner's semen.  The symptoms she would experience can vary, ranging from burning and itching immediately following intercourse, to difficulty in breathing.  While this is not considered a fertility issue, it certainly can make things difficult if you're trying to get pregnant.  Surprisingly, the treatment involves having more frequent intercourse.  Read more..

Though case reports of semen allergy are rare, many may go unrecognized. The typical patient, Resnick says, is a woman in her 20s.

FOXNews.com - Frequent Sex Cures Women's Semen Allergy - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility

Uterine Transplant May Be Possible

There are many medical reasons why a women may not be able to get pregnant.  One of these could be a problem with her uterus.  At present, without a functioning uterus, a woman would have to have a surrogate carry her baby if she wanted her own biological child.  Now it looks like technology may be changing that.  A New York doctor will be attempting to do a transplant of a uterus in order to help some women to have a baby.  More...

Whether it's the result of a benign tumor or even cervical cancer, some women don't have a functioning uterus and just can't carry a baby. A uterine transplant might let them do it, but it carries a lot of risks.

Uterine Transplant Could Help Infertile Women - HealthWatch - NBC5.com | WMAQ

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, transplant

The Male Biological Clock

More research is pointing to the fact that men are just as responsible for the difficulties in conceiving that women are.  It has even been reported that it is not just women who have a biological clock--men's sperm do deteriorate as they get older.  For couples who are finding it difficult to conceive a baby, both male and female issues need to be addressed...

Recent studies are finding that, like women, men can have trouble as they age: Sperm can lose its quality as guys get older. According to a study reported in the Aug. 1 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, sperm quality starts to go downhill after age 35 and paternal age is a significant risk factor for miscarriage.

Man can be cause of a couple's infertility | ajc.com

technorati tags:pregnant, ivf, fertiility

Eggs Don't "Stick" In Smoker's Wombs

It's long been known that smoking can affect fertility, and it can certainly be damaging to a growing embryo, however new research is a bit of a surprise.  It had been thought the damaging effects of smoking were to the eggs themselves.  This research suggests that smoking actually makes it more difficult for the embryo to implant, therefore heavy smokers have reduced pregnancy rates.  Learn more...

Smoking 'may block embryo's path' (BBC News)

Heavy smoking may reduce female fertility by cutting an embryo's chance of imbedding in the womb, research suggests.

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, ivf

Oriental Medicine To Treat Fertility Problems

Oriental treatments for infertility are very different than the treatments of Western medicine.  With Oriental medicine, the aim is to enhance the body’s ability to treat diseases by itself.  There are various treatment options, which include herbal medicine and acupuncture.  These treatments are often very successful at helping women get pregnant.  Read more...

The basis of Oriental infertility treatment is to diagnose the flow and circulation of chi (life force or vitality) and blood, and the condition of the five viscera and six entrails -- gall bladder, stomach, small and large intestine, the paunch, the bladder and the bowels. The infertility treatment begins with a medical exercise to correct any imbalance in the body.

Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, oriental, medicine

Should You Book A "Procreation Vacation"?

OK, so I'm not sure if these procreation vacations, or otherwise known as "conception-moons" are really about helping couples conceive, or are just a marketing ploy by various resorts to get more business.  I think anything that encourages couples to relax can only help when trying to get pregnant, but it's not like these couples are going away on vacation to "make a baby".  There is only a limited few days a month when this is possible, and it's not likely to be during the few days you happened to book your vacation (unless you're really tuned in to your ovulation schedule).  If it helps couples to relax and have a new relaxed attitude when trying to conceive, then I'm all for it, but hopefully there are no false promises that this mini vacation is going to result in a pregnancy....

nwitimes.com

Need help getting pregnant? Book a procreation vacation Seattle Times, United States - 4 hours ago ... trend that has hotels around the world luring conception-minded couples by providing everything from onsite sex doctors to age-old fertility boosters promised ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conceptionmoon

Early Screening For Chlamydia Helps Fight Infertility

Chlamydia is a treatable disease, which when left untreated, can lead to infertility.  In England,
there is a tremendous effort to increase the screening of young people for this disease, so that it will become a routine part of health care for 2007.  They are using an innovative approach to tackle this disease, by making screening available in a wide range of non-medical settings.  Read more...

With one in ten of the young men and women screened testing positive for the disease, during 2007 screening is set to become a routine part of health care for young people as it will be offered across England.

More People Screened For Chlamydia In The Community - Screening Set To Become A Routine Part Of Healthcare, UK

technorati tags:chlamydia, infertility

Help For Blocked Tubes

A new study revealed that women who can't get pregnant due to blocked fallopian tubes may be able to benefit from a new therapy that is similar to deep massage.  Typically, the only treatment for blocked tubes is surgery, so this new technique would be a much less invasive approach.  More...

Scientists at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reported that therapists were able to open totally blocked fallopian tubes using a new pelvic physical therapy that feels similar to a deep massage. Previously, surgery was the only treatment option for women with blocked fallopian tubes.

Physical Therapists Open Blocked Fallopian Tubes without Surgery

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility, Wurn

Just Say No To Coffee

There has been an ongoing debate about how much coffee is safe for women to drink when trying to get pregnant.  Some experts argue a cup or two has no effect, others claim even one cup daily can make it more difficult to conceive.  Now some new research which suggests that coffee consumption by men can have an adverse affect on a developing embryo, possibly causing miscarriage or birth defects.  More...

Coffee 'May Hit Men's Fertility' (RedNova)

DRINKING just three cups of coffee a day can damage sperm, scientists have found. High caffeine consumption by men may lead to increased rates of miscarriage and birth defects, they say. The findings offer a plausible explanation for falling fertility levels among British men.

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility

Iron Improves Fertility

A new study suggests that iron supplements can have a beneficial effect on both ovulation and conception.  It is suggested that taking iron supplements regularly can increase the likelihood of getting pregnant to 40%.  More...

It's important that the results are reproduced, but the results suggest that women who are trying to get pregnant should consider having greater amounts of iron in their diet from non-animal sources including multivitamin supplements," said Dr. Jorge E. Chavarro.

Spotlighting News - Iron Supplements Prevent Infertility

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility, supplements

Endometriosis Can Affect Younger Women

Endometriosis can be very difficult to diagnose, and even more so in younger women. The symptoms can be quite varied and suggestive of other diseases.  For teenagers, whose symptoms have started at an early age, doctors often don't diagnose endometriosis because it is not a disease they typically see in this age group.  It can be very painful and can also cause fertility problems.  More....

It's hard enough for any woman, adult or teenager, to get a correct diagnosis of endometriosis because there are so many other causes of abdominal pain, including appendicitis, bowel disease, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In fact, it takes an average of nine years for most adult women to get a correct diagnosis, according to a review published last year by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Endometriosis can afflict young women, too - The Boston Globe

technorati tags:fertility, endometriosis

Fertility Foods

According to Dr. Jeremy Groll, author of "Fertility Foods," there is a definite connection between the foods we eat and our fertility. Particularly foods which raise our insulin level, he suspects can cause fertility problems.

According to Groll, there is an undeniable link between a body's insulin resistance and fertility problems. Resistance to insulin increases the body's insulin levels, hindering normal ovulation either by limiting the maturation process of the released egg or by preventing ovulation altogether.

RedOrbit - Health - Can Your Diet Make You Pregnant?: Researcher Finds Link Between Certain Foods, Increased Fertility

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, infertility

Understanding Miscarriage

This article is a very informative overview of miscarriage--what causes it, how to prevent it, cope with it, etc.  A very good read...

Miscarriage is a relatively common experience — but that doesn't make it any easier. Ending a pregnancy without a baby to hold in your arms is heartbreaking. Take a step toward emotional healing by understanding what can cause a miscarriage, what increases the risk and what medical care might be needed.

Understanding miscarriage - MayoClinic.com

technorati tags:infertility, fertility, miscarriage, pregnant

Infertility Linked To Autism?

Although some new research suggests that couples who have difficulty conceiving have a greater chance of having a baby with health problems, the experts agree the overall risk is still very small. They surmise that the health problems causing the infertility are the same ones that can also cause the future problems with the baby.

Couples with fertility problems are three times more likely to have a child with serious conditions like autism and cerebral palsy, research suggests. The extra risk is likely to be caused by health problems that make it difficult for these couples to conceive in the first place, scientists believe.

BBC NEWS | Health | Infertility link to autism risk

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, infertility, autism

When's The Best Time To Have A Baby?

I found this article which is bound to stir up some emotion among women who are planning to get pregnant at what is considered an "older" age.  The trend of women having babies much later in life than they did 20 years ago, is still continuing.  And as techniques improves in the field of reproductive technology, it is likely that this trend will continue.  There are definitely pros and cons to having a baby in your forties.  There also seems to be a bias towards men who frequently father children later in life, even though recent research suggests there could be health risks to the child.  Read more...

Obstetricians have warned that the "bio-panic" women used to suffer on their 30th birthday has moved up to the 40th and have suggested that instead of waiting for Mr Right they maybe ought to wait for Mr Good Enough if they want a family.

Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility, ivf

Vitamin To Help Get Pregnant

Folic acid has been well known to help women reduce their chances of conceiving a baby with spinal chord defects, such as spina bifida.  But new research suggests that it can have an additional benefit.  Taking folic acid may actually help women to get pregnant...

Long known to safeguard the health of the unborn baby, this is the first time folic acid, a form of vitamin B, has been shown to aid conception too.

'Folic acid helps fertility in women' | the Daily Mail

technorati tags:folic, acid, pregnant, conceive, fertility

Older Moms May Pass On Fertility Problems

A new study suggests that women who delay having children until they are older, may pass on
some infertility risks to their daughters.  It seems that because older women also have older eggs, this may cause some future problems when their own daughters are trying to get pregnant.  The research, however, is not conclusive.  Read more...

A study of women at a fertility clinic found that those who failed to become pregnant after treatment had older mothers than those who were successful. The researchers from Atlanta, warned that postponing childbirth had implications for future generations.

BBC NEWS | Health | Older eggs pass on fertility risk

technorati tags:infertility, fertility, ivf, pregnant

Infertility Could Be Just A Phone Call Away

Research continues to uncover new ways that infertility can become compromised, simply by  going about our daily lives.  A new study points to cell phones as a potential threat to male fertility.

Samples taken from men attending a fertility clinic revealed their sperm declined steadily in number, quality and ability to swim as mobile phone use increased. Where men used their phones for more than four hours a day, researchers found a 30 per cent drop in sperm movement and viability when compared with men who did not use a mobile.

Mobile phone use linked to drop in male fertility - World - smh.com.au

technorati tags:infertility, fertility, pregnant

Improve Male Factor Issues

It's currently well documented that couples facing difficulty in achieving pregnancy have a fairly equal distribution of male and female issues which contribute to the infertility. So it stands to reason there would be more research to try to determine ways to improve male fertility, as it had been a long held belief that most of the problems were with the women.  Many times, vitamins and supplements have been linked to improvements in sperm quality.  In Australia, a supplement that seems to improve pregnancy rates looks promising....

A tablet containing vitamins C and E, folate, zinc, lycopene and garlic oil has been found to help protect a man's sperm from damage caused by smoking and other infections.

Australians discover male fertility pill. 23/10/2006. ABC News Online

technorati tags:infertility, fertility, pregnant

Acupuncture and pain

With all the attention that acupuncture is getting as a means to increase fertility, I thought this short video addressing one of the fears of acupuncture--pain, would be of interest.

Even Celebrities Can Struggle With Fertility Issues

No one is immune to infertility.  It doesn't matter how rich or famous you are, no one can protect themselves from it.  There has been a lot of media coverage lately of celebrities who are trying to get pregnant and having a hard time.  Recently,  J.Lo was focused on, and now it's Nicole Kidman.  If you are someone who is struggling to conceive, at least take comfort in the fact that you are definitely not alone.

Ninemsn

Keith and Nicole trying hard Ninemsn, Australia - 1 hour ago Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are desperately battling to get pregnant, it has been claimed. ... "He knows how much Nicole wants to get pregnant. ..

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, conceive, infertility, ectopic

Baby Born From Frozen Egg

A recent birth which was created by using a woman's frozen egg in the invitro fertilization process, gives hope for the future to women who may need to choose this option.  Currently, the only option to preserve your fertility is to freeze embryos, but sometimes this isn't practical if you don't currently have a male partner to provide the sperm.  Egg freezing has not been very successful yet, and still the procedure has not been perfected.  Yet every time a birth occurs which started from a frozen egg, it gives hope that this process may become a viable option sometime in the near future.

Birth that started with frozen egg may mean hope for fertility ... Toledo Blade, OH - 22 hours ago ... cancer treatment. She may help young women preserve fertility when circumstances work against their biological clocks. Claire managed ...

technorati tags:ivf, pregnant, fertility

PCOS Treatment Not Harmful To Baby

Good news for women struggling with PCOS and infertility.  One of the treatments is a drug called Metformin, whose potential to harm the fetus if taken in early pregnancy was unknown..  A recent study shows that the drug doesn't appear to cause any major malformations, however further research is needed.

Metformin is used, with or without insulin, to treat patients with type 2 diabetes - and it is also used to treat infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the safety of this drug for the fetus has not been established,

Metformin in early pregnancy may be safe for fetus | Health | Reuters.com

technorati tags:pcos, infertility, fertility, pregnant

Global Fertility Is Falling

This is a very surprising article revealing that the U.S. will see a significant increase in population--adding 100 million people over the next 4 decades.  Compare this to the European Union, where by 2010, deaths are expected to start outnumbering births.  Generally speaking, richer countries which have more educated women have fewer children and invest more in each of them.  More...

As birth rates in the other rich nations continue to fall, the planet's third most populous country just keeps growing

TheStar.com - 300 million Americans...more on the way

technorati tags:fertility

Obesity Impact on Fertility

There are many problems associated with being overweight, and reduced fertility is among them.  The good news is, diet and exercise can help restore fertility...so if you are having trouble conceiving and are overweight, try losing some weight and adding some exercise, and maybe your odds of conception will improve.  Read more

Obesity Epidemic Is Causing Infertility And Reducing The Success ... PR Web (press release), WA - 11 hours ago Obesity causes problems with ovulation, reduces the success of fertility treatments including IVF, increases the chances for miscarriage and other pregnancy ...

technorati tags:fertility, infertility, pregnant

IVF At 50 Or More?

In the U.K., according to the Chairman of the Governments fertility authority, advanced age is not a sufficient reason to rule patients out for fertility treatment.  This decision raises all sorts of controversial opinion, as women attempt to get pregnant through IVF at an increasingly advanced age.  More...

Infertile patients of any age should be seen as individuals whose reproductive choices deserve respect, and doctors should not refuse treatment purely because they have passed the menopause, according to Lord Harries of Pentregarth, the former Bishop of Oxford and now the interim chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

Fertility Panel bishop blesses IVF for over-50s - Britain - Times Online

technorati tags:pregnant, ivf, infertility

Fertility Treatment Available for Single Women

A longstanding debate has been resolved by a vote on Friday in the UK, but that didn't stop the demonstrators from voicing their opposing opinions on the issue--whether it was necessary to be a male/female couple in order to receive fertility treatment.

Parliament voted on Friday in favour of a government bill to allow single women and lesbian couples to continue to have fertility treatment.

Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Home

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

National Fertility Education Program

A landmark new report out of Australia has resulted in calls for a national education program to prevent infertility.  It seems that a substantial number of people surveyed did not know about the effects of age on a woman's fertility, with an even bigger misunderstanding about its effects on a man's.

The National Fertility Study shows that 88 per cent of men and 57 per cent of women between the ages of 30 and 39 reckon they will have children without any problem. They're wrong.

Ignorance a factor in infertility - National - theage.com.au

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, fertility

Before You Make That Baby...

I just came across this article that has some valuable advice on what areas you might need to focus on before getting pregnant.  There's some really good tips here as we often forget the practical side when our minds get (emotionally) wrapped around the idea of having a baby!

Most couples don't just wake up one day and think, "Let's start a family now!" As much as some might wish their partners were that impulsive and enthusiastic, it's better to put some thought into this baby thing than to blindly jump into it. Preconception planning is just as important as prenatal care.

SunJournal.com - Babies on your brain?

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conception, infertility

Do You Dress Better When You're Fertile?

Okay, this article makes a point that seems a bit farfetched to me.  It seems women dress differently when they are ovulating, and by differently, they mean more attractively.  The only thing that makes sense to me is that your hormones rise when you're about to ovulate, which can increase your libido (nature's way of making sure you procreate!). So maybe that causes women to act/dress more sexy at this time of the month.  Read the article and see what you think..

A study of young college women showed they frequently wore more fashionable or flashier clothing and jewelery when they were ovulating, as assessed by a panel of men and women looking at their photographs.

Fertile women dress to impress, U.S. study finds - Yahoo! News

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, ovulation

Alternative Therapies On The Rise

It seems that alternative therapies are being more widely accepted by mainstream fertility doctors, as they discover that pregnancy rates increase when women apply these techniques. I think many women have found this out already, but mainstream medicine is reluctant to adopt anything just based on anecdotal evidence. Without scientific proof, they will not encourage patients to try these alternative approaches. Luckily, this seems to be changing...

"It makes sense to add non-invasive techniques to traditional protocols as long as they are backed by scientific evidence," says King.

Three Complementary Infertility Treatments Boost Pregnancy Rates, Research Shows: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, acupuncture

"Bio-Panic" Causes Increase In Fertility Treatment

A rather new phenomenon, called bio-panic (which stands for biological clock-panic) is causing increasing numbers of single women to seek fertility treatment to have a baby if they don't have an appropriate partner to have a baby with.

Many are suddenly realizing that this commitment-phobic man they are living with, who says he wants children 'at some point', cannot hear their biological clocks ticking," said the head of the British Fertility Society ethics committee, Dr. Gillian Lockwood.

United Press International - NewsTrack - 'Bio-panic' leads solo women to parenting

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

New Fertility Gadget

Ahh...technology!  Another gadget enters the marketplace to help women trying to get pregnant.  This one tracks your cycle and alerts you to the time when you are supposed to be the most fertile. And what is this new gadget, you ask.  It's a phone....

Gizmodo.com

Mitsubishi D702iF Cellphone Tracks Fertility Cycle Gizmodo.com, Hungary - 21 hours ago This is the Mitsubishi D702iF cellphone for NTT DoCoMo. It is a pretty average clamshell phone, but it does include one unique feature. ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

Oh Baby! Cost-Cutting Help for Couples Trying to Conceive

The changing age of the American family is a trend that has showed no sign of slowing. An estimated 11 million US couples are currently planning or trying to conceive, with birth rates for 35-44 year olds at their highest in more than 3 decades. While this decision is common, it's not without risk. 1 in 6 couples today will experience a delay or difficulty, and experts say it can take couples anywhere from 6 months to a year to conceive. It may take even longer for older couples, and that means more doctors' appointments, fertility tests, ovulation kits and home pregnancy tests -- all of which can really add up. There are ways to cut costs, like buying ovulation, fertility and pregnancy tests in bulk. Also, a first-of-its-kind refillable pregnancy test called "Confirm Clearly" has just been released to the market. With a refillable test, starter kits are about 15 dollars with refills less than 5 dollars each. So 8 tests will cost only about 45 dollars as opposed to the 150 dollars it would cost to buy traditional tests. This is just one of the many ways couples can save money. Cutting costs will also save you down the road. Once the happy day arrives, there will be diapers, formula and other costs coming your way, so saving as soon as possible is smart. Produced for Confirm Clearly

Work Hazards Effect Fertility

It's been documented that environmental toxins can have an impact on fertility, for both men and women.  Some new research looks at specific jobs that might be harmful if you're trying to get pregnant.

We have found that there is a tendency for farmers to have high levels of DNA damage and things such as mechanics maybe who are perhaps exposed to high levels of solvents," he said.

Some workers more at risk of fertility, researchers say. 06/10/2006. ABC News Online

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant, infertility

Vitamin C

There are many supplements available that can help in the effort to become pregnant.  Some are helpful for women--others helpful for men.  Some new research shows the benefits for men in taking Vitamin C to improve their fertility.

A new small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the effect of supplementing with vitamin C on men with infertility. The study consisted of 13 men aged 25 to 35 who supplemented with 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for 2 months.

HealthSentinel.com

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, vitamin+c

Fertile Foods

Nutrition is very important when trying to get pregnant, and this article takes a look at some of the foods that might help you to conceive...

6 FOODS TO EAT IF YOU'RE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT EAT RIGHT ic WestLothian.co.uk, UK - 19 hours ago ... All women hoping to get pregnant are advised to take a folic acid supplement as it reduces the risk of birth defects in the baby. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

An IVF Alternative

Standard IVF can be very costly--mentally, physically, and financially.  For older women who are trying to get pregnant, there is an alternative called "natural IVF" which doesn't include all the drug injections that are normally used to stimulate multiple eggs and is therefore much less expensive.

Fertility treatment has given thousands the chance to have their own family. But a growing number of women, concerned about the potential risks of the drugs used, are choosing natural IVF instead.

IVF without the drugs | the Daily Mail

technorati tags:ivf, pregnant

Eggs For Sale

Advanced technology continues to offer new options to women trying to get pregnant.  Egg donation offers women who perhaps might be too old to conceive a child, the option to do so.  This article takes a look at one woman's story regarding egg donation from the egg donor's perspective.

Back in the old days, you did the deed and hoped for the best. But now there are more options and technologies available. These technologies are a blessing for folks unable to reproduce in the standard manner, but new methods have also spawned a bizarre new business -- selling human eggs.

The Daily News Online

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant, egg+donation

The Have's and the Have Nots

Interesting article about rising infertility and the social ramifications.  You really can't talk freely about your children in a room full of women of childbearing age, as the number of women who are childless or child-free by choice is rising.  More...

Today, you avoid mentioning children unless you are certain the woman before you has at least one. Otherwise, you risk a pregnant (so to speak) pause, a fearsome glare, even a tearful exit. Forget the mummy wars; far more vicious is the battle between the haves and have-nots.

The Observer | Comment | It's best to keep mum about babies

technorati tags:fertility, infertility, pregnant

Another Benefit of Prenatal Vitamins

It is fairly common advice to take folic acid before trying to get pregnant in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. New research suggests that taking prenatal vitamins in early pregnancy may also prevent the development of some brain tumors.

http://toronto.fashion-monitor.com/news.php/
health/2006092903prenatal-vitamins

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Too Much Exercise Can Hurt Fertility

This article looks at the consequences of extreme exercise on your ability to get pregnant through IVF.  While moderate exercise definitely has it's benefits, excessive cardiovascular exercise can cause subtle changes in the woman's body that can interfere with getting pregnant. 

Excessive exercise can stress a woman's reproductive system, causing her body to "protect" it from a pregnancy it's not prepared to maintain–perhaps by causing subtle hormonal changes, theorizes Mark Hornstein, senior researcher and clinical director of reproductive endocrinology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Why does the effect seem to wear off after 10 years? "We don't have a good answer for that," says Hornstein. "It may be that the body accommodates."

USNews.com: Health: Fitness and fertility

technorati tags:ivf, fertility, pregnant

Falling Fertility

This article is a "must read" if you are trying to get pregnant.  While it's a bit depressing to hear how fertility in general is plummeting, there is a lot of useful information hightlighting many of the things that can decrease your chances of getting pregnant.

Human fertility is in crisis....Sperm counts are in freefall, while sexually transmitted diseases and obesity - both of which seriously harm our ability to reproduce - are increasing. Our environment, stress and the vices we embrace all chip away at our natural fertility.

Fertility rights and wrongs - Pregnancy & IVF - Health In Focus - smh.com.au

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Avoid Pregnancy Related Diabetes

We're constantly hearing how good nutrition can improve your chances of getting pregnant, and also makes for a healthier pregnancy.  In keeping with this premise, increasing fiber intake can help prevent the development of gestational diabetes.  Read more..

If you're a woman planning to get pregnant, you might want to pump up your fiber intake. Doing so could make you less likely to develop gestational diabetesgestational diabetes, researchers report in the October edition of Diabetes Care.

Planning a Pregnancy? Eat Your Fiber

technorati tags:pregnant, fiber, gestational+diabetes

Rich Couples Choose Infertility Treatment

It's sad but not surprising to learn that couples who are trying to get pregnant base their treatment decisions on matters such as insurance coverage and income.  The data confirms that those with higher incomes, are much more likely to pursue more expensive treatment options, such as IVF.

By comparing these treatment options with information about the women’s income and insurance, Staniec and Webb found that low-income women were only 65 percent as likely as their richer counterparts to seek help for infertility.

Toronto Daily News - Infertility Treatment Often Chosen by Rich Couples - An infertile couple's income makes a difference in whether they pursue an expensive technology such as in vitro fertilization.   

technorati tags:ivf, infertility, pregnant

Are You Taking A Conceptionmoon?

First there's the honeymoon...and eventually the  babymoon, but if you want to get pregnant, you need to take some time for the conceptionmoon.

Between family and work responsibilities, a getaway -- whether near or far -- helps couples to unwind and focus on conception.

New Survey From BabyCenter and Clearblue Easy Shows 'Conceptionmoons' Help Couples to Conceive

technorati tags:pregnant, conception

Birth Control Pills Don't Hurt Fertility

More research supporting the notion that birth control pills do not affect your ability to get pregnant after going off them.  In fact, most women will get pregnant within a few months of trying after discontinuing the pill.

Long-term use of pill does not affect fertility, study finds - The Brunei Times

Long-term use of pill does not affect fertility, study finds The Brunei Times, Brunei Darussalam - 11 hours ago YEARS of taking the pill does not cause a decline in a woman's fertility after she stops taking it, a study conducted in Germany has shown. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Looking For Pregnancy Symptoms?

Anyone who is trying really hard to get pregnant, knows just what it's like to interpret every possible change in their body as being a "symptom of pregnancy."  Sore boobs, fatigue, nausea, are all viewed as a sign of pregnancy, even though they are often not a sign of anything unusual at all.  This article will make you laugh if you can relate to the obsessiveness of looking for symptoms every month.

When 'fake pregnancy symptoms' turn real - Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription)

When 'fake pregnancy symptoms' turn real Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription),  USA - 4 hours ago Did you get obsessive while trying to get pregnant? Did you report pregnancy symptoms to friends and family? Any woman who has tried ...

technorati tags:pregnant, conceive

Grieving A Loss

This article talks about a subject that definitely needs more attention...coping with the loss of a baby.  This is something that unfortunately happens to some women in their quest to have a baby, and it can happen at various stages of pregnancy or even in early infancy.

When a baby dies, a lifetime of hopes and dreams are lost as well — the future the parents had imagined with their child. It doesn’t matter how that loss comes: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or in infancy. To the parents, the bond with the baby was very real.

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0

technorati tags:pregnant, miscarriage

Coping With Infertility

This article gives a very nice overview of infertility and how it affects couples.  Also, some helpful hints on how to handle the stress of not being able to conceive -- the loss of control that you have to deal with.

Infertility More Widespread Than Most Think - CBS 11

Infertility More Widespread Than Most Think CBS 11, TX - 11 hours ago (CBS 11 News) FORT WORTH The diagnosis of infertility can be devastating to couples yearning for a baby. ... Why is infertility so devastating for young couples? ...

technorati tags:pregnant, ivf, infertility

No Smoking!

We all know the dangers of smoking, but this new research shows an increased lkelihood of miscarriage from being exposed to second hand smoke...

Women who smoked were more than twice as likely as nonsmokers to miscarry, the researchers found. They also found that those whose cotinine levels indicated they were exposed to second hand-smoke were 67 percent more likely to miscarry than those who weren't exposed to second-hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke exposure boosts miscarriage risk | Health | Reuters.co.uk

technorati tags:miscarriage, fertility, pregnant

Designer Babies?

Some interesting news about choices offered at fertility clinics when screening embryos for implantation using IVF.  The technique (PGD) was developed to screen for potentially deadly diseases, but also can be used to screen for non-serious issues, such as the baby's gender.  Many worry that clinics that offer various screening options, will lead to increasing numbers of "designer babies".

Choosing Baby's Sex Becoming Popular - Washington Post

Choosing Baby's Sex Becoming Popular Washington Post, United States - 3 hours ago ... Almost half of US fertility clinics that offer embryo screening say they allow couples to choose the sex of their child, the most extensive survey of the ... VITAL EVIDENCE Increasingly, Couples Use Embryo Screening Washington Post all 58 news articles

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, pgd

Do You Have The Time?

I'm not sure what to make of this new gadget. It tracks everything fertility related and keeps it stored in a handy timepiece! Any comments?

ww.slashgear.com/the-fertility-watch-191709.php

Fertility Overview

This article provides a nice overview of what factors affect your fertility...

Fertility Forecaster WHOI, IL - 2 hours ago ... polycystic ovary disease, excessive use of alcohol, use of certain drugs, damage to the fallopian tubes, uterine polyps, endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions or

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

The Pain Of Miscarriage

Whether it happens to you or someone you know, learning how to deal with the pain of miscarriage can be a difficult experience.  This is a subject that doesn't get alot of attention, yet people really need to know how to offer support to those close to them who have suffered this type of loss.  Most importantly, recognizing that it is a loss, not something to just "get over."  One woman's story...

It's a very isolating, scary experience. You don't know how to be. You had your life planned, your baby's life planned."

Scotsman.com Living - People - Healing the pain of miscarriage

technorati tags:miscarriage, pregnant

Infertility Conference

It is continually reported that most women who are struggling with their attempts to get pregnant, do not get the emotional support that they need. This topic and others is to be covered in a conference geared to women facing infertility issues. One topic sure to be discussed is the role that stress plays in trying to conceive...

Studies of women struggling to have a baby show they're just as depressed as women dealing with cancer, AIDS or heart disease. Infertility is that severe a blow to their psyches. It affects virtually every aspect of their lives, from their relationships with their partners, friends and family to their financial stability.

Infertility conference offers women support - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 09/12/06 - Tennessean.com

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

Male Factor

This article hightlights some of the problems in fertility that men are experiencing in Viet Nam. The information is useful because it raises the same issues that are found globally - many lifestyle factors (nutrition, environmental toxins, heat) are contributing to male infertility....

Some medical experts believe Vietnamese men's poor sperm counts are a result of the growing popularity of less healthy modern food, such as canned food, which inhibit the production of sperm. Doctors say it is one of the main reasons for the alarming decrease in sperm quality.

VietNamNet Bridge

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, sperm

Won't Give Up!

What a fabulous story of hope and determination.  A woman who has a disorder which has caused multiple miscarriages, does not give up trying!

BEVERLEY FOSTER holds the most heartbreaking record in the world. She has miscarried THIRTY-SEVEN times in the past ten years.

The Sun Online - Health: Still trying after 37 miscarriages

technorati tags:pregnant, miscarriage

Fertility Gene

Some recent research has discovered a genetic reason for some fertility problems.  It seems that women who have this defective gene have problems with embryos implanting in their uterus.  More.....

Discovery could aid childless The Sun, UK - 10 hours ago ... A fault in a gene called AM makes it difficult for eggs to implant in the womb. However, it IS still possible to get pregnant. But ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility

Younger Women Turn To Infertility Treatments

This is a fascinating news story about women in their twenties seeking infertility treatments well before the customary 1 year of trying.  It seems these younger women are afraid of wasting time and are looking to hurry things along.  Doesn't this raise an ethical question--should infertility specialists treat women who don't really need any treatment, just because they're too impatient to try to get pregnant for very long?  What do you think?

For women of childbearing age, the message in fertility advertisements is hard to miss: your biological clock is ticking. Aimed at women in their 30s and 40s — when getting pregnant gets harder — now, it's many 20-somethings who seem to be hitting the panic button.

Younger women turn to fertility specialists - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

On The Lighter Side

I would agree it's not breaking news, but...Marcia Cross, who plays Bree on the hit show Desperate Housewives is pregnant with her first child, at the age of 44.  I am always delighted  to see women well into their forties getting pregnant.  I think it gives hope to others that are struggling...

Bree to get pregnant, too Edmonton Sun,? Canada?- 7 hours ago By AP. LOS ANGELES -- Since Marcia Cross is pregnant, does that mean Cross's Desperate Housewives character Bree will be too? Eva Longoria says it'll happen. ...

technorati tags:pregnant

Finally Some Good News For Overweight Women

With all the media attention about overweight women having fertility problems, it's nice to read something positive for a change.  A program devised to help overweight and obese women get fit through proper exercise and nutrition.  The result:  improved pregnancy rates!

New Infertility Program for Overweight Patients Delivers Big-time ... - Yahoo! News (press release)

PR Web (press release)

New Infertility Program for Overweight Patients Delivers Big-time ... Yahoo! News (press release) - 34 minutes ago ... And, chances are, these patients may not have become pregnant without this weight loss," so says top fertility specialist Laurence A. Jacobs, MD. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, obesity

A Break From The Conventional Approach

I love the ideas in this article....trying creative approaches to increase the odds of conception, rather than just using the same old expensive, often invasive techniques to treat infertility.

Fertility specialists in New Jersey and worldwide are looking at other lower-cost, less-invasive ways to improve IVF success rates. Scientists are trying cognitive behavioral therapy, rather than drugs, to stimulate ovulation. They're determining if the chance of pregnancy after embryo transfer is greater if patients immediately are given acupuncture or entertained by clowns to make them laugh.

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

technorati tags:ivf, acupuncture, pregnant, infertility

The Secrets Of The Egg

The latest research has science unfolding the unique characteristics of the human egg and it's apparent magic...

Washington, Sept 07: Scientists at Michigan State University claim to have unravelled the mystery behind the human egg's ability to transform into a new life.

Zee News - Scientists identify genetic secrets of human egg

technorati tags:infertility, pregnant

More Embryo Screening

This article takes another look at PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), and how it is being used to screen embryos for an inherited cancer risk gene.  Once again it raises the issue of how more and more things can be screened for at this early stage, and where should fertility clinics draw the line in embryo testing.  Especially when couples who are able to get pregnant on their own, may soon be turning to PGD to create the designer baby of their dreams.

Screening embryos to avoid deadly genes San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 16 hours ago ... Kingsbury's that the expense and physical demands of in vitro fertilization were not worth it, given that the couple could probably get pregnant without it. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, conception, ivf

What To Eat?

Here are some helpful hints on some foods to eat when you are trying to get pregnant. While there are a lot of other fertility boosting foods, this is a good start...

6 FOODS TO EAT IF YOU'RE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT EAT RIGHT ic Scotland.co.uk,?UK?- Sep 4, 2006 ... All women hoping to get pregnant are advised to take a folic acid supplement as it reduces the risk of birth defects in the baby. ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant

More Technological Advances

Technology will continue to offer advances in the area of reproduction.  Women who can't get pregnant because of issues with their uterus, may have the chance to get a womb transplant in the not too distant future.  What could be next?

First womb transplant 'within two years' - China Daily

First womb transplant 'within two years' China Daily,?China?- Sep 5, 2006 ... Having Infertility Problems Solved, said: "There are so many people who have come to the end of the line with IVF and have been told there's no hope. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, infertility, transplant

Forget the Boxers

We've probably all heard that when trying to conceive, men need to keep their private regions cool.  Boxer shorts are typically recommended to replace the briefs. Now along comes some research pointing to heated car seats as a more significant influence.

Men in the hot seat may soon lack fertility - Independent Online

Men in the hot seat may soon lack fertility Independent Online,?South Africa?- Sep 5, 2006 Heated seats in cars may be more to blame for declining male fertility than tight trousers, a urologist warned Tuesday, two days before a German conference on ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility, sperm

Frozen Eggs Please

With new advances in egg-freezing technology, women will have the option of freezing their eggs as opposed to having to freeze their embryos (which requires a male participant).  Is this a good thing???

Gillian Lockwood, of the British Fertility Society, this week recommended that women put their fresh young eggs on ice at 30 to improve their chances of conceiving at 40-plus. A frozen egg is a golden egg.

Would madam like her eggs frozen? - Comment - Times Online

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Baby Doctor Turned Novelist

In this unusual twist, an obstetrician (doctor who delivers babies) finds herself unable to have a baby herself.  So after going through infertility treatments and getting a taste of what some of her patients have gone through, she wrote a fictional novel based on her experiences.  Should be a good read...

Doctor's infertility gives her insight - News & Observer

News & Observer

Doctor's infertility gives her insight News & Observer, NC - Sep 4, 2006 ... uterus. It took corrective surgery and five cycles of infertility treatments, at a cost of about $12,000, to solve her problem. ...

technorati tags:pregnant, fertility

Should Age Be A Factor?

A look at what it means to have children at what is considered an advanced age.  It's not just about whether it's possible to do it, but whether it's a good lifestyle choice. 

Older Moms: Issues Beyond Pregnancy - CBS News

Older Moms: Issues Beyond Pregnancy CBS News, New York - 21 hours ago (CBS) Today's technology enables women in their 40s and even 50s to get pregnant and give birth. ... First: How old is too old to attempt to get pregnant? ...

technorati tags:fertility, pregnant