It “does sound rather a lot”, admits Dr. Mike Smith of First Response upon analyzing the results of the poll involving 3,000 mothers.

Wishing to conceive a baby, 10% women decided it would be best to have their husbands home from work on the days they were ovulating. But another 70% women shy from the idea of working on it and would much prefer a spontaneous fit of passion to result in their getting pregnant.

Men seem to like it both ways… as they should.

Dr. Smith further remarked that it doesn’t have to take all of the 104 times and six months estimated, because many couples, fired by the wish to have a baby, engage in sex as often as they can.

But women who are not wanting to get pregnant for the present shouldn’t rely heavily on these data and had better use precautions every time they have sex.

Source of the image: Photl

Women involved in the study were asked to fill out two questionnaires.  Interestingly, the second questionnaire was given to the participants ten years after they did the first.

Researchers discovered that women were able to get pregnant after about one year passed since they reduced physical activity.

Source of the image: photl.com.

If you know all the early symptoms and signs of pregnancy, you should also know the non-pregnancy signs as well. The symptoms of pregnancy differ from one woman to another. To clear your doubts, you should know all the symptoms of pregnancy before comparing yourself with a cousin or your sister who used to be pregnant.

Signs of Pregnancy from Your Body

There are several changes that a woman passes through during pregnancy. There are sudden psychological and hormonal changes that happen in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Almost all women are able to notice the similar symptoms of pregnancy during the first trimester; however they can be slightly different.

The following are the early symptoms of pregnancy

1. Bleeding Due to Implantation.

   Bleeding happening due to implantation is also called vaginal spotting. It is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy which takes place when the egg attaches itself to the uterus walls. The following are the ways to distinguish vaginal spotting from regular vaginal bleeding:

   • Implantation bleeding happens after about five days of the fertilization.
   • The color of the implantation bleeding is light in color differentiating it from the menstrual bleeding.
   • Minor cramps are also experienced by some women during implantation bleeding.
   • If you are going through something which is looking like implantation bleeding, you should try running a home pregnancy test.

2. Frequent Urination.

   If you are running towards the bathroom every now and them, then this is one of the early symptoms of pregnancy. The ligaments in the uterus stretch causing hormonal changes and frequent urination. These happens due to the enlargement on the uterus which gets prepared to build room for the fetus by pushing the bladder.

3. Tender and Sore Breasts.

   You might experience severe soreness and pain in your breasts during pregnancy. This happens because the breasts get prepared for producing milk and enlarge due to hormonal changes.

4. Increase in Body Temperature.

   Increase in body temperature usually happens after possible conception. If your body temperature keeps on a high scale at a basal thermometer, then this is a symptom of pregnancy.

5. Missed Periods.

   Missing a regular period is one the most sure signs of being pregnant. However, this symptom of pregnancy varies in women.

6. Weakness and Fatigue.

   Feelings of exhaustion are normal after getting pregnant. If you are getting the feelings dizziness with some of the other symptoms, you should contact your doctor. This is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. This symptom is known as “Morning Sickness” which can happen in anytime of the day.

If you are going through any one of the symptoms of pregnancy mentioned above and are expecting to conceive, then you should start keeping a track of any of the symptoms and tell your gynecologist after you set up a meeting. However, if you had planned this pregnancy before, you will start noticing the symptoms of pregnancy soon after five days of conception. You should take proper guidance as soon as you suspect of being pregnant so that your baby would develop a good health and a fit mind.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/biewoef.

Boys are known to be more vulnerable as fetuses. That’s why they tend to need more energy and nutrients for survival. The scientists studied genes in the placenta of pregnant mice and found the difference among groups fed with regular, high-calorie and low-calorie diets.  After 12 days (pregnancy period for mice is 24 days), about 2000 genes were identified in the genome of mice from all the three groups.  The scientists concluded that maternal placenta can adjust to specific conditions, influencing the gender of fetuses.

The diet “for boys”, according to scientists, includes high calorie foods as well as sufficient levels of calcium and vitamins C, E, and B12. Additionally, it is recommended to have a hearty breakfast to increase the daily calorie intake.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/biewoef.

But once artificial fertility measures are taken, a study in Fertility & Sterility reports, the number of male expectances comes down.

The study is looking into a particular reproduction technique scientifically labeled intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI is the method commonly employed to cope with male fertility problems and it is becoming more popular by day. It involves injecting the father’s sperm into the eggs extracted from the mother.

ICSI is considered very beneficial since it also serves to bring down the chances of giving birth to triplets or even more babies at a time.

But, as it turns out, blastocyst-stage embryos show a direct contrast to what we find in the natural state of things – less male babies are born.

Therefore scientists believe that ICSI shouldn’t be resorted to unless absolutely necessary if we wish to avoid the spread of this potential side effect.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/Rotorhead.

As a man’s weight increases so his chances of becoming a father decreases. The researchers studied more than 300 couples undergoing IVF treatment. Dr. Hassan Bakos of the University of Adelaide, Australia, said that as parental body mass index increased, successful pregnancy rates plummeted.

Couples involved in the study were either undergoing IVF treatment or an alternative procedure. Almost 80 percent of male participants were either overweight or obese. The man’s weight played no role at the initial phases when embryo develops. However, by day four of embryo cell division, when genetic factors become important, signs of impaired development were found. The evidence suggests that DNA damage and oxidative stress are to blame, according to Dr. Bakos.

So before planning on pregnancy, both partners have to try to make their weight normal to increase their chance of conceiving a baby.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/asifthebes.

Age and Fertility

Biologically, we are more fertile during a certain timeframe. Right time to conceive begins as we turn 18 and extends into 20s. With early 30s approaching, our reproductive abilities start declining gradually. However, it’s not before reaching the age of 35 when fertility can become a problem. Towards 40s, women are more likely to encounter more difficulties getting pregnant. While the nature signals the best time for pregnancy is reaching 20s, social realities weigh in and 20s just seem not that right for many young moms.

Why Old Age Pregnancy

Today’s women tend to miss fertile 20s as they are busy with starting a career, figuring out an advanced education, or even both. Having a baby in 20s may be very challenging financially, without job security and all. Let’s face it, having a baby requires not only parental love, it also needs sound household budget.

Early pregnancy may be hard on a relationship, too. Younger moms simply don’t have enough life experience to deal with baby-related stresses while fathers may feel alienated as they see their wives suddenly preoccupied with a child. This transition period would take a lot of tolerance to come through and emerge stronger as a family. Unfortunately, many marriages don’t pass the test.

Form this perspective, matured couples would have fewer problems having a baby. They gain more experience with age and are more ready to make sacrifices which parenthood requires. Maturity also matters when it comes down to weathering the trauma of pregnancy and labor. Older women are more likely to be easier with the problem of pregnancy pounds and other post-pregnancy issues.

Pregnancy Complications

But as we proceed with our careers, reproductive time’s ticking away. Now as you’ve crossed the age of 30, it might take a bit harder to conceive. Of course, turning 30 doesn’t mean at all you are getting irretrievably infertile. And the study of the University of Texas at Austin just backs up the assumption. According to scientists, the best time to get on a journey into motherhood is 34. At this point a woman is quite healthy to have a baby and achieves financial stability.

However, beyond this line, pregnancy complications can be piling up. Another study conducted by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, UK, showed a steady rise of fertility treatments among women over 35. More and more babies are born as a result of IVF treatment with higher risk of birth defects. So older age pregnancy doesn’t seem like a totally safe haven. Obviously, as we get older, our health weakens. Many women over 35 are very likely to develop diabetes or high blood pressure, making it tougher to carry and deliver a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a milestone event whatever time it happens. So, what time seems best to you?

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/ecahal.

During the study 116 men suffering from infertility issues were supposed to make sex daily for a week. As a result, 4 out of 5 men showed 12% decrease in DNA malfunctions. Additionally, the number of spermatozoons fell from 180 millions to 70 million, but the latter grew more active.

David Greening’s findings in fact contradict the current approach to male infertility treatment which suggests that men should abstain from sex for a few days to improve fertility.

Source of the image: flickr.com/photos/mazelx.

According to scientists, although the artificially-generated spermatozoon lacks mobility and may fail whenever an ovule is encountered, it possesses qualities of its natural prototype and is capable of fertilization.

Scientists think, this finding may signify a breakthrough advance in infertility treatment which may implement artificial spermatozoon within 10 year time already.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/clix.

Challenges for Women Trying to Conceive after 35

A lot of studies have proved that the probability of ovulation decreases in women after they cross the age limit of 30, decreasing fertility. Women in mid-thirties and older may often have regular cycles without an egg released. Moreover, the quality of the egg decreases when women reach the age of 30 and even more when a woman crosses 40.

The following are a few reasons why conceiving after 35 becomes difficult for women:

• various uterine disorders and fibroids,
• decrease in cervical fluid.
• endometriosis
• development of scar tissue around the cervix or fallopian tubes due to a surgery or infections.
• chronic health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension.

A woman above the age of 35 or running in her mid forties should also keep in mind that she has higher chances of miscarriage which go up to 35% higher, as well as a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

With a long list of health problems, how can a woman think of conceiving after 35?

How to Increase the Chances to Conceive in Older Age?

The following things can be done to increase the chances of conceiving.

• Setup a meeting with your health care provider to discuss the subject. An experienced doctor would review your recent medical requirements, your current lifestyle, as well as your medical history. After going through all these details, your doctor will be able to come up with a numbers of tips on how to conceive, such as taking folic acid, vitamin E and eating a healthy diet.
• The second most important recommendation that you should follow in order to conceive is quit smoking, avoid or completely stop drinking alcohol. Also, try to consume less caffeine.
• There are fertility tests that you and your partner should go through. You will be able to buy these tests at any drug stores.

Trying to Conceive after 35 – Tips for the Man

You should get your partner involved in this process as well – and here are some tips for the man planning to conceive. The man should also give up smoking and reduce the amount of alcohol consumed to the minimum. He is also supposed to wear something loose and comfortable rather than wearing anything tight which could hamper his sperm. Your partner must also avoid hot baths as they may make the sperm less effective. And in the end, your male partner should also be told to limit the sexual intercourse to once every two days to make his sperm counts high.

Stay Positive and Be Patient

After all that has been said, the most important factor for you is to stay positive. You have to accept the fact that for women aged 35 and more it takes a longer time to conceive. Following the tips above will boost your chances of conception.

If after trying to conceive for six months you have no signs of pregnancy, you should visit your health care specialist for some additional help in solving the problem. Your doctor would then conduct a fertility test in both of you or may recommend consulting a fertility specialist.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/buzzybee.

According to the experts, increased blood supply promotes movement of the eggs to the ovaries and embryo implantation in the womb.

A previous study showed that weight reduction in obese women increases chances of ovulation by 30-40 per cent. The new study examined the role of blood flow in the process of ovulation and pregnancy for the first time. The specialists believe that a larger study needs to be conducted for a full examination of this point. However, at the moment the scientists are confident that the body weight is linked with the ability to have children and even the smallest weight loss increases the chances of conceiving.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/asifthebes.

What Causes Anovulation?

There are quite a lot of reasons to know why a woman is not ovulating regularly. If you consult a doctor, he/she would prescribe certain drugs that will cause ovulation. A woman who is not experiencing any bleeding at least once in a month will not be able to notice that she does not ovulate unless she is monitoring her basal body temperature. The chart would appear to be very irregular with either the temperature shooting up constantly or no temperature rise notification in it at all.

There are various reasons for anovulation. Some of them include:

1. Breastfeeding
2. Pre-menopause
3. Illnesses
4. Stresses
5. Coming off the pill
6. Hormones like Depo-Provera
7. Traveling
8. Vigorous Exercise
9. Extreme weight loss or weight gain
10. Other medical conditions – like pituitary gland problems and polycystic ovarian disease.

Anovulation and Getting Pregnant

Anovulation could be very discouraging when you are planning to conceive. However, you should not worry about it as there is help available. If you notice that you are not ovulating, you should consult your doctor. There will be a chain of tests undertaken to recognize your levels of hormones and a few drugs will be prescribed for fertility and ovulation.

What Medicines Are Prescribed to Treat Anovulation?

The widely prescribed drug is Clomid or Pergonal. These drugs are prescribed with small doses initially to offer a chance to your body to ovulate and then the doses increase in anticipation of the ovulation. Quite a few women will surely ovulate after taking these drugs. However, Clomid is only prescribed when the origins of infertility are unknown.

If there is no regular menstrual cycle, the drug Provera, or something similar to it is prescribed to encourage menstruation. Just the once ovulation occurs, the doctor can then better inform you if there is any additional help required.

What Natural Ways Can Encourage Ovulation?

There are a lot of natural herbs that can also bring about ovulation. That is the reason why we recommend you to meet your doctor first and take their advice. Vitex provides help to control the estrogen and progesterone hormones which helps in ovulation. You should check the bottle to know the dosages. Vitex should not be taken if you are already prescribed Clomid.

You can try to increase your chances of conception by 50% by drinking tea. To lengthen the leuteal phase and fertility, a dose of 25 mg – 100 mg of vitamin B6 can help. Consumption of evening Primrose oil before the expected ovulation can help in the production of the white cervical fluid, which is known as the most fertile fluid.

There is no need to worry about anovulation as it is not a major reason for infertility. Science and technology have moved to greater heights and things can be done to help nature. Anyway, first of all you should begin with charting your basal body temperature and seeing your doctor.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/bies.

In What Cases Is IVF Used?

When IVF was invented, its role was to aid women suffering from infertility caused by infertile or diseased uterine tubes. However, with new developments, IVF can now treat cases like endometriosis, hostile cervical mucus and other infertility related cases. It has even been tested on male partners with a low sperm count problem; although it has been proved to work, the overall success rate isn’t very high.

How Is IVF Done?

In Vitro Fertilization is carried out with a laparoscope, which is basically a form of telescope that is put inside an anesthetized woman’s abdomen to extract an eggs from the ovary just before they are about to be released naturally by ovulation. Separate sperms are collected from the male partner and then washed and diluted. The extracted eggs and the diluted sperm are then mixed in a glass dish. If fertilization between the egg and the sperm is successful, then the embryo is developed in the lab. After about two or three days, the embryo is placed in the woman’s uterus with the help of a plastic tube.

Possible Side Effects of IVF

IVF does have its boundaries and side effects though. The success rate isn’t 100% and there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy, or extrauterine pregnancy – which is a special case when the embryo is inserted and developed outside the uterine cavity; this is very dangerous because in such cases the uterine tube usually erupts. Furthermore, successful implantation and development doesn’t always end up with childbirth. Miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies are more common through IVF than when you try to conceive the natural way.

How Effective Is IVF?

There is no general trend in the success rate for In Vitro Fertilization. The numbers vary from place to place, so it’s difficult to predict the efficiency. Some figures suggest that for each happy couple who went through a successful IVF procedure, there are a few more couples who didn’t have such luck. With technological advancements, the IVF procedure is becoming more and more streamlined and efficient, but the latest facts from the important IVF centers state the following: 8-10% probability of pregnancy if only one embryo is placed in the woman’s uterine tube; 20% probability for two embryos; 30% for three embryos. Considering the dangers involved, more than three or four embryos are never inserted. Again, it must be noted that pregnancy does not always result in birth, just like in natural conditions.

IVF Gives a Hope

In Vitro Fertilization is a great technological development for the infertility treatment. The whole process requires very high tech equipment along with extremely skilled medical operators. No doctors or medical scientists can make success promises with IVF yet, but we can’t deny the fact that IVF has put a smile on many couples’ faces and is a ray of hope for many others waiting for it to be perfected.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/bjearwicke.

Sometimes spouses are so overwhelmed by worries that they seem to get lost. Here are three dangerous situations any expecting couple may face.

1. Broken Sexual Identity

There are persons whose self-esteem is strongly determined by their sexual identity. The sexual identity, on its turn, is associated with fertility. If something goes wrong, you partner may be thinking like “I’m a useless woman” or “I’m not a real man”.

What Can You Do about It?

Try to support your spouse by making him or her understand that your partner is great whatever the quality of sperm or fallopian tube health. That works if your really care for your partner.

2. Deciding on Who’s the Leader in the Home

Some couples see pregnancy problem as a cause for fighting over the issue who’s the leader. Who should choose sex positions? Who should take care of contraception? Who should decide on the right pregnancy diet? But for the can’t-get-pregnant-problem, they would have picked up another cause.

What Can Be Done Instead?

Do the list together. You know, set a kind of a household policy. It may stir up some discussion. Well, you have your weekend to figure it all out. Remember that you are doing this for your future baby’s sake. But do you really need to decide on who is better for the leader’s role?

3. Pregnancy Problems or Mutual Claims

Not all marriages are for love. Sometimes, love springs up later. It may happen that spouses get attached to each other after having their own baby or making an adoption. The pregnancy problems may provoke aggression or obscenities towards a person you decided to build a family with. And what was the pregnancy problem at first evolves into mutual bitter reproaches like “You don’t need me, you need a child” or “You are hysteric, no wonder you had the miscarriage!”

What Would Help in this Situation?

Imagine you are 25 years from now and you are an empty-nester. Your son, or a daughter, has a big house and doesn’t want to have children (and that’s a person’s right to decide, by the way). Do you want to be together in twenty five years? It’s up to you. Or you think it is impossible to be happy in marriage?

You Do Have a Baby

Remember, if you plan to have a baby, your baby is already here. You are thinking and dreaming about your baby. You are arranging everything. You are talking about your future child even if you say nothing. At the back of your mind, you are a family now. However, family physiologists warn both parents against being too much focused on their kids. These parents sacrifice a lot, and the sacrifice won’t do any good for your kids in the first place. Trust family physiologists. They had a great experience.