Naming your baby can be difficult. There are some women who aren’t sure about their baby name until its time to sign the birth certificate, while others have known since they were 9 years old what they would name their son or their daughter. And every year, it doesn’t help to have so many celebrities naming their children outlandish names that can have us ‘regular folk’ thinking outside of the box.

Each year, it is fun to look back and see what the most popular names of the year were. Will your baby be among the popular names, or have you chosen a name that is lesser known? Is your one of a kind name as unpopular as you really think?

Today, we present you with the top baby names of 2013.  Is the name you chose on this list?

If you are having or had a girl, you will find it interesting to know the top girl names of the year. Looking at the list, it looks as though several of the names came from the hit TV show, Dance Moms. Even more interesting is that several of the names in the top 10 were popular names in the 1920’s, which definitely shows that what comes around goes around when it comes to baby names.

1.  Sophia

2. Emma

3. Olivia

4. Isabella

5. Mia

6. Ava

7.  Lily

8.  Zoe

9.  Emily

10. Chloe

And for the boys, the top 10 names of the years also have historic roots. According to the Huffington Post, the top 4 names of 2013 were also on the top 10 list back in 1941 and many of them have biblical roots. Since many parents admit today that they are trying to find names with meaning, this list only makes sense. So what were the top 10 boys names of 2013?

1.  Jackson

2. Aiden

3.  Liam

4.  Lucas

5.  Noah

6.  Mason

7.  Jayden

8.  Ethan

9.  Jacob

10. Jack

So confess!  Are you naming your baby any of these names, or do you have something more unique to share? When picking a baby name do you look for names with meaning, or do you choose a name based on the way it sounds? And is it important to you to utilize family names when naming your baby?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

When it comes to infertility, finding the reason for it is the most important factor. Since both men and women can have issues that lead to infertility, we break down the MOST COMMON infertility issues in both men and women.  

In women, the most common causes of infertility are:

• Anovulation – Most common in women with irregular periods.  Essentially, this means there is a problem with ovulation where an egg does not mature, is not released, or cannot be implanted in the uterus.
• Tubal Issues – Blockages in the fallopian tubes that restrict the fertilized egg from making its way to the uterus for implantation.  Clear fallopian tubes are essential for natural pregnancy to occur.
• Unhealthy Uterus – Sometimes structural defects in the uterus make it difficult for implantation to occur.  Additionally, fibroid cysts, polyps, or adhesions may be the problem.
• Problems with Cervical Mucous – In order for sperm to survive in there must be adequate cervical mucous (increased by hormones during ovulation).  This mucous also helps the sperm and egg to travel throughout the female reproductive organs.
• Endometriosis / Adhesions – This can be present in any of the reproductive organs.  Most women are aware they have these problems, as they often require surgery or tremendous amounts of pain.
• Genetic Problems

In men, the most common causes of infertility are as follows:  

• Genital Abnormalities – This may be with the penis, testicles or inner workings of the male genitalia.  These can sometimes cause blockages in the seminal tract.
• Low Sperm Quality – This can indicate that the sperm do not move well, are not shaped properly, or are not ejaculated in high enough amounts.
• Varicocele – An enlargement of the certain veins and reduces sperm production.
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Genetic Problems

For both men and women with problems like these, there are treatments available.  For very problematic cases, surgery is necessary and in some cases – can completely reverse infertility. Without underlying medical conditions or problems, most OBGYN’s will not send their patients to a fertility doctor until a couple has been trying to conceive for 6 months or more.

No matter what – KEEP HEART. Stay faithful! And always keep your heart and mind focused on your ultimate goal of conception.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.

Today, many women are delaying pregnancy until their early or late 30’s according to new statistics from the CDC.  In fact, in the United States and Canada, new mothers in their 30’s comprise over one-third of the population of expectant mothers each and every year.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnancy after age 35 automatically makes the pregnancy ‘high risk,’ according to medical definitions, and will require extra prenatal care as well as procedures that surpass that for women under the age of 35.

Delaying pregnancy increases the risks and complications during pregnancy, for sure. While it is important to understand the risks and be able to assess your predisposition to such risks, it is also vital to understand that with good prenatal care, many, many women experience healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy full term babies.

The biological clock is one that has no reset button.  One risk for delaying pregnancy is the fact that you may experience fertility issues.  Around half of all women over the age of 33, experience some frustrations with fertility.  Not only is there a reduced amount of healthy eggs during ovulation – but many women do not ovulate on a normal basis, as in every month.  So this can mean that it takes longer to get pregnancy, or that medical fertility treatments can become necessary.

So what are the risks?  

• It can be more difficult to get pregnant, because ovulation is less predictable.  Additionally, the chance of twins is higher.
• Gestational diabetes is more common in older women.
• There are more cesarean births in women over the age of 35 than in their younger counterparts.
• Chromosomal abnormalities are more common, quite simply because eggs are older.
• Risk of miscarriage is much higher the older you get (for multiple reasons).
• The risk of developing high blood pressure is higher.

Still, there is no reason to feel panic just because you are of ‘advanced age.’ The real statistic that you should pay attention to is the one from the Mayo Clinic that says 95% of all women over the age of 35, deliver healthy, happy babies, and have healthy pregnancies.

What about you?  Did you wait to have babies?  If so, tell us about your experiences.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.