Trying to conceive is not an easy time for everyone. Some folks get pregnant just thinking about it, while for others it can take months of timing intercourse and planning before you become pregnant. Either way, there are some rather simple things that you can do in the pre-conception period that will increase your chances of conception.

One of the most important things you can to increase your chances of conception AND ensure a healthy baby is to get yourself in optimal health. You should have a check-up with your physician, have blood work done to test routine things such as your thyroid function, and be as close to a healthy weight as possible. Making changes to increase your overall well-being by eating healthy and exercising regularly can go miles to increase your chances of conception. You should also make sure that you are getting enough rest and start taking a prenatal vitamin to boost vitamins and nutrient levels that may be low. When your body is healthy and in shape, your organ systems (including the reproductive system) and hormones are more in balance, which increases your chance of speedy conception. Also, don’t forget to talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking that could potentially be harmful to a developing fetus, or thwart your chances of conception. (Remember your partner should be in good health, as well!)

Another step that can increase your chances of conception is to become familiar with your monthly cycle. Some women have very regular cycles and some do not. It is very important for you to pay attention to changes in your body, and to be able to look for the signs of ovulation. Purchasing ovulation predictor kits can be a good way to start, as well as charting your basal body temperature. Understanding your monthly cycle – especially for those who are not regular – can take 2-3 months. However, knowing when you are ovulating, and knowing the best time to try for conception can help you get pregnant faster.

One thing that many women in particular do not recognize as a factor in conception is stress. Stress can cause many adverse effects on your body. Stress can cause weight gain, sleep problems, disruption in normal hormone levels, monthly cycle irregularity, and disruption of normal ovulation. Many women know that they have stress in their lives, but have not yet realized that the emotional and mental stress is manifesting physically. Controlling stress through meditation, yoga, diet, and exercise can help to reduce the bursts of stress hormones that result in diminished fertility. It is important to pay attention to your stress levels, and to take measures to control stress in your body. During preconception, many doctors focus on physical conditions. However, it is has been proven that mental and emotional health is also an important factor in conception. This explain the phenomenon of women TTC, who don’t get pregnant and then find that they do easily, once they stop trying so hard.

Your body is one system. When you are planning for conception, it is important to take care of all of you! Eat well, exercise regularly, pay attention to your body, and make sure that you aren’t suffering from excess amounts of stress.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.

Nutrition is important when you are trying to conceive. In fact, according to nutritionists the intricate balance of vitamins and minerals gained from foods that you consume can be the difference between the absence or presence of a little pink line on your pregnancy test. And this doesn’t just apply to women! Men and women who are trying to conceive need to pay attention to their health and wellbeing and make sure that their bodies are in optimal condition for reproduction.

If you are planning a baby, then use this list of the top 6 foods for fertility to improve your (and your partner’s) diet:

1.  Beans and lentils.  According to research at Harvard University, fertility is decreased in women who have the largest amounts of animal proteins in their diet, as opposed to plant-based proteins. Beans can offer your body complex plant proteins that can help you get pregnant. Beans and lentils, of all variations, provide you with essential nutrients your body needs.

2.  Whole milk. While a low-fat diet is healthy, experts suggest that WHOLE milk helps to ensure your ovaries are working properly. In fact, whole milk products such as ice cream, or milk straight from the glass can protect women from ovulatory infertility. Skim and low-fat milks have proven to do the opposite. So if you are TTC, plan on 2 servings of whole milk each day.

3.  Leafy greens. It has been known for decades that leafy greens are an essential part of a healthy diet. However, new research indicates the leafy greens such as turnips, spinach, broccoli, romaine etc. provide a hard-to-get B vitamin that boosts the production of sperm, helps to regulate ovulation and boosts your overall health.

4.  Pumpkin seeds. This easy and health snack has non-heme iron found in plants which is said to boost fertility by as much as 40%.

5.  Whole grains. Trade in all of your white grains and breads for whole wheat and you will be able to keep your insulin and blood sugar levels regulated. Balanced blood sugar and insulin is important to nearly all of your hormonal and bodily functions. Since whole grains are digested better by your body, they are certainly healthier and they can help to boost your fertility as decreased blood sugar balance impedes ovulation and sperm counts.

6.  Wild salmon. Wild salmon (as well as other fish) provides you with Omega-3 Fatty acids which help to regulate the blood flow to the reproductive organs. Plus, choices such as wild salmon are low in mercury. Try to eat an Omega-3-rich fish at least twice per week in replace of red meats for optimum health.

Of course, it is also essential to avoid trans fats that are often found in baked goods and fried foods. The best rule of thumb to follow is to eat only good foods that provide you with nutritional value. If a food is void of nutrients and minerals, then you should avoid it. Plus, eating healthy now will make it much easier to do once you become pregnant!

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.

A miscarriage can be one of the most devastating things for a couple to go through. If you have had several miscarriages over the course of a few years, laboratory tests are available to help you determine what the root cause might be.

One of the key hormones in pregnancy viability is progesterone. Progesterone and miscarriage are tightly linked, as in most women who miscarry have low levels of progesterone in early pregnancy. In fact, a simple blood test taken in early pregnancy that measures your progesterone levels has been found to be key in gauging pregnancy viability. For women who have suffered miscarriages, this can be great news and is definitely a test that they should ask for when they visit their health practitioner.

In fact, if you have bleeding, cramping or spotting in early pregnancy most doctors today will order an ultrasound to check the pregnancy. You should also ask for them to check your progesterone levels. If the progesterone levels are low in early pregnancy, it could mean there is a problem with the pregnancy. However, a study out of The University of Birmingham England, suggests that when progesterone levels are at normal or high range, the women normally go on to have a normal pregnancy.

Additionally, for women who have a history of first trimester miscarriage, progesterone supplements can be prescribed.  Most often, these supplements are taken until the end of the first trimester, and this has been a proven way to reduce the risk of first trimester miscarriage.

Why progesterone, you ask? In early pregnancy progesterone and estrogen play key roles in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. When you are not pregnant, and in the first trimester, progesterone is produced by your ovaries. However, as pregnancy progresses the progesterone production is taken over by the placenta. Having normal levels of progesterone keeps the lining of your uterus thick and healthy, optimal for pregnancy to be sustained. Any drop in the levels of progesterone can impact the health of the uterine lining, which in turn can lead to spotting, bleeding and ultimately miscarriage. This is just one reason that you should report any early bleeding or cramping to your physician. If given in a timely manner, progesterone supplements can help you to maintain your pregnancy.

The link between progesterone and miscarriage is good news for those trying to conceive, especially if you have a history of miscarriage. If you become pregnant after a miscarriage, ask your doctor to check your progesterone levels. This simple test could be the difference between a viable pregnancy and heartbreak.

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 you decide you want to have a baby, most people want to have a baby right away. The problem is that your body is not designed that way, and you will suddenly realize the importance of that always dreaded monthly cycle of yours. Each month that you have your period, you go through several different phases. And not ALL of these phases are fertile times for you.

Typically speaking, a woman is only fertile during ovulation. Ovulation ‘normally’ occurs at the halfway mark of your cycle. So if you have a 28 day cycle, then you should ovulate around Day 14. Keep in mind however that you may ovulate sooner or later – and that the egg can survive in the uterine environment for several days without being fertilized. This is just one reason why the withdrawal method, or cycle counting method is not reliable as birth control.

If you don’t get pregnant in the first month, don’t despair. There are tons of over the counter fertility predictors as well as methods such as measuring your basal body temperature that can help tip the odds in your favor. Additionally, the following fertility tips will help to optimize your body for pregnancy.

1. Be at your optimum weight. It is not secret that being overweight or underweight has an affect on your body, and can hinder your fertility. People that are extremely underweight often have a very difficult time getting pregnant.
2. Lay off caffeine and alcohol. Experts believe that a mom wanting to conceive should stay under 250 mgs of caffeine per day, and drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day. Any more, and research lends toward the chance that your fertility could be lessened.
3. Have sex. It might be counter intuitive, but fertility research shows that while sperm counts stay approximately the same when you and your partner try to ‘save up’ for ovulation day – the mobility (meaning how well the sperm can swim to find the egg) goes down. So have frequent sex, and make sure to start having sex 6 days prior to and six days after your expected ‘ovulation’ period.
4. Avoid lubricants that may contain a spermicide.
5. Quit smoking! Both the hopeful mother and father should quit smoking while trying to get pregnant in order to make your body the optimum environment for pregnancy.

Most importantly, make sure that you relax and enjoy this ‘baby creating’ time with your partner. The last thing you want to do is zap the fun out of your sexual escapades by making them all about baby creation. Experts also advise couples to give it time, and be patient. If you know you want to have a baby – then you and your partner should take care to ensure that your bodies are in the best shape possible.  A healthy you (and dad to be) helps to make a healthy baby.

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.

A chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that occurs within the first five weeks of pregnancy. At this early stage of gestation, the only way to confirm a pregnancy is with a biochemical test. Ultrasounds are unable to detect pregnancy before week six.

It is estimated that around half of all first pregnancies end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancy is thought to make up the majority of miscarriages that occur early in the pregnancy.

What causes a chemical pregnancy?
There are a number of known possible causes for chemical pregnancies, including:

• Fetal chromosomal abnormality

• Uterine abnormality

• Hormone deficiency

• Fibroids

How are chemical pregnancies diagnosed?
Most women will not realise they are pregnant so early in the pregnancy, and so the chemical pregnancy may go undiagnosed. Women who are actively trying to conceive, especially those who are monitoring their ovulation and menstrual cycles, are more likely to be aware that they have experienced a chemical pregnancy. Symptoms of chemical pregnancy include:

• Late period

• A positive pregnancy test

• Decreasing hCG levels

To diagnose a chemical pregnancy, your healthcare provider will test your hCG levels on two separate occasions. This will be done by either blood or urine tests. At the start of pregnancy, hCG levels increase rapidly. If the tests show that your hCG levels are decreasing, this will confirm that you are not pregnant. In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be required to give a more final diagnosis.

Most women find that their uterus will spontaneously abort the pregnancy. This will be similar to a normal menstrual cycle. Some women find the bleeding is heavier or last longer, and others report that they experienced a lighter bleed than normal.

Why do I feel so sad?
The use of early pregnancy home testing kits means you are more likely to be aware of a chemical pregnancy. If you have been trying to conceive for some time, or were excited to discover you were pregnant, being diagnosed with a chemical pregnancy can be devastating. The loss or grief you may be experiencing is real, no matter how early the miscarriage occurred. Speak to your partner, and close friends and family for support.

Getting pregnant again
Chemical pregnancies do not lead to any side effects or long term damage. In fact, you are encouraged to start trying to get pregnant again as soon as you feel emotionally ready. Most women go on to have healthy pregnancies.

If you have suffered multiple chemical pregnancies, you should speak to your healthcare provider for advice.

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.

Around 10 per cent of women have fertility problems. This means one in 10 couples will have trouble either getting or staying pregnant. Of this 10 per cent, the causes of fertility problems can be categorised into three main areas. A third will be caused by female fertility problems, a third by male fertility problems, and the remaining third will be caused either by both male and female issues, or the cause will remain unknown. Women trying to conceive are understandably interested in common fertility problems in women, and whether they may be affected.

There are a number of common fertility problems in women including:

• Endometriosis – small pieces of the lining of the womb are found outside the womb. This chronic condition can cause painful periods, abdominal pain and fertility problems, but it may also be asymptomatic. This condition affects between 10 and 15 per cent of women during their reproductive years. If treatment is needed, surgery and drug therapy are both viable options. For severe cases of endometriosis, 40 per cent of women conceived within 15 months following surgery. Endometriosis is the cause of infertility in around 30 per cent of women with infertility problems.

• Ovulation problems – this refers to any condition that prevents a mature egg developing in the ovaries. Symptoms include absent or irregular periods. Fertility drugs and IVF are both possible solutions.

• Poor egg quality – there are no symptoms for this condition. It is diagnosed during the course of fertility testing by your healthcare provider. Possible solutions include IVF using donor eggs.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – this condition affects how the ovaries work. It can be characterised by cysts developing around the ovaries, a lack of ovulation and either a higher level of male hormones, or more active male hormones than is normal. Symptoms include acne, excessive body hair, irregular or light periods, weight gain and trouble conceiving. Some overweight women find that simply losing weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle will allow ovulation to return. Other solutions include fertility drugs or IVF.

• Fallopian tubes – blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent pregnancy. This can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia and other sexual infections and sterilisation. There are no symptoms for blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. Surgery can be used to repair the tubes and clear any blockage. If surgery is not a viable option due to the severity of the condition, IVF may be a better option to achieve pregnancy.

It can take up to two years for a perfectly healthy couple to conceive naturally. If you are over 35 or have known fertility problems, you should see your healthcare provider after six months of trying to conceive without success. If you are younger than 35, you are not advised to seek medical help until you have been actively trying for a year.

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.

If you’re trying for a baby, chances are, you’re worried it won’t happen for you. As each month passes, and another period comes, you’re probably becoming disheartened, but don’t worry because slow conception isn’t always an indication of fertility problems.

How long will it take to get pregnant?
If 100 women all started to actively try to get pregnant from today, the following averages would apply to conception:

• 25% within the first month

• 60% in six months

• 75% in nine months

• 80% in the first year

• 90% within eighteen months

• 95% within two years

It can take up to two years for a perfectly healthy couple to conceive, so try not to worry too much if you aren’t having any luck getting pregnant before then.

What can delay conception
There are a variety of factors that can delay conception, such as:

• Your age – if you are 35 or over, you are more likely to suffer fertility problems, and this risk increases further once you reach 40.

• Your partner’s age – although male fertility decreases later and more slowly than women’s, it could still be the cause of your delayed conception. Men aged 41 and over have an increased risk of fertility problems.

• Diet, lifestyle and job – this applies to both you and your partner. Poor diets, unhealthy lifestyle and excessive work stress can all increase the risk of fertility problems. In simple terms, you need to take care of yourself to make a baby.

• Chronic illness – if you suffer from chronic illnesses, you may be more likely to face problems trying to conceive. Speak to your GP if this applies to you.

It can take up to two years to conceive and not indicate any fertility problems. After one year of trying, you can go to see your GP to ask about your options, but they may simply send you away with the advice to keep trying. Depending on your age and fertility risk factors, they may agree to perform tests to determine if there are any fertility problems delayed pregnancy. If you are over 35, or have a history of polycystic ovaries, you should seek help before one year of trying.

In the meantime, try not to fret each month away. Enjoy your sex life, try to have sex every few days to maximise your chances of conceiving.

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.

For many people, pregnancy comes as a surprise. However, if you are planning for conception, there are some makeovers to your preconception diet that will ensure you are at your healthiest when you do conceive.

The following foods can help ensure that both YOU and your baby have a healthy start right from the beginning:

1.  Eat your GREENS:  Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli have tunes of B vitamins and essential folate that can help to ward off neural defects that often occur in the earliest stages of pregnancy. By bumping up your intake of leafy greens before pregnancy, you reduce the risks of birth defects.

2.  Drink your milk! Opt for low-fat options, and let milk products boost calcium levels. It takes your body a while to build up and retain calcium, and most women are lacking in this essential nutrient. By drinking milk in the months or weeks prior to conception you can help ensure your baby has a strong skeletal system. If you don’t like dairy, find other foods such as fish, and broccoli that also contain high amounts of calcium.

3.  Avoid Alcohol! Go ahead and start abstaining from alcoholic beverages in the weeks prior to conception. Alcohol can affect your baby’s nervous system development even before you have missed your first period. Cleansing your body of alcohol in the pre-conception period ensures your health is in an optimal condition as well.

5.  Increase your phytonutrients!  Phytonutrients are nutrients that come from plant based foods, such as blueberries and raspberries. More importantly, they have tons of vitamin C. Since most women are Vitamin C deficient, experts recommend boosting your diet with food-based derivatives of Vitamin C. Plus, Vitamin C deficiencies have been linked to premature delivery.

6.  Avoid certain fish products. Shark, mackerel, and tilefish have high levels of mercury. Mercury builds up in the body and can be harmful to a fetus. If you are a fish lover, take heart – as there are plenty of low-mercury fish options available that have the necessary Omega-3 fatty acids to improve your health.

Of course, you should also quit smoking and make sure you are exercising regularly. It is in your best interest to be at a healthy weight prior to getting pregnant. Planning early, and following tips from the pre-conception diet, can help to avoid health problems during pregnancy and make sure that your baby is given the best chances at healthy development.

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.

From the start of your pregnancy, a hormone called human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) is produced by the fertilised egg. The amount of hCG in your body increases rapidly during the first trimester, but starts to decrease as you progress further into the pregnancy.

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG levels in your urine. Some tests are more responsive than others and are able to detect lower levels of hCG to give a positive result.

When to take a home pregnancy test
To get the most accurate results, you should wait until the day your period is due to take a pregnancy test. If you have irregular periods, you should base it on your longest cycle of recent months.

Although it is possible to buy tests for use before a missed period, some women choose to avoid these. Spontaneous miscarriages are common in very early pregnancy, and many occur before the pregnancy is known about. These spontaneous miscarriages are not indicative of fertility problems, and it is not known why they occur. Most go unnoticed, but some of these pregnancies are picked up by early pregnancy tests. These are known as chemical pregnancies, and many women choose to avoid using early pregnancy tests to avoid them.

hCG levels are highest first thing in the morning, so you should try to take the test with your first bathroom break of the day.

How to take the test
This will depend upon the home pregnancy test you have chosen, so you should follow the instructions provided with your test. The method may vary between manufacturers, and the results may be inaccurate if the test is taken incorrectly.
Reading the results
The instructions will state a length of time to wait before reading the test, this is to ensure that the test has had time to work and that the results will be readable. You should set a timer, and put the test out of sight while you wait for the results.

The instructions will tell you how to read the test, so make sure you have read them carefully before attempting to decipher the results. Most tests have a control line and a result line. If the result line is present when you read the test, no matter how faint or dark it is, then you are pregnant.

A negative test will show only the control line, and the result line will not be visible. The instructions will state a maximum amount of time the reading is accurate for (usually around 10 minutes), after this the test should be discarded. If the result was negative, but your period has still not started you may wish to test again in a few days.

Some fertility medication may cause a false positive result because of the use of hCG. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacy to see if your fertility medication contains hCG, and how to get an accurate result.

I’m pregnant, what now?
Congratulations, you should contact your healthcare provider to discuss your pregnancy, and to get advice for what happens next.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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.

When pregnancy doesn’t occur right away, couples begin wondering who is to blame.  After a month or two of perfectly timed sex without conception, it is normal to entertain thoughts that you might be one of the millions of couples considered ‘infertile.’  Being worried about infertility is a very common concern of couples who are trying to become pregnant.

In around two-thirds of couples, the problem is female related.  However, in most cases of BOTH male and female infertility (69% to be exact) the problems are caused by environmental, lifestyle, endocrine, hormonal or physical factors that affect the female reproductive organs or sperm quality in the male.

The good news is that with so many common problems with fertility caused by outside environmental factors – they can be fixed with safe and natural supplements, diet, exercise, and holistic methods of realigning and balancing the body that increase your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Environmental factors that can impede fertility can be things like smoking (as well as second hand smoke), exposure to toxins, addictions to alcohol or drugs and even prescription medications.  Poor diet, being over weight and stress are also common issues that decrease your chances of getting pregnant.

Keep in mind that hormonal balance in both men and women is critical to getting pregnant.  Both egg and sperm require intricate hormonal releases in order for fertilization, conception, and uterine implantation to take place.  From there, further chemical reactions are necessary in order for the uterus to hang on to the fertilized egg and begin growing your baby.

There are millions of tiny chemical processes that must take place in order to become pregnant. If you have been trying to get pregnant without success, don’t lose hope!  First make lifestyle changes that ensure you and your partner are in optimal health.  And, no matter what you are going through – make sure that you stay positive and have faith in your pregnancy goals.

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.