Common Myths Surrounding In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertilization process that occurs outside of the female’s body. The ovum or ova is removed from the body and artificially fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The zygote is implanted into the uterus, which creates a pregnancy. There are many facts and myths to clarify about the IVF procedure.

IVF Involves Using the Same Method in All Facilities

In fact, over a dozen methods are used to fertilize eggs in vitro. Natural IVF includes several forms, such as the use of drugs or no drugs, a frozen embryo transfer or the use of a GnRH antagonist protocol. Other methods include ovarian hyperstimulation, final maturation induction and co-incubation.

Certain Foods Increase Your Chances of Pregnancy

Some women claim that eating pineapple or Brazil nuts can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Despite the healthy enzymes and chemicals in these foods, this theory is not proven to benefit the process of embryo implantation.

IVF Is Only Recommended for Infertility

A couple that can conceive but suffers from genetic disorders can pursue an IVF treatment. This is done to prevent the child from developing a serious disorder. IVF is available to any couple who cannot conceive naturally and need assistance.

IVF is the Only Solution to Get Pregnant

There are the additional methods of surrogacy, sperm injections and medication use. Surrogacy is the process of transferring the egg into another woman’s body or using the surrogate’s own egg. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves injecting sperm directly into the egg using a medical instrument. Fertility medications are taken to stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries.

Multiple Births Are a Risk Factor

This side effect occurs only when multiple embryos are transferred out of the body. This practice is not recommended because it could lead to short-term and long-term pregnancy complications. Many countries have strict restrictions to the number of embryo transfers that can be made. However, there are widespread problems with a lack of compliance with the law.

IVF has numerous rules and regulations that vary by country. In addition, society has countless superstitions and myths about pregnancy. It’s important to distinguish fact from fiction for any couple that’s struggling to conceive and is considering in vitro fertilization.

What is Postpartum Depression

Childbirth can be an emotional experience for new parents. As you settle in with your bundle of joy, you might encounter something unexpected – depression. Postpartum depression is often left undiscussed but affects many parents. What separates this from postpartum “baby blues”? Sometimes a rare but more severe condition called postpartum psychosis can develop. 

Defining Postpartum Depression

By definition by the National Institute of Mental Health, postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women and birthing parents after childbirth. New parents often experience “baby blues” after childbirth, where they might experience mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The symptoms of postpartum depression may be similar but tend to be more severe and last longer, sometimes interfering with your ability to care for your baby and complete other daily tasks.  

Symptoms

Parents can experience depressed mood or severe mood swings, excessive crying, and difficulty bonding with their baby. Other common symptoms include changes in appetite, social withdrawal, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms will usually begin within the first few weeks after giving birth but may begin earlier (during pregnancy) or later, up to a year after birth. More severe symptoms may occur, such as thoughts of harming oneself or the baby, and these require serious and immediate attention. 

Causes

Physical changes and emotional issues play a role in postpartum depression, but there is no single cause for the condition. Hormonal changes after childbirth, such as dramatic drops in levels of progesterone and estrogen, may contribute to postpartum depression. Your risk of developing postpartum depression may increase if you have a history of depression or other mood disorders.

Treatments

Fortunately, postpartum depression is treatable.Treatment and recovery time will vary depending on your individual needs and the severity of the depression. Your medical provider will work on treating the underlying causes and may refer you to a mental health professional. Generally, treatment for depression includes psychotherapy, medication, or both. It is important to continue treatment even after you begin to feel better, as stopping treatment too early may lead to relapse.  Left untreated, postpartum depression can last for many months or longer. 

Constantly Evolving: How the Female Body Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy delivers a host of changes to a woman’s body. Some are visible and commonly expected, such as weight gain and an expanding belly; others are less well-known, such as increasing breast size. Some changes are well-known but invisible, such as backaches, morning sickness, and an enlarged uterus. Awareness of the changes, both visible and invisible, can help you prepare for your body’s adjustments during pregnancy.

Oral Health

A common pregnancy complaint is bleeding gums, which can open a portal to oral infections. With the immune system tamping down, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene. This will prevent the gums becoming inflamed, or gingivitis. While some women are nervous about visiting the dentist while they are pregnant, it is safe to receive dental X-rays with the caveat that the belly must be shielded properly from radiation.

Nails and Hair

Hair and nails tend to grow faster during pregnancy. An increase in estrogen creates an increase in the hair follicles’ growing phase, often creating a result of healthier and thicker hair. Hair may also increase in less desired places, such as the stomach, upper lip, nipples, and back. This excess hair is shed after giving birth. Nails tend to become more coarse in texture, causing them to become more soft and brittle. This can lead to nails splitting more easily. Like hair, the nails have a tendency to grow faster during pregnancy.

Skin

Three main skin changes are possible during pregnancy: stretch marks, a rosy complexion, and pigment changes known as chloasma or melasma. Stretch marks tend to itch and are purplish, pinkish lines that are particularly prone to appear on the breasts, posterior, thighs, and abdomen. The rosy complexion, or pregnancy glow, may appear due to the skin receiving an increase in blood circulation. Pigment changes, or pregnancy’s mask, are another common occurrence due to melanin increasing.

Heartburn

During pregnancy, the muscles that are used to break down food grow more relaxed. Changes in hormones also contribute to slowing down this process. Further, food remains in the stomach for a longer duration to allow the body more time for absorption of nutrients. Each or all of these factors can be the cause of heartburn or make it worse.

Top 4 Pregnancy Podcasts

Being pregnant is an exciting time for expectant parents, but it can also be a lot of new information and uncertainty, especially when it’s the first child. Parents often turn to books for what to expect, but if you’ve tried all of them and still want to know more, try a podcast! There are entire series dedicated to the topic of pregnancy, parenthood, and everything in between, and you can even listen to them while you’re work or in the car.

 

If you’re new to podcasts but looking to try one out, consider one of these:

 

Birthful

Although the host Adriana Lozada isn’t a doctor, her guests come from various medical backgrounds, and they cover a wide range of subjects, drawing on their professional knowledge as well as their own personal experiences. The topics include not just pregnancy, but also the birthing process, breastfeeding, postpartum, and parenting, and each episode is meant to provide tips and tools that new parents can utilize and fit to their own lifestyles. As a birth doula and mother, Adriana’s tone is conversational and knowledgeable, and offers many different perspectives that anyone can enjoy.

 

Pregnancy Confidential

At only thirty-two podcasts, each one between ten and twenty minutes, Pregnancy Confidential is an easy way to learn about the physical, emotional, and lifestyle markers of that week of pregnancy. From the editors of Parents, Fit Pregnancy, and Baby magazines, this podcast feels more like a conversation among friends that slip right into your day.

 

Not By Accident

Not By Accident is hosted by Sophie Harper, and in each episode, she talks about what it’s like to be a single mother by choice. This may ring true for parents in similar situations, but it’s also a great podcast for anyone who loves storytelling in general to take a listen to. There are only thirty-four episodes so far, and each one is honest and poignant.

 

Rockstar Birth Radio

Shalome Stone is seeking to reframe the narrative of being pregnant, and take it from something scary to enriching and inspiring, and she uses her podcast Rockstar Birth Radio to do it. Instead of pain and fear, Shalome Stone wants each mother to embrace the experience and find joy in the process of growing a baby. It’s empowering and uplifting, with wisdom from experienced mothers, as well as the stories of the births of their children. There is information about almost any kind of birth experience you can imagine, and provides a community that expectant mothers can truly find a place with.

3 Ways to Change Your Workout While Pregnant

Being pregnant means a lot of changes, to your body, to your mindset, to your lifestyle. One of these ways includes how you exercise, because now you have the added weight of a growing baby.

 

If you’re trying something new or at all unsure about how your exercise routine will affect your baby, definitely consult your doctor before doing so. Otherwise, here are a few suggestions about how to maintain a healthy workout routine while pregnant:

 

Use Lighter Weights

Lifting is one of the best exercises anyone can do for their bodies, including pregnant women! Expectant mothers who did moderate-intensity resistance training about three days a week for thirty minutes each had lower rates of hypertension and diabetes when compared to other pregnant women. Just make sure to use lighter weights so you’re not overexerting yourself. That and holding your breath can put too much pressure on your abdomen muscles and pelvic floor, both of which are already strained because of the baby.

 

Use the Talk Test

Yes, your Fitbit will give you an approximation of how hard your heart is working, but pregnancy actually creates changes throughout your cardiovascular system you might not be completely aware of. For that reason, use the talk test to find a moderate intensity. The talk test, essentially, is the idea that it should not take you more than a minute to catch your breath and hold a normal conversation. If it does take more than that, you’re probably overworking yourself.

 

Skip the Abs and High-Impact

Contrary to any other time in your life, you don’t really need to focus on your abs when you’re pregnant. Because of your expanding belly, ab exercises can even be harmful when you’re far enough along. Your body is already working to make room for the growing baby, so crunches and other similar exercises are only going to add to the stress that area of the body is already experiencing.

 

In terms of high-impact, it’s not a matter of safety for the baby. The padding should be more than enough to protect it, but too much impact can weaken the pelvic floor, which leads to a whole host of other problems that are best to avoid.

 

Keep an eye out for symptoms, too, which are definite signs you need to take a pause and talk to your doctor before continuing. Pain, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and amniotic fluid leakage, among other symptoms, are all signs to watch for while exercising.

Top 5 Fertility Tips

Lots of women become pregnant without needing to do much more than have sex that one time. For others, it can be a more difficult and even emotional process, especially if the woman has been trying for some time without success.

 

Although each woman’s life and situation is different, and each pregnancy, in turn, is different, here are a few tips that doctors recommend for women looking to become pregnant. Please consult your primary care physician before trying anything different your routine, however, to remain safe.

 

Consider counseling.

If you’re picturing a couch and a psychologist asking “And how does that make you feel?” you’re thinking of the wrong kind. Instead, women looking to become pregnant should receive pre-conception counseling about two to three months before trying, and this can be done with your OB-GYN. Pre-conception counseling is a conversation where your doctor will ask about your goals in getting pregnant, as well as take that time to screen you for potentially harmful conditions. By receiving counseling early, you’re able to find warning signs before they develop further.

 

Get checked out.

Both you and your partner should see a doctor, to make sure your vaccinations are all up to date, in particular. Getting sick while pregnant could lead to a higher risk of complications. By making sure both you and your partner are in the best possible health, you are creating the optimal condition to make a baby.

 

Quit the caffeine.

You could also stand to benefit from abstaining from alcohol and any kind of drugs. In general, though, if you shouldn’t have something while you’re pregnant, it might be a good idea to kick the habit beforehand. And, remember—energy drinks have caffeine, too! Not just coffee!

 

It’s also advisable to not be in the same vicinity as anyone who partakes in smoking. No matter how you ingest the smoke, second-hand or not, it could hurt your chances of becoming pregnant without complications.

 

Stay active.

This is just good life advice in general, but it’s especially true when gearing up to grow another human. The goal is to have thirty minutes of cardio five or six days each week. This is to keep your heart healthy and your weight at a manageable level. If you’re worried about the intensity affecting your fertility, talk with your doctor about the best exercises to do instead of your usual routine. Overall, though, if your period cycle is regular, you won’t need to change too much.

 

It’s okay to feel stressed.

The idea that you need to be completely serene and at peace to conceive a child has no basis in science. So if you’re feeling guilty because you’re always busy, but you still want to have a baby, don’t feel like you’re cheating yourself out of your chance. Anxiety is normal, and it won’t ruin your chances of having a healthy child.

 

3 Tips for Running a Business While Pregnant

Being pregnant comes with lots of challenges: swollen feet, morning sickness, the inability to engage in certain physical activities, and the fact that you’re literally growing another human being. That’s no easy task, and running a business on top of that physical stress makes it even harder.

 

Thankfully, in today’s day and age, women can often do both throughout the term of their pregnancies. Here are a few ways that might help:

 

Bring pregnancy into the conversation.

Often, talking about pregnancy and maternity is considered a no-no in a corporate setting. Women who are pregnant are not acknowledged as such; it’s just not as important in comparison to team-building exercises or the latest numbers in a report. However, given how taxing a pregnancy often is, even at its best, make pregnancy and maternity talk part of the conversation. Introduce the topic and don’t look back.

 

This will also help make it easier for colleagues who become pregnant in the future. Pregnancy doesn’t have to be and, more to the point, shouldn’t be a taboo.

 

Review parental leave policies thoroughly.

Start-ups, in particular, are not known for their generous time off for new mothers, but they are often known for wanting to implement considerate policies for both new mothers and fathers alike. If your company doesn’t have a formal policy in place yet because it’s so young, get those details squared away now rather than waiting until your third trimester.

 

Keep in mind the transition back to work, too, as new parents move back into the workforce. It’s an adjustment going from full-time parent to a full-time employee, and allowing for that period of time will only be to your benefit and your employees’.

 

Remind yourself that you can’t do everything.

No one likes doing this. We all want to be the one who can do it all, but the truth is, we can’t, and it’s better to recognize that now. Being pregnant will require flexibility in your expectations of yourself and of your work routine. Working twelve hours a day is a lot to ask, so be upfront and honest with your team about your limitations. Doing so will keep you healthier in the process because you will be taking care of yourself and your baby, rather than stressing yourself out trying to finish one last report. Prioritizing your daily tasks will make your life so much easier.

 

The bottom line: your body is going to need certain things to successfully grow a baby, and your job is to listen to it, especially if you’re running a business at the same time.

 

Disclaimer: As always, make sure to speak with your medical practitioner about the best practices for you.

Top 3 Questions You’re Embarrassed to Ask Your OB-GYN

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For first-time and veteran mothers alike, pregnancy can bring up a variety of questions that might feel a little awkward asking out loud. The good news is that most women have had those same questions at some point and that there are answers from trained professionals.

 

Here are some questions about pregnancy you may have wanted to ask but felt too nervous to do so:

 

How Likely Is a Bowel Movement During Delivery?

This fear comes up frequently with new mothers, to the point where they can become so fixated on not having a bowel movement that it inhibits their ability to push.

 

It’s actually extremely common to have a bowel movement during labor, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. There’s a simple reason why it happens: the same muscles a woman uses to push a baby out of her uterus are the same ones she uses when having a bowel movement. With the added weight on her colon and rectum as the baby moves through the birth canal, it’s a very natural bodily reaction.

 

While it may seem embarrassing, keep in mind that childbirth is a very private affair. Doctors are not only undaunted by this, but generally expect it. They’re trained professionals and their primary concern is making sure the mother and baby are healthy throughout the entire pregnancy and delivery.

 

Will My Vagina Be Stretched After I Give Birth?

Not really. Believe it or not, vaginas have muscle memory. The vagina is also made to accommodate childbirth; in other words, it stretches during childbirth and then contracts to its normal size. If a woman wants to strengthen her pelvic floor muscles, there are Kegel exercises, though make sure to check with a doctor first before trying them.

 

Why Does Sex Hurt After Birth?

Having a baby is hard work! With childbirth comes natural trauma to the vaginal area, and it needs time to heal. It’s natural for the sex drive to decrease, given how exhausting caring for a newborn can be. On top of that, if mothers choose to breastfeed, that can change her hormone levels as well, particularly her estrogen levels. This can lead to problems with lubrication. One potential solution is to use a lubricant, as well as giving the body time to adjust postpartum.

 

If the pain continues to exist months after birth, however, it’s best to speak to a doctor to make sure there aren’t any lasting issues.

10 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Dr. Lori Gore-GreenFor many women, one of the most exciting times is becoming pregnant and getting ready for the arrival of the baby. Many women prepare by setting up a nursery or planning a baby shower. To ensure that your child is strong and healthy, there are a few important tips to follow for the next nine months.

  1. Take a Multivitamin

Taking a multivitamin will ensure that both you and your baby are getting enough nutrients during the pregnancy with vitamins that may not be in your diet. Folic acid, calcium, and iron are also essential to develop the neural cord, which becomes the brain and spinal cord.

  1. Monitor Your Weight

Purchase a scale and weigh yourself each week to avoid putting your baby at risk of a low weight if you gain too much. A normal weight gain is between 25 to 30 pounds.

  1. Prepare for Delivery

Educate yourself and prepare for delivery by taking a childbirth class where you’ll learn what to expect after you go into labor. This will allow you to practice breathing exercises and even report birth defects that have occurred in your family history.

  1. Stay Active

Although it may be easy to slow down after becoming pregnant, it’s important to exercise three to five times a week to maintain your weight and increase your blood circulation. Opt for workouts that include pilates, yoga, or swimming and attempt to work out for 30 minutes each day.

  1. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Wear shoes that have proper support on your feet and don’t put you at risk of falling as you begin to carry the baby.

  1. Sleep on Your Side

Avoid putting excess pressure on your baby as you sleep at night by avoiding sleeping on your back or stomach. Opt for sleeping on your left side, which will allow more nutrients and blood to reach the placenta.

  1. Practice Kegels

Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by performing Kegels each day to support your uterus, bladder, and bowels. This will help you during the pushing process after you go into labor.

  1. Eat Foods That Contain Folate

To increase your health during your pregnancy, opt for consuming foods that are rich in folate, which will allow the neural tube to develop correctly and covers the spinal cord. Consume foods that include asparagus, orange juice, cereal, and lentils.

  1. Consume Less Caffeine

Instead of relying on coffee to get energy during your pregnancy, you can maintain your health by reaching for fruit instead. The natural sugars that are available in the food will allow you to recharge without consuming caffeine, which is considered to be a psychoactive drug.

  1. Pay Attention to Pain

Know when to call the doctor by paying close attention to any pain that you may be experiencing. Contractions at 20-minute intervals and strong cramps can be a cause of concern and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Contraception, Reproductive Health Are Economic Issues

Opened_Oral_Birth_ControlFor parents within the United States, particularly women, reproductive health is an economic issue. Both mothers and fathers are quick to describe parenthood as a life-changing feat, an adventure, or the most fulfilling commitment you’ll ever have, but they rarely readily address the countless expenses attached to parenthood.

From birth until adulthood, children can cost parents approximately $245,340 (or $304,480, adjusted for projected inflation) for middle-income, husband-wife families, according to the latest annual “Cost of Raising A Child” report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Expensive, particularly during the time of economic instability, children can add to financial struggle. That’s in addition to the emotional investment that’s tied to the decision to start a family and put parenthood planning into action. The ability to decide and plan for a family drives major economic conversations, which is why the decision of politicians and policymakers pointedly affects women, impacting personal freedom and contraception access, which is directly tied to economic security.

Economic security is fundamental for survival, whether one is choosing to have a family or not, particularly for contraception-users who are sexually active and of childbearing age. Nonetheless, state legislation sometimes misses the importance of access to reproductive care, including birth control and abortion. Of course, this shrugs off the fact that health care and birth control is very important to many American women, who want control over their reproductive health.

American women have face challenges in this regard, dealing with restricted access to healthcare, the defunding of Planned Parenthood, and stripping public funded health programs –which is an affront to the basic economic realities. Approximately 70 percent of voters recognize that true economic security lies with access to affordable reproductive healthcare, as well as equal pay, paid time off to care for families, and affordable childcare.

Across political parties and races, constituents feelings about abortion care, but there’s a recognizable understanding that the ability to plan is piped directly to Millennial’s core economic values and the needs of multicultural communities. Also, approximately 76 percent of all voters believe that access is necessary for basic economic survival. Likely because there’s an involved connection, linking reproductive care and major economic discussion.

Beyond conversations around reproduction health care, women are breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, and HIV tests, and reduction in funding for women’s reproductive care hit multicultural communities hardest. Reproduction care is more than a woman’s issue and social issues, it’s a freedom issue, a family issue, a values issue, and an economic issue.