UK Approves Three-Person IVF Techniques

Couples who are having difficulty conceiving have the option of turning to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The process allows that couple to pass their own genetic material onto an offspring that is biologically theirs. The UK recently approved a new kind of IVF that has been referred to as “three-parent babies”. The two techniques are somewhat different but each can be used to help couples produce a healthy child. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex procedure that combines an egg and sperm outside of the body. The conception happens in a laboratory. Once an embryo (or embryos as is … Continue reading

Do Lubricants Inhibit Conception?

First off, let me say that there is absolutely no shame in using a sexual lubricant. Many women do not produce enough vaginal lubrication to make sex comfortable. Some women need it and some women don’t, but in the end what is important is that you are able to enjoy intimacy with your spouse. Now that we have that cleared out of the way, let’s talk about using lubricants when you are trying to get pregnant. Can lubricants hinder conception? Are there safer alternatives? Non-spermicidal lubricants are safe to use when your are trying to get pregnant. One tip is … Continue reading

Product Review: Supplements for Aspiring and Expecting Mothers

If you’re even thinking about trying to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself physically. That includes getting in shape and eating right. Many doctors recommend going one step further and taking a prenatal vitamin while trying to conceive. There are so many different multivitamins out there, it’s hard to know which one to pick. Personally, I tried several different formulas while I was pregnant. Not all vitamins are created equal. Recently, Olympian Labs, Inc was kind enough to send me a sample of their unique premium multivitamins created just for women who are trying to get pregnant … Continue reading

Surprise Babies: Heather’s Story

This month I’m talking about surprise babies. I’ve been looking forward to sharing with you the story of one special little girl named Lillian Rose, who surprised her parents and their family with her miraculous debut. Her story begins long before she was born in 2002, when Heather and Jeremy met while working together at a local tool store. The high school sweethearts started dating two years later. On August 6, 2006, they tied the knot. About three months after they got married, they decided to start a family, but it wasn’t long before Heather realized things weren’t going to … Continue reading

TTC: Does Position Make a Difference?

“Lay on your back, prop up your behind and lay still for at least 10 minutes.” That was the advice I received when I was researching ways to improve my odds of getting pregnant right away. I’m talking about what you do after the baby dance. Oh you thought I was talking about a different kind of position? The big question is: does it matter what you do after intercourse? Will you kill your chances if you use the bathroom right away? Should you lay on your back or on your stomach? Should you use an Instead cup? Headstands anyone? … Continue reading

Common Fertility Drugs

If you haven’t conceived after 6 to 12 months of trying, you may visit a doctor to determine if there is a problem. Many women who seek treatment for infertility are prescribed fertility drugs. Some are taken orally and others are injectable. You may wonder what the drug does and how it can help you get pregnant. Here’s a little bit about the commonly prescribed fertility drugs. Many doctors start off by prescribing Clomiphene citrate. This is sold under the brand names of Clomid or Serophene. This drug is administered orally for five days, usually starting on day three of … Continue reading

Fitness: Stop Smoking

More people smoke than might be imagined despite the numbers that are stopping due to cost, convenience and health. Still, I know a number of smokers, though they are ostracized in public – they still smoke in the privacy of their own home. Stopping smoking is far more difficult than most non-smokers acknowledge or can understand. Stopping smoking is different for everyone. I’ve known some who could stop with a patch, a pill or just weaning him or her down until they quit cold turkey. Be Supportive, Not Condemning If you smoke or know someone who smokes, a smoker should … Continue reading