IVF Babies Just as Healthy as others

Myth : There is a higher risk of multiple gestation (twins, triplets, or more) with IVF.

Fact : IVF is the ONLY fertility treatment that allows control for how many embryos are implanted. With other treatment such as oral or injectable medications with intercourse or insemination, there is absolutely no control. All the eggs that have matured in an ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle, for example, have a chance of getting fertilized and becoming a pregnancy. There is a 10 percent chance of multiples per cycle with Clomid and up to a 25 percent chance of multiples per cycle with injectable gonadotropins.

The future of infertility treatment is today. With advances in technology and continuous research and innovation, we now have very effective ways to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation, reduce the risk of multiples, and choose the best and healthiest embryos to result in a pregnancy.

Are babies born through IVF at higher risk of congenital abnormalities?

MYTH: There is a higher risk of abnormalities in babies born through IVF

FACT: There is no difference in the risk of congenital abnormalities between babies born through IVF and those naturally conceived.

Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for more than 50% of miscarriages in early pregnancy. Chromosomally abnormal embryos may lead to birth defects in the babies. Fertility specialists are vouching for modern technology like genetic testing, which have a predicted accuracy of 98% for detecting any chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos.

Is miscarriage common with IVF?

IVF does not contribute to miscarriages.

The two most common causes for early pregnancy loss are an implantation dysfunction (where the uterus is not receptive to the embryo) or a genetic abnormality of the embryo itself. Three or more miscarriages occur in less than 1% of women.

The good news is, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with genetic testing, can significantly lower the risk of miscarriage and increase chances for a successful pregnancy.

IVF and Premature Birth

No matter how you conceive, your chances of having a premature baby vary depending on a number of factors. Where you live, the number of babies you're carrying, your age, your general health (including your weight and diet), can all affect your chances of having a premature baby.

Higher risk of high birth weight

Babies born after FET have no increased risk of high birth weight .

No embryo gender bias

Certainly not consider using IVF as a method of trying to have a boy or girl, since the procedure used needs to be selected to try and maximize the chance of pregnancy.

How intelligent are IVF children?

 IVF-born children are just as intelligent as their spontaneously conceived peers – not super kids, but certainly not worse off.

When it comes to fertility treatment, it is best to not allow the myths to influence your decision making. Learning the facts about IVF, understanding the success rates, and speaking to a fertility specialist about your options will provide you with the information you need to determine if fertility treatment is the right option for you.

 

Benefits of taking folic acid before pregnancy

Why should I take folic acid?

If you have the right level of folic acid in your body before you get pregnant, it reduces the risk of the baby developing neural tube defects by up to 70%. Neural tube defects are problems with the brain or spinal cord, including spina bifida. Spina bifida is not common but it can cause a wide range of problems for the baby, including:

§  problems with movement

§  bladder and bowel problems

§  learning difficulties.

How much folic acid should I take?

Most women are advised to take a 400mcg supplement every day. You can also try to eat foods that contain folate. These include:

§  broccoli

§  brussels sprouts

§  spinach

§  peas

§  chickpeas

Eating foods high in folate alone will not be enough to give the best protection to the baby so it is important to take the tablet too.

Some people need a higher dose of folic acid

If you have a higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects you will be advised to take a higher dose of 5mg folic acid.

You may have a higher risk if:

§  you have diabetes

§  you or your partner have a neural tube defect

§  you have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect

§  you or your partner have a family history of neural tube defects

§  you have epilepsy

I think I am already pregnant but have not been taking folic acid. What do I do?

Do not worry, the risk of problems is small. Start taking folic acid now and until week 12 if you have not reached it yet. You do not need to take after 12 weeks folic acid (though it is not harmful) as the neural tube will have fully developed. You can talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

I’ve been trying to get pregnant but haven’t been taking folic acid supplements. Should I stop trying to conceive?

Ideally, you should take folic acid supplements for two to three months before you conceive and until you are 12 weeks pregnant.

But try not to worry if you haven’t started taking the supplements yet and start taking it now. You can talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

 

How can weight affect fertility?

When women and couples who are experiencing difficulties with conception are overweight, they have generally already heard or read the advice that being overweight reduces their chance of falling pregnant. Seeing other women who have an equal or even greater problem with their weight, who have conceived successfully and are happily pushing their strollers down the street, only adds to the frustration and disappointment they are already feeling.

So how much of an impact does weight really have on conception and pregnancy, and for those who are struggling with their weight, can we help put this into perspective - successful conception and a safe pregnancy is certainly still possible.

How does weight impact my chances of having a baby?

Weight is an important consideration for both women and men in the preconception period. If you are significantly overweight or underweight this can cause your body to produce more or less of the hormones that regulate ovulation in women and disrupt sperm production in men.

Weight gain in some women can be an indicator of a hormonal imbalance caused by a condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - affecting both your ability to lose weight and disrupt regular ovulation.  However not all women with PCOS are overweight.

 How do I know if I am a healthy weight?

PCOS and Infertility

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects up to one in five women of reproductive age and can impact your ability to lose weight and ovulate. I see many women with PCOS where the condition causes insulin resistance, predisposing them to fat deposition and weight gain. This weight gain then contributes to increasing insulin levels, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.

The common symptoms of PCOS include:

•          Acne

•          Increased hair growth

•          Irregular or infrequent periods

•          Infertility

•          Weight gain and difficulty losing weight

How can we help women with PCOS have a baby?

Not all women with PCOS have trouble conceiving, although for those struggling there are ways, we can manage the condition to help you conceive and go on to have a healthy pregnancy.

In addition to positive lifestyle changes through diet and exercise, medication  will be also used in the management of diabetes, can lower insulin levels to support weight loss.

If you are diagnosed as having PCOS and require additional support to induce ovulation, a simple fertility treatment such as Ovulation Induction medications can help.

For a small number of women with PCOS who do not respond or respond excessively to ovulation inducing medication, we may recommend in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

What if we are experiencing trouble becoming pregnant?

If you are experiencing a delay in falling pregnant, a fertility specialist can help by offering a comprehensive medical assessment including understanding your medical history and conducting further tests. For the female, this might include an ultrasound scan to determine if a condition such as PCOS may be affecting your ability to conceive. 

As fertility specialists, we want to help as many couples as possible have their families, both successfully and safely. That includes providing you with empathetic support and medical care to enable you to reach your end goal of a healthy baby.

 

Breastfeeding? Eat What you want...

Are you confused about what kinds of foods you can eat while you are breastfeeding?

Are you looking for a food that may increase your supply?

Are you concerned that something you are eating is causing problems with your baby?

The answer is,

For most people, you can continue to eat whatever you normally enjoy in your daily diet while you are breastfeeding your baby.

 
If you are concerned about milk supply: 

Nurse, Nurse, and Nurse Again

The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes. Do not follow a strict schedule. Nurse your baby whenever baby is hungry, for as long as baby wants, especially in the first few weeks of establishing your supply, and offer the other breast when the first is empty. 

Don't Worry

Many new moms think that they have a low milk supply when in fact nothing is wrong. As long as your baby is alert, active, and regularly filling and wetting diapers, your supply is likely fine.  Remember, it can take a few days after delivery for your milk to come in. Meanwhile, your baby gets colostrum, which is the thick first stage of breast milk, rich in nutrients.

 

Drink Plenty of Water

If you get dehydrated, you will make less milk. It is easy to get busy and distracted with a baby, so keep a bottle of water with you, and stash bottles where you usually nurse.  Also, try to eat foods that are naturally rich in water, such as fruits and vegetables.

Feed You, Feed Baby

To maintain your milk supply and your own health, if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you need to get about 300 to 500 calories per day more than what you needed to keep your pre-pregnancy weight. The best diet for a nursing woman is simply a normal, healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

 

Wait to Use Bottles

Bottle-feeding is fine for later on, but in the first few weeks of establishing your milk supply, your baby should do all her sucking, or at least as much as possible, at the breast. The baby empties your breast much better than a pump does, so you will make more milk in response to your baby’s signals compared to a machine.

Herbal Help?

Certain herbs are thought by some to have milk-boosting effects for many women. One is fenugreek, a seed often used in cooking. But they’re generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before using any herbal supplement.

 Foods and Breast Milk

You do not need to eat certain foods to make more milk. Just eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and a little bit of fat. Some research shows that garlic, onions, and mint make breast milk taste different, so your baby may suckle more, and in turn, you make more milk.  If your baby seems gassy after you have eaten broccoli, cabbage, or beans, back off those foods.

 

Massage Your Breasts

Breast massage can help to boost the volume and fat content of your milk. When your baby is “comfort nursing” (calming and soothing herself more than drinking), massage your breast near the chest and then a little further toward the nipple, and wait for your baby to take a couple of swallows. Then massage another area of the same breast, and wait for more swallows. Repeat.

 Check Your Meds

Some drugs can affect breastfeeding. Commonly used medicines that may cut your milk supply include hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen, and some weight loss medications. Check with your doctor about alternatives.

It’s advised to exclusively breastfeed your baby till 6 months of age, and to continue to breastfeed till the age of 2.

Happy Breastfeeding!

The Truth about Stress and Fertility

As if going through fertility treatment isn’t stressful enough, many women believe that being stressed contributes to their fertility problems.

Maybe the self-blame is a natural attempt to restore a sense of control: “If I made myself infertile, I can undo the problem.” But this belief not only makes the victim responsible for her own misfortune, it’s not accurate.

Research finds infertility certainly causes stress, but not vice versa.

In fact, even when physical stress or emotional stress does interfere with your menstrual cycle, stress-induced hormonal changes are usually self-correcting and self-limiting. That means when there is a fertility problem that follows stress; the stress was most likely a trigger for a pre-existing medical condition or predisposition.

Think about it. Women can conceive under the most stressful circumstances if there is no physiological problem. If reproductive systems are as vulnerable to stress as many believe, the human species would have perished long ago. And that means the old advice, "Just relax and then you’ll get pregnant," is a myth.

Although most stress doesn’t impact egg quality, it can lead to behaviors that cause fertility problems. For example, women may leave fertility treatment, harm their fertility through postpone child-bearing, or not follow instructions for fertility medication.

So, reducing stress is always a good idea during fertility treatment. Here are some suggestions:

First, accept that you have no control over the past or the future. That means making a deal with yourself to live in the present and deal with the diagnosis. 

Next, choose to behave “as if” you are calm and optimistic. Your brain will signal your body that extra adrenaline is not needed. Soon you will actually feel more calm and optimistic. It works!

Make sure your partner and support system know that you are not to blame. Encourage partners to come to appointments to gather the real facts. 

Don't leave your job to reduce stress levels while going through fertility treatment, unless you wanted to leave anyway! Leaving is often counter-productive because any drastic change in daily life usually increases stress levels. Besides, familiar routines are usually more stress-reducing than unstructured free-time, and work-relationships can offer distraction and support. 

Take some time-outs from worrying, watching and waiting because play and laughter are nature’s stress relievers. Competitive games with others or online, individual games, like crossword puzzles, watching a comedy, reading funny books, actually release mood-elevating brain chemicals. 

If you enjoy working out, do it. Exercise helps burn off frustration and you can feel more like you did before you exhausted yourself with self-blame. This will also remind you to treat yourself well. 

Fertility Yoga

Physical and mental therapy are the important accomplishments of a yogic practitioner as they work holistically to bring balance and harmony between the mind and body. Fertility Yoga is yoga therapy, practiced to help with infertility issues. Along with managing stress and anxiety through yoga, breathing and relaxation techniques, and specific yoga postures are also used in Fertility Yoga sessions to enhance fertility.

Fertility Yoga will

· Increase blood flow and energy to the pelvic area

· Stimulate the reproductive system

· Reduce stress

· Calm the mind of negative thoughts Balance hormones

· Enhance mind and body connections

 
Mindfulness Techniques

Learning mindfulness techniques will bring back a sense of control over your life and reconnect your focus to learn ‘to be’ in the present moment. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. It can help you reduce your fertility stress and reduce the pressure of your fertility treatment making the process more manageable. By focusing on mindfulness meditation, you create the awareness of how you feel in the present moment observing physically and emotionally what’s going on in your mind and body. By being still and trying to clear the mind of thoughts and feelings, you can observe them, accept them and let them go. 

And finally, remember to be your own best friend. Stop blaming yourself and treat yourself to the same support, consideration and respect you give to others you love.

PREPARING FOR FERTILITY TREATMENT - BODY , MIND , SPIRIT

Preparing for fertility treatment can be both an exciting and stressful time. It is exciting to embark on the journey of building a family, but we understand it can also be a stressful time because of the inherent unknowns about the outcome. As you begin preparing for fertility treatment, it is important to be in a ready-state: mind, body, and spirit. While it is very easy to become overwhelmed with the to-do list associated with fertility treatment, I encourage you to take each day one at a time and take care of yourself along the way.

Suggest to take at least 3 months to prepare beforehand is because the cycle of the egg (ovum) is 90 days. This is the period of time during the egg’s journey when what you eat, drink, ingest, and breathe, your stress levels, and the health of your blood flow will all have an effect on the health of that egg. So what you eat today is impacting the egg you will ovulate or have “harvested” three months from now. So for best results prepare at least 90 days out. 

Look for healthy ways to relieve stress

I am not suggesting you need to plan an expensive vacation or trip to the spa, but get creative about what helps you to relieve stress. Perhaps go out with your partner, watch a funny movie or television show, play with your pets, or have a night in with close friends. Laughing can help you reduce your stress hormones and it can actually make you feel pretty good from the inside out.

Fertility Counselor

It can be difficult to share with family and friends the emotional aspects of this journey, especially with people who are unfamiliar with infertility. However, without being able to talk to loved one about the process, it can feel very isolating. You may want to seek the assistance of a counselor if you are feeling “stuck” and need to explore your options. You might benefit from counselling. Counselor will listen, connect, share advice and experiences, and remind you that you are not alone in this process. Whether you are just now preparing for fertility treatment or have been through a cycle or two, it is never too early or late to find support

Modify Your Diet

while you are mentally preparing for fertility treatment, use this time to also prepare your body. Treat food as fuel and opt for healthier alternatives when possible. Reach for an apple or handful of almonds when that mid-day hunger strikes and trade a side for seasonal veggies or a salad. Avoid fast and junk foods. Scheduling a consultation with a nutritionist, they can help get and keep you on track with your diet and ensure that you’re eating plan is balanced and provides adequate caloric and nutrient intake. Nutritionist can also provide tips for meal ideas and snacks to make it easier to stick with a plan. 

Get in shape

You don’t have to be at the gym every morning at 5 a.m., but it’s always good for your mind, body, and spirit to incorporate some form of cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine. Even if your schedule makes it difficult to get to the gym, try taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, and walk instead of drive to pick up lunch during the day. Even a small weight loss can have a big gain when it comes to your fertility.

Sleep

Aim for 7-8 hours’ sleep per night

Visit your doctor

Check your vitamin D level – suboptimal levels may be associated with reduced fertility. Make sure you are up to date with your cervical screening. If treatment is required, this should be undertaken prior to fertility treatment commencing.

If you are taking any prescribed medications, discuss these with your doctor as some medications cannot be taken before or during pregnancy and your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative for you.

Making sure your body has all of the nutrients necessary for early pregnancy is much easier when you are taking a multivitamin. There are certain nutrients such as Folate that are needed by the fetus even before pregnancy is detectable. The first weeks of pregnancy are a critical time of development. Prepare for your pregnancy by taking a prenatal multivitamin.

Focus on today 

Realize that not every day is going to be a good day, and that’s ok. Try and focus on the things you can control and let go of the things you can’t. When you get to the finish line and look back on your journey, you will hopefully agree that it was all worth the ride.


Good things are going to happen!

Making poor diet choices is a known risk factor for infertility in both men and women

To get pregnant quicker, avoid the drive-thru and reach for fruit.Researchers say diet choices can impact fertility. Women who eat a lot of fast food may take longer to become pregnant and be more likely to experience infertility.

Fast foods contain high amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and sometimes sugar.Roughly 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have difficulty getting pregnant. Most of the time, it's caused by problems with ovulation, often related to a hormone imbalance known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Less-common causes of infertility in women can include blocked fallopian tubes, structural problems with the uterus or uterine fibroids.

The risk increases with age, and can also be exacerbated by stress, an unhealthy diet, too much exercise, being overweight or obese.women who rarely or never eat fast food has an 8 percent risk of infertility, the risk is 16 percent among women who eat fast food at least two times weekly.

Preconception intake of fruits and fish increase fertility.Fruit consumption is not only safe, but beneficial for most women to optimise their fertility.

“Fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals, and should not be lumped into the same basket as sugar and soft drinks.”

The advice for women who wish to get pregnant to have greater intake of fruit and lower intake of fast food.