Nutrition and pregnancy

Nutrition and pregnancy refers to the nutrient intake, and dietary planning that is undertook before, during and after pregnancy.

Not only have physical disorders been linked with ill-nutrition before and during pregnancy, but neurological disorders and handicaps are a risk that is run by mothers who are ill-nourished, a condition which can also lead to the child becoming more susceptible to later degenerative disease(s)..

Fertility

Fertility is the ability of people or animals to produce healthy offspring in abundance, and of the earth to bear fruit.

Human fertility depends on factors of nutrition, sexual behavior, culture, instinct, endocrinology, timing, economics, way of life, and emotions.

Both women and men have hormonal cycles which determine both when a woman can achieve pregnancy and when a man is most fertile.

Gynecologic hemorrhage

Gynecologic hemorrhage represents excessive bleeding of the female reproductive system..

Food groups

The food groups are part of a method of classification for the various foods that humans consume in their everyday lives, based on the nutritional properties of these types of foods and their location in a hierarchy of nutrition.

Maternal bond

The maternal bond is typically the relationship between a mother and her child.

BRCA1

BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset) is a human gene that belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes.

Like many other tumor suppressor genes, BRCA1 regulates the cycle of cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.

In particular, it inhibits the growth of cells that line the milk ducts in the breast. The protein made by the BRCA1 gene is directly involved in the repair of damaged DNA.

In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the BRCA1 protein interacts with the protein produced by the RAD51 gene to mend breaks in DNA..

BRCA2

BRCA2 is a human gene that is involved in the repair of chromosomal damage and belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes.

Tumor suppressor genes regulate the cycle of cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. Although the structures of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are very different, their functions appear to be similar.

The proteins made by both genes are essential for repairing damaged DNA.

The BRCA2 protein binds to and regulates the protein produced by the RAD51 gene to fix breaks in DNA..

Tumor suppressor gene

A tumor suppressor gene is a gene that reduces the probability that a cell in a multicellular organism will turn into a tumor cell.

A mutation or deletion of such a gene will increase the probability of the formation of a tumor..

FertilAid for Women and Men are designed to promote reproductive wellness as part of a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen. For trying-to-conceive women, a healthy diet and lifestyle is particularly important, because healthy babies start before conception.

For both women and men, a “trying-to-conceive” lifestyle begins with a balanced diet, regular exercise (see your doctor regarding a safe exercise regimen), and avoiding unhealthful habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating “junk” foods (particularly processed foods rich in refined sugars). If you are overweight, consider consulting your doctor regarding a safe diet and exercise regimen that will support your trying-to-conceive efforts.

As you likely already know, eating a well-balanced diet while your are trying to conceive and through pregnancy is central to the health of a developing baby, as well as the the health of the mother-to-be. For dads-to-be, men can ensure optimum sperm health, sperm count, and sperm motility by decreasing or avoiding alcohol, not smoking, and eating a balanced diet. FertilAid for Men offers a potent antioxidant formula to supplement a healthful diet. Infertility issues strike men as frequently as women, so a healthy lifestyle is equally important for the dad-to-be.

For women, eating foods rich in antioxidants and folic acid is highly recommended, especially folic acid during preconception and early pregnancy. Foods containing these nutrients include broccoli and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the chances of birth defects, and supplements specially formulated with folic acid are advised. (For trying to conceive women, FertilAid offers 600mcg folic acid.

Mineral deficiency may also be a concern, so eating foods that contain minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium are important. Eating a variety of healthful foods is the key. A balanced diet is important because different minerals and vitamins require the presence of each other for optimal intake. Try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure sufficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The “Just Right” formula of FertilAid for Women is designed to supplement a healthful diet (and avoids potentially excessive doses of certain vitamins and minerals that can be found in other multivitamin products).

There is little doubt that alcohol affects male fertility negatively. The more pertinent question is : how much alcohol is too much to threaten fertility and what damage to fertility will too much alcohol cause?

So how much is too much? Studies have shown that drinking more than four ounces of alcohol a day is bad for your reproductive system. As an example, a bottle of beer or a glass of wine contains about half an ounce of alcohol. Alcohol concentration depends largely on the kind of drink that is consumed but taking beer as a guide, 8 bottles of beer a day will give you 4 ounces of alcohol content. This is certainly going to do harm to your fertility.

Here’s how alcohol actually affects male fertility :-

1. Alcoholism (excessive consumption of alcohol) raises the estrogen level in men. This will in turn interfere with his hormones and sperm development. Why? Because alcohol is a toxin that tends to kill sperm generating cells in men. Worse still, chronic alcoholism can cause atrophy in the testicles, gynecomastia and the lack of sexual interest.

2. Excessive alcohol consumption causes a disorder in the gonads resulting in changes in the structure of the testicles and decline in the T serum level. A drop in the is T serum level can cause male infertility.

3. The toxicity of excessive alcohol can reduce sperm density or sperm count. Typically the volume of a single ejaculate is 3 milliliters (sometimes reaching six milliliter per ejaculate) with 120 million sperm cells per ml. But alcohol can cause a drastic reduction in these figures. In addition, alcohol can result in abnormalities in sperm size, shape and the sperm tail. Sperm motility can also be affected negatively.

4. Excessive alcohol alters the regular oval head and a straight tail of the healthy sperm cell. This change in sperm shape can seriously compromise the viability of the spermatozoa. Also, chronic alcoholism damages the sperm morphology that often has irreversible effects.

(Note: Drinking too much alcohol can also cause impotence and liver damage)

If in doubt, do a semen analysis test to determine the state of your fertility. Sperms normally take about three months to develop. So if you want to have your sperm analyzed, you must abstain from sexual activity during this period to get a clearer and more reliable reading regarding the health and the condition of the sperm that is produced.

You don’t always have to see a Urologist if you want to do semen analysis. You can save yourself a lot of money by using a laboatory technician instead. Another option is to use a semen analysis test kit which can do the job for you in the privacy of your home. You can get a good, basic information about the health of your semen and sperm.

Just like in men, alcoholism also can also affect the reproductive health of mothers too. Some of the causes are : ovarian dysfunction, amenorrhea, anovulation, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia etc.

It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage. In fact, for most women, it’s very likely. However, this may be of little comfort if you are mourning the loss of your child. If you are pregnant again, you may be feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you simultaneously grieve for your unborn child and anticipate your new baby’s arrival.

Experiencing Pregnancy After Miscarriage

In most cases, a miscarriage is unlikely to happen again. However, many couples choose to speak to a fertility counselor. He/she can pinpoint any factors that may have contributed and determine if there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of reoccurrence.

Even if you fear the worst, it’s likely that you will have a very normal pregnancy after miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, over 85 percent of women who have had one miscarriage will be able to have a successful following pregnancy. More than 75 percent of those who have experienced two or three miscarriages will eventually give birth to a child.

Many women who have gone on to have a second child after a miscarriage say the joy of becoming a parent helps to dull the pain they feel over the loss of their first child. In fact, it’s quite common for women to consider their second children to be “miracle” babies.

Finding Closure

To fully enjoy your current pregnancy, you must come to terms with the loss you have experienced. Many women who have become pregnant after miscarriage say it helps to express their feelings through painting, poetry, music, or other creative outlets. Others choose to bury baby blankets, toys, ultrasound photos, or small mementos in a private family ceremony. You may also want to consider making a charitable donation to your favorite non-profit organization in honor of your lost child.

While there is no definite timeframe for the grieving process, it’s important to recognize the signs that professional help may be needed. If you are experiencing any of the following, considering making an appointment to speak to a qualified counselor or therapist:

* Trouble coping with everyday tasks
* Overwhelming fear or anxiety about your current pregnancy
* Feelings of guilt about what you may have done to “cause” your miscarriage
* Anger towards your spouse or other loved ones
* Extreme pessimism about your current pregnancy
* Frequent emotional outbursts
Available Support Services

Since it can be difficult for those who haven’t experienced a pregnancy loss to understand your feelings, you may want to consider taking advantage of support services designed for women who have miscarried.

Many hospitals provide support groups for women who have experienced a miscarriage. There may also be organizations in your community that can help. Your healthcare provider or your local women’s center should be able to provide you with contact information for these resources.

Maternity and women’s health care are important issues for any woman of childbearing age. Even if you aren’t currently pregnant, or aren’t even planning to become pregnant in the near future, it’s a good idea to remember that women of childbearing age have certain needs that are different from women at other stages of life.

Maternity and Women’s Health Care Basics

Since many pregnancies are unplanned, even when anticipated with joy, it’s a good idea to take care of yourself throughout your adult life in the event that you should become pregnant.

That means being aware of factors that impact pregnancy and birth and knowing about the basics of prenatal care and preconception care.

If you plan to have children at some point in the near future or are actively trying to conceive, maternity and women’s health care are even more important. Talk to your health care provider about specific things you should be doing to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Women’s Health Care Tips

For all women of childbearing age, there are certain guidelines that should be followed to give your potential baby the best start possible.

* Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit before you start trying to conceive.
* Likewise, don’t use drugs while you are trying to get pregnant or during your pregnancy.
* Eat a healthy diet.
* Get moderate amounts of exercise. The current recommendation is at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity, but an hour is even better.
* Take a multivitamin or supplement that includes 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This can help prevent birth defects that may occur even before you know you’re pregnant.
* Get up-to-date on immunizations.
* Once you are actively trying to conceive, stop drinking alcohol.
Talking to Your Doctor

If you and your partner have decided to try to conceive, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. He or she can advise you on the proper supplements, exercise program, and nutrition you need as you work on conceiving.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about all prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements, and herbal supplements that you are taking. Some drugs and herbs that are perfectly safe to take when not pregnant are dangerous when you are expecting.

Ask your doctor if you have any worries concerning your health during pregnancy. If you have a health condition that you think might interfere with conception or with your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your options.

The most important part of maternity and women’s health care is that women be as informed as possible and take an active role in discovering and doing the things that are best for them and for their babies.

As you get closer to delivery, you may be wondering about the benefits of breast milk for your baby.

Production of Breast Milk

Even during pregnancy, your body is preparing to produce breast milk. You may notice in the third trimester that you’re leaking colostrum, or early milk. After your baby is born, his/her suckling at your breast signals your body to start producing nutrient-rich milk. Your baby’s cry actually signals your body’s let-down-reflex. This is why your breasts may leak when you hear a baby cry, even if he/she is not your own child. Staring at or talking to your baby while you breastfeed can also signal your body to release more milk.

The let-down-reflex is when your body releases milk. When your let-down-reflex kicks in, you may feel tingling, stinging, burning, or prickling in your breasts. Though this sounds uncomfortable, it usually only lasts for a few seconds.

Breast milk contains the perfect blend of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for your baby. It also contains important vitamins, minerals, and hormones that your baby needs for proper growth and development. In addition, human milk also contains antibodies that help your baby fight infection. For example, if you get a cold, your baby will get the antibodies you produce. When your baby is exposed to a cold, his/her immune system will be better prepared.

Nutrition Needed

If you are breastfeeding, you need to be taking in 2,700 calories a day. This is an increase over what you should have been consuming during pregnancy. You also need to be drinking at least eight glasses of fluid (mostly water) a day. If you are having difficulty drinking enough water, try to drink a glass every time you sit down to breastfeed your baby.

Additionally, you need to make sure you are taking in enough calcium, protein, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. While you are breastfeeding, you do not need as much folic acid and iron as you did when you were pregnant, though you will need more of these vitamins and minerals than before you were pregnant. If you were taking a prenatal vitamin, you should continue to take it until you wean your baby.

Benefits for Your Baby

Your body will produce the exact amount of breast milk that your baby needs. If you are eating a well-balanced diet, your body is producing exactly what your baby needs nutritionally. Babies that are breastfed develop faster, are healthier, and have higher IQs than formula fed babies. In addition, sucking on the breast will help your baby’s jaw develop appropriately and help his/her teeth grow in straight.

How does Breast Milk Compare to Formula?

The exact chemical composition of breast milk is unknown, but it contains at least 100 additional ingredients not found in formula. Experts know formula does not contain the same nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, or hormones. No babies are allergic to their mother’s milk, though your baby may be allergic to something you ate. In addition, breast milk is more easily digested than formula.

 Both clomiphene citrate and letrozole are medications used to treat infertile women who have an ovulation problem. These medications work by helping your pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) improve the stimulation of developing follicles (eggs) in the ovaries. Neither clomiphene citrate nor letrozole may help a woman become more fertile if she is already ovulating normally. For that reason, these medications are most often prescribed to those patients who have been found to have an abnormality with their cycle.

Clomiphene is often referred to as the “fertility pill”. Letrozole is very similar to clomiphene in the way it works. However, letrozole is quickly cleared from the body. It only works for the cycle in which it is taken and is less likely to adversely affect the uterine lining and cervical mucous. With clomiphene, one may experience effects 6-8 weeks after stopping the medication. Both medications are prescribed for five days each cycle, usually beginning on day three and continuing through day seven. The usual initial dose for clomiphene is 50 mg, one tablet daily. The number of tablets can be increased to as many as four daily, if a lesser dosage does not result in ovulation. Rarely are more than two tablets required. Clomiphene should be repeated each cycle until pregnancy occurs, or your doctor discontinues it. The usual dosage of letrozole is 2.5 mg., one tablet each day.

Of all women treated with clomiphene, or letrozole, 60% to 80% will ovulate normally. However, only half of those patients who ovulate will become pregnant. It is not known why only half of the women who apparently ovulate with clomiphene or letrozole therapy become pregnant. It is suspected that factors other than inadequate ovulation may be contributing to the fertility problem. Therefore, if you are not pregnant after three or four cycles, additional testing such as hysterosalpingogram or laparoscopy may be necessary. If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, a trial of metformin (Glucophage) therapy may be advised.

Some 10% to 20% of women taking clomiphene or letrozole will experience side effects. By far, most of these are minor and temporary in nature. They include such things as hot flashes, blurred vision, nausea, bloating sensation, and headache. Serious side effects are rarely seen with either medication. There are two side effects associated with clomiphene or letrozole therapy that warrant specific discussion. The first is the possibility of multiple pregnancy. The frequency of twins occurring in women who conceive while taking clomiphene or letrozole has been reported to be as high as 10%. Triplets may occur as frequently as 1 in 400 births, and quadruplets in 1 in 800 births. Neither clomiphene nor letrozole is the “fertility drug” you may have heard in the news bulletins often associated with large numbers of infants, such as quintuplets. Newer studies suggest that long-term use of either clomiphene or letrozole for more than 12 cycles may place you at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Secondly, clomiphene and letrozole have also been associated with the occasional development of ovarian cysts. These cysts are not true growths of the ovary and within a few weeks will resolve without treatment. However, on an extremely rare occasion, these cysts have been known to cause internal bleeding or twist, requiring surgery and removal of the involved ovary. However, I must again emphasize that such a complication is extremely rare.

# The effectiveness of birth control pills depends entirely on how they are used. While the stated effectiveness is 96-99% in reality this rate is much lower, around 87%. The reason for the difference is owed entirely to user habits. Taking the pill at different times of day, missing days or skipping pills all decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
# Some, but not all, birth control pills can help control acne.
# Certain herbal treatments (like St.# John’s Wort and Ephedra) and some prescription medications can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, always tell your doctor which medications, herbal remedies and over the counter products you are using.
# If you become very ill, with vomitting and/or diarrhea, the effectiveness of your birth control pills can be significantly reduced. If this happens you must continue taking your pills and use a second method of birth control until you have a period and start a new pack.
# The pill does not protect you against any STDs. It is only birth control not STD protection.
# Most people who use the pill experience lighter bleeding, significantly less cramping and shorter periods.
# The pill offers the following benefits; less chance of getting PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), protection against benign breast cysts, protection against ovarian cysts and cancers, uterin cancer and PMS.
# The most common side effects of the pill are headaches, spotting between periods and weight changes (loss or gain).
# Smokers should consider a different form of birth control, the pill is not recommended for smokers of any age.
# The most serious complication associated with birth control pills are blood clots. This is a rare complication.
# Taking the pill will not make you more sexually active or cause you to want sex more often than you do without the pill.
# You do not need your parents permission to get birth control pills, but you do need a prescription and you may need to tell your parents if you can not afford to pay for the pills by yourself. You can get pills for free or for a reduced cost at family planning clinics. You can also get a prescription from these clinics.
# You can become pregnant if you have sex during your period even if you are on birth control pills. It is highly unlikely but entirely possible. If you suspect you may have become pregnant during your period consult a doctor immediately before you start another package of birth control pills.

If you use the Pill, it has to be taken at the same time every day; in fact, if you forget to take just 1 birth control pill, you increase your chances of becoming pregnant. During a cycle, if 2 or more pills are missed, the chance of this method failing increases dramatically, especially if an alternative method of birth control (like a condom) is not used. Having a routine is a good way to reduce the likelihood of this happening. It has been show that having a set daily routine can affect birth control consistency. Women without a customary routine are more than 3 times as likely to miss 2 or more pills per cycle.

Tips:

1. A woman should make sure to use the Pill consistently and continually. She should take it at the same time, every day.

2. An individual who uses the pill should understand how to take the pill properly and what to do if she accidently misses a pill.

If a woman misses 2 or more pills during any cycle, she should use an alternate method of birth control as a back-up.
3. It is helpful to associate pill use with some other regular daily activity (such as taking it before a person brushes her teeth). This way, taking the pill becomes part of a routine.

4. A female should remember to bring an extra pack of pills when traveling if she will finish the old pack while away.

5. It is important to consult with a medical doctor about using a back-up contraceptive method if a woman is prescribed antibiotics or is taking certain herbal supplements or other medications.