BY FERTILITY CENTER OF MIAMI
The Goal is Family.
It’s the start of the year and that means it’s time to get started on those resolutions you chose to accomplish in 2018. If this is the year you have determined to start your family, first off, congratulations. Secondly, it’s time to make a few important lifestyle changes to get you towards your goal.
It is important for you to start looking after YOU. A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy woman.
Here’s a list of ways to keep you on track to getting your body “baby ready” during the months ahead.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE A FERTILITY SPECIALIST
If you are 35 and younger and have been trying to conceive for over a year it is time for you to visit a Fertility Specialist. For woman 35 and older, that appointment should be made after 6 months of trying. It is vital for women and their partner to understand that it sometimes takes a little science to help achieve this goal. And assistance should be sought within a reasonable timeframe.
LEARN ABOUT EGG FREEZING / FERTILITY PRESERVATION
By puberty, a woman’s egg reserve has declined by 50% and each month thereafter, she will lose an additional 750 eggs. Beginning in a woman’s 20’s, the eggs not only begin to diminish in quantity, but also in quality. Whether you are waiting to start your family or about to undergo cancer treatments which could affect your fertility, egg freezing allows you to take control of your ticking biological clock and bank your eggs for future use.
GET VACCINATED
Your immunity is your baby’s first line of defense against certain serious illnesses. So, if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, now is the time to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. There are several diseases that can cause miscarriage or severe birth defects if you get them while you are pregnant. A simple blood test at your doctor’s office can tell if you are immune to these. If you aren’t, you should get the vaccines.
JOIN A FERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP
Fertility support groups can offer the advice and support you need on your journey to becoming a parent. You don’t have to suffer in silence. You need an outlet where you can talk, cry, and connect. Join a group like Miracles over Miami which was created to provide emotional support, raise awareness and educate those suffering from infertility. Click here to learn more.
QUIT SMOKING
For very obvious reasons this is on our list. You’ve probably had this on your list of resolutions for many years now. And yes, it may be hard, but if you smoke, you are seriously hurting your chances of getting pregnant. Smoking affects each stage of the reproductive process, including egg and sperm maturation, hormone production, embryo transport, and the environment in the uterus. It can also damage the DNA in both eggs and sperm. Talk to your fertility doctor about methods you could use to help you quit.
START (OR CONTINUE) AN EXERCISE ROUTINE
Get active. Walk. Hike. Regular exercise is an important factor in fertility. Studies have even shown that up to 30% of infertility cases are due to overweight or underweight. If you’re just starting an exercise routine, aim to slowly work up to 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week.
BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER
Fertility treatment and third-party reproduction can be overwhelming. And for some this is a shared journey, a shared struggle. Taking a break from time to time is important for your mental health. Patience is so important, both with yourself and each other, even if you’re not getting the results you’re hoping for. Keep at it.
START A NEW HOBBY
This goes along with being gentle and kind to yourself. Make a commitment to take better care of your mental health. Pick up a new hobby. Try yoga, meditation, read more books, make new friends. Find ways to channel stress for the greater good of your body and fertility.
When it comes to making decisions about personal health, we believe knowledge is power. The Fertility Center of Miami encourages you to ask questions and learn more about your own fertility options.
As you explore these options, please be aware that you are not alone. Countless women before you have struggled with similar issues.
Let’s make 2018 your year! Get started by clicking here to make an appointment today!
