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Tag: trying to conceive

  • 5 Tips for Getting Pregnant with PCOS After 30

    5 Tips for Getting Pregnant with PCOS After 30

    Conquering PCOS: Getting Pregnant After 30 Embarking on the fertility journey after 30 can be challenging, especially with PCOS. But, there's no need to fear - we've got your back! Our five expert tips on getting pregnant with PCOS after 30 will help guide your way to achieving the dream of motherhood.

    PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can throw a wrench into your pregnancy plans. Don’t lose hope, though. Getting pregnant with PCOS after 30 is not easy, but it is not impossible.  

    PCOS is an endocrine disorder that causes reproductive hormones to become imbalanced, which then leads to irregular menstrual cycles, acne, weight gain, and even infertility. As a matter of fact, PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. 

    1. Go See Your Doctor About Getting Pregnant with PCOS

    First and foremost, you should head to the doctor. You need an accurate diagnosis to confirm your PCOS and any other condition you may be dealing with. In the weeks and days leading up to your doctor’s appointment, be sure to keep a written record of your symptoms and their frequency so that you can share them with your healthcare provider during your visit. This appointment will likely involve bloodwork and, potentially, imaging. 

    It is also important to keep an accurate record of your menstrual cycle so that you can provide this information to your doctor. 

    2. Create New Healthy Lifestyle Habits

    If you wish to get pregnant with PCOS after 30, you have to put in the effort. You have to make changes to help offset the negative effects of PCOS. You have to make healthy lifestyle changes and get in the habit of taking good care of your body. 

    Some healthy lifestyle habit changes that you should strive to make in your life are: 

    • Exercise Regularly – Regular exercise can help lower insulin resistance, increase dopamine (also known as happy hormones), help with weight management, and many more benefits that are known to improve the negative effects of PCOS. 
    • Switch to a Healthy Diet – A healthy diet can go far to improve your health, especially if you are dealing with a PCOS diagnosis. 
    • Lower Your Stress – A high-stress lifestyle can affect anyone’s fertility. This is especially true for those who suffer from PCOS. You can lower your stress by practicing mindfulness, meditating, and even with diet and exercise. 

    3. Start Tracking Your PCOS Symptoms and Cycle

    When we say to start tracking, we mean to start tracking many, many things in your life. Here are some of the things in life that you should start tracking:

    Some of the following parts of your life that you should start tracking are:

    • Your menstrual cycle 
    • Your ovulation and basal temperature
    • Your workouts
    • Your food intake
    • Your medication and/or supplements taken
    • Your PCOS symptoms and any changes 

    Tracking all of these facets of your life can help with multiple things. First, it can help you feel more in control of your life and your health. This is important because as anyone who has dealt with health issues can tell you that it is hard to feel like everything is out of your control.

    Additionally, tracking these areas of your life can help you identify areas for improvement. Improving any of these things can assist you in your efforts to get pregnant. 

    4. Be Patient

    Changes don’t happen overnight, especially when it comes to your health. When you change your lifestyle, it is important to stick with it for a while before jumping ship and trying something else.

    Patience can make all the difference. 

    5. Be Kind to Yourself

    Studies have shown that women who suffer from PCOS have increased chances of becoming pregnant when they have positive thoughts about themselves rather than constantly thinking in the negative.

    Besides, it is exhausting to think in the negative.  You deserve better!

    Secondary Risks Associated with PCOS

    Women who are diagnosed with PCOS are at an increased risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. 

    Knowing the signs and symptoms of these other conditions, as well as how to care for your body if you are diagnosed with them, will go far in helping with your fertility journey. 

  • Important Guide to Read Before Starting a Family: Tips, Advice, and Information for Prospective Parents

    Important Guide to Read Before Starting a Family: Tips, Advice, and Information for Prospective Parents

    If you’ve reached a point in your life where you feel like you’re ready to start a family, it can be so exciting! But it’s also daunting; you and your partner are stepping into the unknown, and it can be difficult to know exactly how to set yourself up for the best success.

    If you want to get really organized and do things by the book, here are some things to think about before conceiving that will make life easier when your little ones arrive. 

    Get Healthy Before Pregnancy

    It’s worth working on building up really good health for conception, pregnancy, and then later on (when you’re sleep-deprived and dealing with a newborn or whirlwind toddler!). Start off by looking at your lifestyle choices. Improve your diet by adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing processed foods.

    It’s so important to quit smoking since it’s linked to fertility issues and problems during pregnancy, smoking around children and babies leads to passive smoking which comes along with most of the same health problems as smoking directly! None of us want to expose our little ones to that, so it’s worth quitting now and getting ahead.

    Cutting down on alcohol and stopping any recreational drug use is vital for the health of you as potential parents and your future child. There are places you can get rehab for alcohol and drugs if this is a bigger problem than just recreational use, and it could be the best thing you ever do for yourself.

    A visit to the doctor for a thorough checkup is a smart move. This helps find and tackle hidden health issues that might affect fertility or pregnancy. Women can talk to their healthcare provider about preconception care, including boosting vitamin and mineral intake. Men can make sure their reproductive health is in top shape by addressing any potential problems that could impact fertility.

    Focusing on your health and well-being not only boosts the chances of conception but also lays the foundation for a healthier family. Establishing good habits early on benefits not just you but also your future child. Keeping tabs on your physical health creates a positive environment for conception and generally sets you up for a happy and thriving family life.

    Look for Family Friendly Housing

    When you’re thinking about starting a family, it’s important to think about where you live and where you want to be. If your current place isn’t quite right for a growing family (maybe it’s a top-floor apartment with lots of stairs, or it isn’t very safe for little ones because of the area?), it might be time to think about moving.

    Look for a more family-friendly home with easier access and a safer layout. It’s not just about your home; the neighborhood matters, too, so check out the local amenities like good schools, parks, and family-friendly facilities. While many of us are limited with budget and what’s actually available to buy or rent at the time we’re looking, it’s worth thinking about since your home creates an environment where your family can flourish. 

    Can Your Car Fit Another child?

    Family life involves getting everyone around, so considering your transportation is worth doing. If you haven’t learned to drive, it’s worth doing for the flexibility it brings- if you don’t want to have to haul your baby and pram on the bus every few days, then a car is a better option!

    If you’re already driving, check your current vehicle. Is it suitable for a family? If not, think about getting one that’s safe, spacious, and family-friendly. Look for cars with good safety features, enough room for car seats and strollers, and good fuel efficiency.

    Choosing an eco-friendly option helps the environment and can also save you money when you’re working on a tight family budget. Investing in a family-friendly car is a practical step as you prepare for parenthood. It ensures you have a safe and spacious ride, making daily life with your growing family more convenient and enjoyable.

    Think About Money and Finances Before Starting a Family

    Money is crucial when getting ready to start a family. It’s not just about affording what you need now but also planning for the future. Creating a budget is essential. This means figuring out how much money you have coming in and how much is going out.

    List your necessary expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and healthcare. This helps you see where your money is going and where you can cut back.

    Saving money is a big part of the picture. It’s not just about having enough for the immediate needs but also about preparing for the future. Set specific savings goals- this could be an emergency fund for unexpected expenses or savings for larger goals like buying a house or your child’s education.

    Think about both your short-term and long-term needs. For the present, ensure you can cover essentials comfortably; when you’re planning for the future, consider saving for things that are important to you, like a bigger house or an annual family holiday. Affording what you need and want is about finding a balance- it’s not just about cutting back on everything but making choices that align with your priorities.

    Do you need that daily coffee from the cafe, or would making it at home be just as satisfying? Small changes can add up over time. Being mindful of your spending and saving habits now sets you up for financial stability in the future. 

    Build a Support System for Your Growing Family

    Another really important consideration to bear in mind as you’re preparing to start a family is building a support system. Parenting is rewarding but can be challenging, so having a reliable network of family and friends can make a big difference.

    Reach out to experienced parents within your circle for advice, and look into apps and social media groups that parents-to-be can join and meet. Even if it’s just virtually, having others going through the same as you can make you feel less alone and out of your depth.

    Building a support system also involves considering your childcare options. Even if you don’t plan on returning to work for a while, think about emergency childcare options if you need them- if you and your partner are unwell, for example, or maybe just want to have a date night together.

    It’s great if you have family who are happy to step in as it gives them time to create a relationship and bond with the baby, too, but not everyone is lucky enough to have this. If that’s the case for you, then it could be worth looking into local nurseries, childminders, and nannies that you can call if needed.