Tag Archives: OBGYN

Understanding The Fertility Journey
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Understanding The Fertility Journey

The body works in magical yet mysterious ways. The phases of the fertility journey can often be confusing, from understanding the timing and length of your menstrual cycle to what changes can happen during the different stages of your cycle. Learning the ins and outs of the fertility journey is an important first step in your adventure to motherhood.  

The Fertility Journey

Falling pregnant is easy for some, but it can be a long and distressing process for many. It can be difficult to feel hopeful amid fertility challenges, but fortunately, there are many things that you can do on your side to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN,  we can help aid you through your fertility journey. 

 

Infertility And Reproductive Health

According to the American Pregnancy Association, fertility is the natural capability to conceive. On the other hand, infertility prevents the conception of children due to a condition of the reproductive system. Infertility affects roughly 10-15% of couples throughout the United States. It is also essential to note that several factors contribute to conception and pregnancy success. Some of these factors include

 

  • The production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the women
  • Ovulation: The ovary releases an egg
  • Fertilization: Sperm meets the egg
  • Implantation: The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus

 

When implantation occurs, pregnancy officially begins. If one of these factors is impaired or compromised, infertility can result. 

Timing Is Key

Each month, your body prepares for pregnancy. Women are born with about 1 million eggs, yet only release 300 to 400 during ovulation throughout the span of their lifetime. When trying to get pregnant, timing intercourse is crucial for improving the likelihood of millions of sperm meeting one single egg. According to PubMed research, a study of 625 women found conception only occurred when intercourse took place during a six-day period that ended on the estimated day of ovulation. In other words, knowing when you are ovulating can help you plan to have intercourse when you are most likely to conceive.

Infertility Treatments

With ever-advancing technology, infertility continues to be successfully treated in a multitude of women. Two of the most common fertility treatments are Intrauterine Inseminations (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IUI is when healthy sperm is inserted directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation, while IVF is when eggs are taken from a woman’s ovaries, fertilized by sperm, and then transferred into a woman’s uterus. The national average for women younger than 35 able to become pregnant by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on the first try is 55%, yet drops as the women ages. The success rate of IUI is lower at around 10-20% each cycle, but your chances increase the more cycles you go through.   

Additional Options

Aside from IVF and IUI, there are other great options for women struggling with infertility. Common fertility medications include:

 

  • Clomifene – Encourages ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly
  • Tamoxifen – An alternative to Clomifene if you have irregular ovulation
  • Metformin – For women who struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Gonadotropins – Can help stimulate ovulation in women and improve fertility in men

 

Additionally, there are several surgical procedures that women can undergo to help with infertility, such as fallopian tube surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and surgery to correct an epididymal blockage. 

Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we’re all about helping you understand everything about your fertility journey and how having a healthy cycle impacts your overall well-being. If you have been struggling with your fertility journey, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. You can schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (919) 876-8225.

Pregnant this Summer? Here are 8 Ways to Beat the Heat
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Pregnant this Summer? Here are 8 Ways to Beat the Heat

Summertime is officially here, and while this season brings tons of fun in the sun for many, it can create some discomfort for those who are pregnant this summer. Taking care of yourself while pregnant can be a challenge in and of itself, but powerful UV rays and hot temperatures can create an even higher risk of health issues, like dehydration, heatstroke, and more. To help keep you comfortable and safe while pregnant this summer, we’re sharing our top tips to help you beat the heat. 

Sip on something cold 

While alcoholic beverages are out of the question this summer, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all of the fun drinks of summer. Get crafty with some summer mocktails, enjoy some freshly squeezed lemonade, or cool down with a smoothie or slushie. Lowering your internal temperature is a great way to find relief on sweltering days. Even finding time to enjoy a popsicle can provide a quick moment of reprieve.

Relax in the pool

Spending time in the pool is a staple activity that you don’t have to miss out on just because you’re pregnant this summer. In fact, you may find that pool time is even more relaxing, as being weightless in the water helps take pressure off of your feet and lower back. 

Don’t forget the sunscreen

While time spent at the pool is a great way to beat the heat when you’re pregnant this summer, be sure not to skip the SPF! In many women, pregnancy increases sun sensitivity, making pregnant women more susceptible to sunburns and sunspots. While spending time and tanning outdoors is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s essential that you take the proper sun care precautions.

Wear lightweight clothing

Summertime is the perfect season to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes like flowing dresses, skirts, and tops. Not only do these styles align with the summer trends, but they’re also readily available in the maternity section. 

Hydrate 

Increased water consumption is recommended for just about everyone during the hot summer months, and this includes pregnant women. Staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature, keep your systems functioning properly and flush out any toxins. During pregnancy, drinking enough water helps ​​form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood, build new tissue, and carry nutrients to your growing baby. Stay cool and healthy by prioritizing your hydration.

Rest 

The sun can drain you of your energy, and if you’re pregnant this summer, you have probably already noticed a decrease in your normal energy levels. Take time to rest this summer, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Elevating your feet can help reduce swelling and restore some of your energy. 

Enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables

Eating well is essential to a healthy pregnancy, and one of the best parts of the summer season is the abundance of fruits and vegetables. Create a refreshing salad with seasonal produce, enjoy a newly harvested watermelon, or create a juicy (and hydrating) fruit salad and indulge in all of the summer flavors.

Plan your physical activities 

Getting regular exercise throughout your pregnancy is recommended, but hot summertime temperatures can have an impact on your routine. Take advantage of the longer days by waking up early and getting some exercise in the morning while the temperatures are still mild. Staying physically active can have numerous benefits, including better sleep and improved mood.

Contact Raleigh OB/GYN Centre

At Raleigh OB/GYN Centre, we offer a full range of obstetrical care from preconception to delivery. We have offered state-of-the-art care for mothers, daughters, and now granddaughters since 1974 and have since grown to three locations to best serve our patients in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information about how to stay cool while pregnant this summer or to schedule an appointment with our team of dedicated providers, call 919-875-8225.