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Having a baby is one of the most joyous events in a person’s lifetime. Yet many mothers struggle to conceive, and must deal with physical and emotional fallout. If you’ve been waiting a long time to conceive, do not give up hope. Several factors contribute to the ability to get pregnant, and your doctor should discuss each of them with you.
Ovulation
Not every woman gets regular periods, and some have painful menstrual cycles or excessive bleeding. If this describes you, your ovulation dates have almost certainly been thrown off. Work with a doctor to determine optimal ovulation times. Use a calendar or a journal to help with this process. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, the doctor may suggest you use birth control for a short time to regulate your periods. Once your doctor feels your cycles have calmed down, he or she can refocus on helping you conceive.
Weight Issues
Ideally, a woman trying to get pregnant should have a normal BMI between 18.5 and 25. Any higher and you risk your body being packed with estrogen, which throws off ovulation. Any lower, and your entire reproductive system may shut down. If you have an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, tell your doctor now. He or she can recommend a good counselor, and place you on a pregnancy-friendly diet complete with vitamin supplements as needed. The same is true if you are overweight or obese. Either condition puts you at risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, heart trouble, or a pregnancy-induced stroke. Be honest about your weight. Your doctor is there to help, not judge. He or she will likely recommend a diet high in lean protein, leafy greens, dark berries, and other healthy foods.
Environmental Factors
Stress can greatly reduce your ability to conceive. High-stress jobs such as nursing, military work, police work, and firefighting all top the list of offenders. However, any job can become stressful under the right circumstances. A job that exposes you to hazardous material like heavy metals, mercury, or cadmium is also a fertility risk. If you have one of these careers and cannot leave or do not want to leave, and are having trouble conceiving because of it, consider adoption. Visit reputable sites such as childwelfare.gov or Adopt Connect to find a good agency near you.
Illness and Disability
In most cases, a mother with an autoimmune disorder or physical disability like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy can conceive like any other woman. The question of whether she will, or should is another matter. Disabilities and lifelong illnesses do present complications. For example, your body may not allow you to use some of the more optimal sexual positions. Discuss your specific situation and risks with your doctor. As with a high-stress lifestyle, an illness or disability is also a good reason to consider adoption. Visit an adoption advertising agency to find out.
Conceiving is joyous, but can also prove difficult. Several factors make conception difficult for some women, but your doctor has likely seen most of them before. Raise your concerns openly and honestly, and you’ll be that much closer to holding a baby.