The joy and heartache of trying to conceiveWhen a woman decides to embark on this journey of planned parenthood, it can bring forth many different emotions based on her unique make-up and experience. Feelings ranging from frustration, fear and disappointment to hope and happiness could all be part of the journey and we aim to assist, support and guide you through every possible outcome. We consider every pregnancy precious and are very aware that the decision to conceive is not always met with positive outcomes. Whether you have been trying for 2 months or 20, we hope the extension of your family (and ultimately your heart) will bring forth many happy and blessed days.
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First ask yourself: why do I want to be pregnant?Although this might sound like a daft statement, it is crucial for every prospective parent to examine their hearts and ask what their motivation is for wanting to have children. We believe that although no person can ever fully prepare themselves for the change a child brings to their lives, pregnancy should be a planned occurrence with as much preparation from the expecting parents as possible in order to provide the best home for the child. It is our experience that babies born into loving homes, with committed parents and extended family have the best chance at happiness and health. If you are finding yourself in a strained or abusive relationship, please contact a support group or our office for help. Having children does not mend broken or strained relationships, it just puts more strain on a household and if the foundation of the home is not solid and well-supported by a network of family and friends, then it might not be a good time to plan a pregnancy.
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Delayed fertility: when is a good time to have a baby?Busy lives, economic strain and career advancement are some of the reasons why woman postpone starting a family. These are all good reasons to consider the optimal time to plan a pregnancy, but beware the false reassurance provided by information on "easy methods" for assisted reproduction. It is true that medical advances in infertility treatment and the prospect of freezing eggs / embryo's has helped many families where women are older or a couple has health issues affecting their ability to conceive, but these successes are not guaranteed and can be expensive (medical aid/insurance rarely cover assisted reproduction). We work in close association with many infertility practices in Cape Town and will gladly refer you for any necessary help.
It will never feel like the "perfect time" to have a baby. If having children is part of your planned future, please speak to your healthcare provider about your options sooner rather than later. A woman's natural ability to fall pregnant does decline from as early as age 30. There are many factors that could affect your fertility. If you suspect you might have fertility issues, please contact our office for a general check-up and consultation. |
Where do babies come from?
Many couples have questions regarding aspects of conception.
The first factor is timing. In order to become pregnant naturally, strong and healthy sperm need to be introduced into the female genital tract around the same time a woman produces a mature egg (ovulates).
Secondly, it is impossible to know whether the specific sperm cell and egg that unite have healthy genetic material that will become your new baby.
Therefore early genetic screening in pregnancy is strongly advised (See 11 - 13 week scan). The good news is that it takes only one sperm to fertilise a healthy egg. If a couple experiences any problems, our practice can assist with fertility evaluation and basic intervention. Complicated cases will be referred to a fertility specialist (See Artificial insemination, IVF, ICSI).
Thirdly, the tract between the vagina and ovary needs to be open in order for sperm to enter and access the egg which is descending from the ovary via the Fallopian tube into the uterus. After the sperm and egg find each other and conception occurs (where the genetic material of both partners fuses and starts forming a new human being), the new embryo should move down the Fallopian tube into a favourable uterus where implantation will occur. At this stage, the placenta and umbilical cord form, and now your baby starts growing. A urine test can be positive as early as 14 days after conception, which will usually be about the time that you realise you have skipped a period. We count how far you are pregnant from the first day of your last menstruation and NOT FROM estimated conception. This is why you must book your appointment around the time of your second skipped period, which will be about 8 weeks after your last menstruation started. Although the pregnancy probably occurred about 2 weeks after your last menstruation, we will calculate that you are 8 weeks pregnant because menstruation is a more universal and tangible sign on which we can base the science of gestation calculation.
The first factor is timing. In order to become pregnant naturally, strong and healthy sperm need to be introduced into the female genital tract around the same time a woman produces a mature egg (ovulates).
Secondly, it is impossible to know whether the specific sperm cell and egg that unite have healthy genetic material that will become your new baby.
Therefore early genetic screening in pregnancy is strongly advised (See 11 - 13 week scan). The good news is that it takes only one sperm to fertilise a healthy egg. If a couple experiences any problems, our practice can assist with fertility evaluation and basic intervention. Complicated cases will be referred to a fertility specialist (See Artificial insemination, IVF, ICSI).
Thirdly, the tract between the vagina and ovary needs to be open in order for sperm to enter and access the egg which is descending from the ovary via the Fallopian tube into the uterus. After the sperm and egg find each other and conception occurs (where the genetic material of both partners fuses and starts forming a new human being), the new embryo should move down the Fallopian tube into a favourable uterus where implantation will occur. At this stage, the placenta and umbilical cord form, and now your baby starts growing. A urine test can be positive as early as 14 days after conception, which will usually be about the time that you realise you have skipped a period. We count how far you are pregnant from the first day of your last menstruation and NOT FROM estimated conception. This is why you must book your appointment around the time of your second skipped period, which will be about 8 weeks after your last menstruation started. Although the pregnancy probably occurred about 2 weeks after your last menstruation, we will calculate that you are 8 weeks pregnant because menstruation is a more universal and tangible sign on which we can base the science of gestation calculation.
In order to conceive naturally, you need:1. Correct timing - synchronised ovulation and sexual intercourse.
2. One healthy sperm and one healthy egg. 3. Viable (open) Fallopian tubes. 4. Favourable uterine environment. 5. The correct hormonal support to sustain a developing pregnancy. 6. A competent cervix to prevent the uterus from opening prematurely. |
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The fertile window |
How long must we try before getting help? |
If you have a regular menstruation cycle and it is predictable when your next period is expected, you can determine the day you are most likely to ovulate (release an egg). Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before menstruation. Therefore, if your period (menstruation) is due to start on the 28 th day of the month, then you are most likely to ovulate around the 14 th of that month. The day before your expected ovulation day and up to two days after expected ovulation is considered your fertile window. That said, our bodies do not always follow these rules. You might benefit from using a home ovulation test which is available at all major pharmacies and can give you some assistance.
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It is difficult to give a standard answer. It depends on many factors other than just the age of the prospective parents. Generally if you are younger than 35 years old and have actively tried to fall pregnant for 12 months without success, you should see a gynaecologist with your menstruation diary and partner for a check-up and fertility evaluation. If you are 35 years and older, don't wait more than 6 months before asking for help.
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While you are trying to fall pregnant:
Do:Keep diary of your mentruation
Eat healthily (fresh and safe foods) Drink lots of water Exercise (regularly, but not excessively) Sleep enough / Rest as needed See your gynae if you are using any prescription medication (preferably before you fall pregnant) Use a multivitamin with folic acid |
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