If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over 12 months unsuccessfully (or over 35 and have been trying for 6 months), it is time to seek help. Not to say you will no conceive without it, but if you wanted medical help getting pregnant, you can at this point. If you have been trying less than 12 months, your healthcare provider may suggest you try without medical help till you reach the 12 months mark.

When scheduling infertility consultation with you OBGYN, you will be told to bring hubby with you. After all, he is a part of the equation in your pursuit for pregnancy. You will be sent for various testes to determine whether one or both or you have a medical problem which causes the lack of pregnancy.

About 10 percent of couples experience difficulty conceiving. 30 percent are due to a problem in the man, 30 percent are due to a problem in the woman, and the rest are due to problem in both or unexplained.

Problems in the man include:

Irregular sperm can be one of the causes in man to infertility. If a man has little to no sperm, poor sperm mobility or irregularly shaped sperm, it may not be able to fertilize the egg. There are no symptoms to irregular sperm. This can sometimes be solved with fertility drugs. If that is not the case, to achieve a pregnancy the couple man have to resort to artificial insemination or even donor sperm.

Some men have a blockage in their ejaculatory duct. This blockage prevents the sperm from getting into the ejaculate fluid, and therefore it never makes it to the egg. A blockage can be caused by an infection, congenital defects or an injury. There are no symptoms to this condition. It can be fixed with surgery.

Varicocele is when a man has enlarged veins in the scrotum, which raise the temperature in the testicle(s). this rise in temperature may affect sperm production, in number or shape or both. There are no symptoms to this condition. It may be fixed with surgery to repair the varicocele.

Problems in the woman include:

Ovulation problem is when a hormonal condition prevents the release of a mature egg from the ovaries. It may be characterized with no menstrual period, a very irregular one or an extremely light or heavy period. This condition may be resolved with fertility drugs or in vitro fertilization.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation, due to the small follicles in the ovaries not developing into mature follicles. It may be characterized with irregular menstrual period, obesity, acne and excessive hair growth. It can be solved with changes in lifestyle including diet and exercise or with fertility drugs and in vitro fertilization.

Endometriosis is when uterine lining tissue grows outside your uterus, such as in the abdominal-pelvic cavity. You may have no symptoms or experience painful menstrual period and pelvic pain. This condition can be resolved with fertility drugs, surgery to remove tissue or artificial insemination.

Poor egg quality usually results in the lack of a pregnancy, since damaged eggs cannot sustain a pregnancy. Other than the lack of a pregnancy, there are no symptoms to poor egg quality. One solution to achieve pregnancy is in vitro fertilization with donor eggs.

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent the sperm from making its way to the egg, and prevent the fertilized egg from getting to your uterus. Causes to blocked or damaged fallopian tubes include pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia. There are no symptoms to this condition. It can be fixed with surgery to open the tubes or in vitro fertilization.

Less than 2 percent of woman suffer from sperm allergy. A solution to this case is artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Problems in one or both partners may include:

You may be diagnosed with unexplained fertility problem, if all test results (for both of you) show no medical reason for your infertility. This may be overcome with fertility drugs or artificial insemination or a combination of the two.

If both of you have fertility problems, you will be diagnosed with combined fertility problems. Symptoms and treatment vary according to the diagnosis.

One of your first decisions as a parent is what to name your child. Even though other family members (such as your parents, grandparents or in-laws) may want to help you make this decision (or make it for you), it is yours to make. Remember that.

Naming your baby can be easy, if you or your spouse have a name you always liked and both agree on. Though for most it is a bit more challenging to decide on the perfect name. If you are one of those couples who have a harder time coming up with or agreeing on a name, take a deep breath and know you are not alone.

For start, make a point not to fight over naming your baby. It should be an exciting thing you get to do together. The most important part of choosing a name is finding one that you both agree on. Others’ thoughts on the matter are not as important. Yes, it will be great if everyone in your family will LOVE the name you picked, but let’s face it, it will likely not be the case, and really, after your baby is born all that matters is they will love your child (which they will regardless of what you named him).

So how do you go about choosing your baby’s name?

If you both have no ideas, names you have always liked, etc. you can always go over name lists in books or online and/or ask friends and family for ideas/advice. It is not a bad idea to start a list of names you like, and start narrowing it down together. If you are really lost, you can have a naming party and get ideas from family and friends. You can also pick a loved relative’s name. this way you will always have a positive association with the name.

If you are looking for names yourselves, first discuss what type of names you like, if there is one. You may want a biblical name, one with a meaning, a popular name or a unique one. Narrowing down the type of name you are looking for, will help you start your name search.

Even if you have a name, it is always best to see your child before the final decision, to see if she really is a Deborah, for example. You may surprise yourself after seeing your baby for the first time with a name you have not even considered before.

If you don’t have a name picked, you may get that spark of inspiration and decisiveness once you see your baby.

If you have a name, or a list of them, try using them out laud to see which clicks for you. Refer to your unborn child as Daniel for a day, then try Henry. See which name sits better with you and your spouse. Remember, you should both agree on the name, or at least not hate it…

Remember, it is your decision, don’t let others sway you in a direction you are not happy with. Close your eye and let your mind go. You will eventually find that perfect name you are looking for!

While you may think of pregnancy as a magical time in a woman’s life, it is not all beautiful belly and excitement about the new life that is growing within. Like anything else in life, a pregnancy has its unpleasant sides as well.

Here are a few:

Even if you are just in the beginning of your pregnancy, you may already be familiar with the frequent trips to the restroom to empty your bladder. While you will most likely have an easier second trimester, those frequent urinations will likely return during the third trimester due to the size of your baby and his head’s (or other body part) vicinity to your bladder.

What you may not yet be familiar with is Bladder leakage, which usually occurs when you laugh, cough or sneeze. This leakage is caused by the growing uterus and the pressure it puts on your bladder. To avoid or minimize these occurrences, do your kegel exercises daily and empty your bladder regularly and frequently.

The large amounts of the progesterone hormone produced in your body during pregnancy, relax your muscles. That includes the gastrointestinal tract. Your growing uterus puts added pressure on your rectum and it all leads to, well, Gas. And it can be hard to impossible to control…

To avoid uncomfortable incidents as much as possible, eat smaller, more frequent meal. Try to eat slowly to avoid swallowing air. Relax and avoid foods that cause gas such as cabbage, beans and fried foods.

As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, space becomes limited in your body. Combined with the hormone progesterone that causes your muscles to relax, Burping may become inevitable. To avoid unpleasant occurrences (…), eat smaller, more frequent meal. Avoid carbonated drinks, fatty and fried foods.

Hemorrhoids are swollen rectal veins which can be painful or itchy. They are very common during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester and/or after childbirth (due to the pressure of pushing). If you suffer from hemorrhoids, take warm baths, use ice packs (covered) to reduce the swelling and/or avoid seating for long hours. Speak to your healthcare provider about topical creams that my offer relief. If you haven’t had them before, you are likely to be hemorrhoid free again sometime after childbirth.

Swelling (also called edema) is common during pregnancy. It is caused by the larger blood volume in your body, and usually affects the hands, face and legs (ankles and feet).  Swelling is usually gradual. If you experience sudden swelling, call your healthcare provider and get checked, for it may be a sign of preeclampsia.

To avoid or relieve swelling, rest with your legs elevated, don’t stand for long hours, and drink plenty of water. Also don’t wear clothes that are too tight.

While it may be uncomfortable, or just plain embarrassing, you’ll be relieved to know these symptoms will go away immediately or shortly after you give birth. So embrace them or try to avoid them with good nutrition and good health.

Before you conceive you may fanaticize about pregnancy, how your belly (and only your belly…) will grow and you will have that pregnancy glow people talk about. But pregnancy is not just about your belly growing and your skin glowing. Once you are pregnant you may find yourself thinking how little you knew about pregnancy and the symptoms you may have to deal with, and how little information about this journey you had.

Yes, pregnancy can be magical, and you may love your pregnant body and enjoy every minute of this journey. Though you may find pregnancy has a bit more to it, such as morning sickness, skin conditions other than glow, and other pains and aches.

Some of pregnancy phenomenons you wish you knew about:

Morning sickness has a misleading name, since it can occur at any time of the day and night. Many women don’t know that little fact. More so, while morning sickness is usually a symptom of the first trimester, it can last longer than 14 weeks.

Your bladder may feel like it shrunk during pregnancy, and you’ll find yourself running to the bathroom frequently. Frequent urination usually happens during both first and third trimesters. You may have a relief during the second trimester.

When you are pregnant, you may find you are more forgetful, frazzled and clumsy. Your body is working hard to nourish and grow your unborn baby. While your body is at work, it may feel like your brain is not all there. Well, remember you are not sleeping as well as before because you are uncomfortable and may be running to the bathroom a lot. Your mind is somewhere else, thinking about the future as a new mom and you may be worrying about different things. It is normal, and not permanent.

During pregnancy, you may find that your hair gets thicker. Enjoy it while it lasts, since a few months after childbirth you will be losing all the hair you did not lose throughout your pregnancy.

During pregnancy your teeth can be more sensitive. Many women report increased sensitivity in their gums and teeth. More so, it is usually not advised to have oral surgery during pregnancy unless needed. Speak to your dentist and OBGYN if you need to care for your teeth while pregnant.

Your breasts will change during pregnancy and after childbirth. You may want to get different bra sizes and make sure they are comfortable!

Even if you research pregnancy and what you should expect inside out, you may still e surprised, because there is no better way to know about pregnancy other than experiencing it yourself. Try to stay open to whatever the journey may have for you, and remember, it is only nine months long.

At every stage of our life we are consumed with what stands in front of us; the dreams, the reality, and goals. But rarely do we stop to take a look at what has changed, take a moment to appreciate it, think about our next step. Not the one we need to take, but the one we WANT to.

When you were single, life revolved around you. Your inner desires and goal and maybe the pursuit after a life partner. It was nice not to have to tell anyone where you are going and when you plan to return. There was no one there to tell you what you can or cannot do, and no one to worry about your whereabouts.

Then you meet you other half, get married, settle down. Suddenly you start feeling comfortable and realize that life was never really meant to live alone. The pursuit after a life partner you may have not realized you were in, is over, and a new era begins. Life is good.

The love nest you have built with your life partner may start feeling a little empty, and talking of expending your life as a couple into a family seems right.

When you become a parent you suddenly forget about the life that was before. When you meet expecting parents you tell them to take advantage of the time they have left just as a couple, sleep as much as they can (well, if you are talking to the expecting mom, she probably can’t really enjoy sleeping in much because of all the discomforts of pregnancy, but you may not even remember that…), and do all those things you cannot remember the last time you did because of your tight schedule, that doesn’t belong to you anyhow.

At the same time, you do not forget to share the joy of being a parent and the amazing feeling of fulfillment over your child making any little accomplishment no one can understand unless there are a parent themselves.

Every stage of life has its own uniqueness, and we usually appreciate it fully only when we have moved to the next step. Try to change that…

Postpartum depression is a relatively common phenomenon among women after childbirth. With the objective hormonal changes in the body, adjusting to the new lifestyle as a mom, the sleepless nights and the challenges of breastfeeding, among other things, it makes sense mom is overwhelmed to the point of depression.

Although postpartum depression is traditionally associated with women after childbirth, it can affect men as well. Just like some men develop pregnancy like symptoms while their wives are pregnant, new Dads may experience the baby blues after the birth of their child.

The dramatic change in lifestyle affects not only Mom, but also Dad. The realization you are no longer responsible for yourself alone, but for a helpless human being, can be quit overwhelming for new Dads. While Dad does not breastfeed, he may still go through sleepless nights, helping in the constant care of the newborn.

Other factor that may trigger postpartum depression for new Dads include fear of fatherhood, worries regarding the financial implications of having a child & having to provide for a family, the loss of freedom and more.

Other than women, men are not always encouraged to share their emotions, since “it is not manly” to be vulnerable and have fears. Emotions that are not dealt with (such as the once one may have after having a child), can result in depression. Talking about those fears, concerns and stresses that come with becoming a father, can help ease and overcome the depression.

Daddy baby blues typically last around four months, though some men will develop depression that lasts longer. In that case, seek professional help. Clinical depression should not be taken lightly and should be treated professionally.

Regardless of whether or not you have (or are in the process of developing) a thriving carrier, after childbirth, you may find it hard to return to work and leave your little one in the caring hands of another family member, a nanny or the caregiver at a childcare.

While that is a normal feeling to have and a common inner struggle a new mom goes through, deciding to give into these feelings and deciding to become a stay at home mom is not for everyone.

First you want to take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself if you really truly can stay home and not return to your job. While you may miss your child if/when you return to work, it is also possible you will miss your job, doing other things that do not involve baby crying and diaper changing. Not every woman by definition wants/chooses to be with her child(ren) all the time. There is nothing wrong with being a carrier woman, wanting to be around adults for a portion of the day, and do thing to promote yourself. Being a Mom does not have cancel out other parts of your life if you don’t want it to.

If you decided your carrier can be on hold for sometime so you can devote yourself to your newborn, ask yourself if you would like to return to your job one day, and whether your employer will potentially take you back if you leave now to be a stay at home mom.

Before you do anything, calculate your expenses and see if you can afford to stay home with your child(ren). Many woman find that most or a good portion of their paycheck goes to the nanny or daycare, and if you prefer to stay with your baby, maybe you should.

Don’t make decisions without your spouse and really think about the implications and consequences.