“I have a child, therefore I know I am fertile and should have no problems getting pregnant again.” Isn’t that right?

Well, it isn’t. Secondary infertility is found in about 20% of women and is most common among women who have waited with pregnancy till their 30’s or 40’s, when fertility declines. Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive after successfully and naturally conceiving one or more children. Causes for secondary infertility may be similar to those of primary infertility (childless couple who are unable to conceive).

There are a variety of reasons why secondary infertility may occur.  Since your last pregnancy, you or your partner may have had an infection, gained some weight, or started eating fewer healthy foods. These minor changes in your lifestyle can have grave repercussions on your reproductive health. Also your egg quality may have begun to decrease (natural process as you get older) or your partner’s sperm may not be what it once was during his youthful years. Abnormalities with sperm and ejaculation are frequently cited as causes of secondary infertility.

Luckily, there is a lot you can do to increase your chances to conceive for the second, third (or more) time. First, you should start taking prenatal vitamins. Folic acid and iron have been proven to improve fertility. Knowing when you are ovulating is crucial. If your cycle is regular, (28-30 days) have sex on days 10-14 (start the count on the first day of your period). Using an ovulation kit can be beneficial to zero in on the exact days you are ovulating.

Age is a factor when getting pregnant. If you’re 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for more than six months, speak to your OBGYN, who will most likely run some tests to see what the root of the problem is. Avoid Antihistamines and vitamin C supplements. They dry out the cervical fluid that helps sperm find its way to your egg.  Lubricants can block sperm’s path and should also be avoided. Stress, though hard to control, should be minimized and some ways to overcome stress is to do something fun, laugh, take a relaxing hot bath, pamper yourself to a massage or go on a getaway weekend with your partner. Whatever calms you down, do it!

You may also like:

• Is Your First Ready For Your Second?
• Common Mistakes On The Way To Pregnancy
• How to Get Pregnant Faster

A women’s intuition is a powerful thing, but we don’t all KNOW when we are pregnant right away. Some of us may consider the possibility when we start to see a few of the “I’m pregnant” signs while others may overlook them all completely. Here are the top ten signs you may be pregnant and how you should interpret each one:

1. A positive home pregnancy test usually detects a pregnancy only a week after your missed period (regardless of what is advertised on the box). After getting a positive result, contact your OBGYN to schedule a blood test.
2. Continuously high basal temperature past the time when your period is due is another possible indicator of pregnancy.
3. A missed period can be considered a sign of pregnancy if your cycle is regular (usually 28-30 days). This is typically the first indication you should take a pregnancy test. At the same time, you should know that there are other reasons for a late period. Stress is a big factor, and if you are trying to conceive or under a lot of stress for other reasons, you may experience a late period. It may also be: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, tension, stopping birth control, or breast-feeding.
4. Frequent urination may start six weeks into your first trimester, and is caused by increased amount of blood and fluids during pregnancy. This extra fluid being processed by your kidneys and ending up in your bladder will send you running to the bathroom repeatedly. It may also be: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or a result of taking excessive diuretics.
5. Abdominal bloating is caused by hormonal changes, similar to the feeling some women have just before their period arrives.
6. Increased sensitivity to odors is common during the first trimester.
7. Nausea or vomiting is a very common symptom of pregnancy. It may start as early as a few days after conception, but is most common between 2-8 weeks. It may also be: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders that causes you to feel queasy.
8. Implantation bleeding can occur around 11-12 days after conception. This small amount of vaginal bleeding may be caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the blood-rich lining of your uterus, and lasts only a day or two.
9. Fatigue can be experienced as early as a week after conception. This feeling of extreme exhaustion is cause by high levels of progesterone, a hormone that is present during pregnancy. It may also be: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling drained.
10. Tender, swollen breasts, is yet another sign of early pregnancy. This symptom usually disappears by the end of the first trimester. It may also be: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to swell and become more sensitive.

While these “signs” have helped many women over the years recognize pregnancy, you should always check with your OBGYN, whether you intend on being pregnant or not.  Each woman experiences different symptoms upon conception and the best way to be prepared for pregnancy is to read about it and talk with your doctor.

Science already has the technology to test for the sex of an embryo as early as eight cell developments (roughly around day 3, also known as the cleavage stage). This test can be done through a procedure called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), in which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the womb.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was originally developed for reasons unrelated to embryo sex selection. The initial cause for developing various types of embryo tests was to detect genetic diseases that a baby could inherit from its birth parents before pregnancy.  Couples or individuals who test positive for serious genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis or other genetic diseases can investigate whether their child will share the same condition through these embryonic tests and determine if pregnancy is the right decision for them.

While the opportunity of sex selection is a result of PGD, it is rarely used for this purpose. It is also a very costly treatment (a single round of PGD can cost nearly $20,000). The procedure is invasive and can be painful; and unless needed for reasons other than infertility or known genetic defects, it can be an expensive investment.

If you’re determined to choose the sex of your unborn baby, you’ll have to meet strict eligibility requirements. Some clinics that perform the procedure only accept married couples that already have at least one child of the sex opposite to the one they’re trying for.  Other clinics have age limits or require you to take hormone tests to prove you’re not approaching menopause.

And of course there is a moral debate surrounding the idea of embryonic testing.  Some say that PGD helps parents make educated decisions about pregnancy and assist with planning for their future.  Others argue that it should be left to nature to navigate the proper balance in the world.  After all, we are only human…

When you are pregnant, you are already self conscious about your looks. May it be your size, the fact that your wardrobe has shrunk, the way people are looking at you or just the wrong side of the bed you woke up on this morning.  Whatever it is, you are just not sure about your appearance anymore.

Well, there is something you can do about it! And yes, it would have been fabulous if you had the time and money to treat yourself to a complete new maternity wardrobe to boost up your self confidence, but there really is no need to go to that extreme.

It could be that just a few new fashionable items, mixed with your existing wardrobe (!!) and a nice piece of jewelry or the right accessory will do the trick and make you smile at your reflection at the mirror.

Start with your existing wardrobe. Almost any top you own, you can still ware, using a belly band for the extra length your pre-pregnancy top is lacking. Choose from a variety of colors and get two –three different colors/patterns that will work with the tops in your closet. For your pants you can use the pants expander to get a few more months out of your already owned pants. Later in the pregnancy you will have to get some maternity pants.

Now take a look at other items you already own, such as scarves, bags, gloves, hats, hair accessories, jewelry, and any other accessory you own and like. Mixing these items into your look can be fun and contribute to a fashionable look.

Bold items and/or splashes of color can give your pregnant look just what it needs to make the statement you are looking for, or spice up your appearance. There is no reason why you wouldn’t look fabulous while pregnant!

Planning on getting pregnant? Keep in mind; it can take longer than you think. Yes, there are couples who are very fertile and will conceive on the first try, or get pregnant after having sex only once, but the chances of this scenario are slimmer than you may think.

We are taught to never have unprotected sex, in order to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Although, it is a good way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases, it leads to misconceptions of the actual chances of conception. Here are some facts you may want to take into consideration while planning to conceive. Don’t be discouraged, but have patience.

After getting off birth control pills it can (but doesn’t have to) take a little while before you become pregnant. Some healthcare providers say that your body needs to ‘clean itself out off the hormones’, while others say there is no truth to this statement. Regardless of which of the two you choose to believe, be aware that you may not conceive the month following termination of your birth control pills. This is not an indication for a problem. Take your time and continue trying.

Stress is a major factor in delayed conception. When trying to get pregnant, try to avoid stress in your life. If you exercise, continue to do so, or find another way to relax. Stressing over the coveted pregnancy that does not happen can delay it as well. Plan a romantic getaway for two and try to ‘let it happen’ rather than force it on.

To get pregnant faster, you certainly need to have frequent sex, preferably before you ovulate (after which it is too late for this month. But no worries, there is always next month). Sperm can live for three to five days in your body, which means you can have sex even several days before you ovulate and still conceive.

To increase your chances of conception, start having sex every day (or every other day) on the 10^th day of your cycle (start counting on the first day of your period). Try to keep stress levels in your life low, especially does related to whether or not you become pregnant, but also at work, home, etc. Eat healthy and exercise and do not get discouraged if it takes longer than desired. Most couples will achieve a pregnancy within the first 12-18 months. After 12 months, you can speak to your ob/gyn about other options for you and your partner.

Best of luck! And stay positive. Attitude does make a difference!

There are different symptoms that can suggest a pregnancy. First, and usually the most obvious, is a missed period. Although, it is possible to be spotting while pregnant, a late or missed period is usually the first indication you should check if you are pregnant or not.

Most common early pregnancy symptoms include:

Fatigue. Increased, unusual or unexplained fatigue is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. There is not much you can do to prevent it but rest. Usually fatigue is associated with the first trimester and disappears around the 12^th-14^th week.

Nausea is probably the most know symptom of early pregnancy. Also called morning sickness, but can occur at any time of the day. This pregnancy symptom usually lasts between the 6^th and 12^th weeks of the pregnancy. Make sure you are hydrated.

Sore, swollen breasts are caused by increased blood flow. Other changes to your breasts will come throughout the pregnancy. Read more about breast changes.

The only way to confirm a pregnancy is to take a pregnancy blood test. Yes, you can start with the home pregnancy tests, which these days are becoming more and more accurate, but a blood test is still the most accurate way to get an absolute answer. It’s better than guessing or relaying on symptoms, which if you are not pregnant may need to be checked.

Happy pregnancy!

There is no shame in trying to conceive with no immediate results. It could happen that you will get pregnant on your first try, but let’s face it, the chances are slim. Most people who have an unwanted pregnancy can vouch that they were not careful on more than one occasion before they actually became pregnant.

Planed or not, a pregnancy needs “just the right conditions”. Even if one variable is out of line, there will be no pregnancy.

Before you seek medical help, make sure you have been trying for a minimum of 12 months unsuccessfully. It can take up to 18 months or more for a fertile couple to conceive. ‘What’s the delay?’ Well, it can be any one or a combination of reasons. First you need to ask yourself how often and when you have intercourse. Be true to yourself. If you have sex once a month, your chances of hitting just the right day and time are slim. A woman is ovulating usually between the 10^th and 21^st day of her menstrual cycle, which means you want to make sure you are sexually active during these days.

If all else hasn’t proven successful (and you are not yet pregnant), you can now make a consultation appointment with your OB/GYN. This appointment is for the both of you, so take your partner in crime (aka hubby) with you.

Infertility may be caused by one or more reasons, it can occur with you, your partner, or the combination of the two of you. Fortunately, there are ways to diagnose the cause and depending on the result, there may very well be a solution at hand. But before you concern yourself with alternate possibilities to overcoming infertility, speak to your doctor and see if you should consider having a consult.

No matter what, keep having sex! That’s your safest bet for conceiving..

Pregnancy is a miraculous thing. The formation of new life is fascinating, and if you follow your pregnancy week-by-week, you’ll find that this change in your life includes more than just morning sickness  and doctor visits, right from the beginning.

Each woman experiences pregnancy differently, but each woman can experience difference with each subsequent pregnancy as well. Therefore, asking your friends and family about their pregnancies may not help you understand your own, because it is likely you’ll have a very unique experience with only a few shared similarities.

Throughout your pregnancy you will see( should see) your obstetric/gynecologist regularly, so make sure you are satisfied with him/her. If you aren’t, take the time to find another health professional for the duration of your pregnancy. Prenatal visits are important for monitoring your baby’s health and development as well as your own health. Throughout your pregnancy you will be asked to take several different prenatal tests – all aimed at ensuring your pregnancy is progressing properly. Genetic testing may be done depending on yours and your family’s health history.

Some very Common pregnancy problems include nausea, fatigue, mood changes, vaginal discharge, fluid retention, back and leg pains, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headaches, heartburn, insomnia, hemorrhoids, sinus problems. These discomforts may or may not affect you. There is no way to foresee which pregnancy related issues may affect you, nor is there a way to prevent them. Therefore, it is best to not worry about what could happen. Remember that pregnancy problems are usually not severe and in most cases will disappear after the delivery. If you do suffer from any of the symptoms above or happen to be blessed with multiple issues – you should know that there are ways to minimize your discomfort. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms for a solution.

A pregnancy is not an illness. You can continue your life almost as you have before, as long as you are healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle. If you had engaged in regular exercise before pregancy, you can continue exercising until your doctor tells you otherwise. You may want to consider prenatal yoga. What you should change once you find out your pregnant is your diet. Avoid raw meats, seafood, raw eggs, high mercury fish, soft cheese, caffeine and more. Learn about what foods you should avoid and speak to your doctor about any questions you may have.

You should know that most pregnancies do not involve complications and even if you suffer from discomforts, they do not have to take over your life and ruin this miraculous experience for you. Expect for the best, but be flexible and learn to accept whatever comes your way. This nine months journey may be overwhelming at times, but it is temporary, and at its end you will meet your baby and your life will change forever…

Well, contrary to what you may think, conceiving could take longer or shorter then expected. This depends on different variables, including your health, fertility, weather or not you are/were taking birth control pills, etc.

If you are on the pill and are planning to get pregnant, this is the time to stop taking them. It may be a few months before you conceive, for your body needs some time to cleanse itself from the hormones before it is ready for a pregnancy. So take that into consideration, but remember there is no guarantee either way.

It will be a year of actively trying unsuccessfully to conceive before a doctor will see you for an infertility consultation. One thing you will be asked (obviously) is how often you… have sex, and when in relations to your menstrual period (timing is everything!). You are not ovulating every day. Learn about your cycle to have a better understanding of when is the best time to conceive.

It goes without saying that you need to have sex in order to conceive. Once or twice a month can work for the extremely fertile (or lucky), but will not do the trick for most woman. Yes, it does take one successful and well timed try, but since we often don’t know when the exact time of ovulation is, it may take many tries (men usually don’t mind having to try more oftenJ).

Most fertility specialists will recommend to actively start trying 10 days after the first day or your period. Some say everyday, others recommend every other day (to allow for a higher sperm count). Whichever recommendation you receive, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Remember that stress alone can affect your body and mind.

Most couples will get pregnant within 12-18 months of actively trying. Be true to yourselves about how long you really have been trying and do not panic if it has been a while. Speak to your OB/GYN and ask for a referral to a fertility specialist. Sometimes you just need a little help to get there.

When we were about eight months pregnant, we met friends (a couple with two children) for dinner. We were going to talk about babies, and what we need to have ready before our daughter is born, what to purchase, what to expect, etc. Instead, we dove into a conversation about politics and almost completely neglected the baby topic, which was no big deal since we were having so much fun.

Somehow during desert, we got back on topic long enough to hear one statement that has stayed with me since: “Daddy is always three months behind”. That is, Daddy is three month behind Mommy in understanding and accepting the major changes that are happening in a couple’s life when they are expecting a baby.

Not to say that this statement is absolute, but it made sense to some degree for us, and in different ways to other (but of course not all) couples.

It is natural for the Mom-to-be to realize the changes to come during her pregnancy, for she is carrying the baby for the duration of the pregnancy and by that possibly even developing a connection with her unborn baby. For Dad-to-be, it could be harder to connect or even to comprehend that a big change is to come. While this difference between man and woman is natural, it does not have to be this way.

It all starts from the womb

You can help your partner in crime, the “Soon to be a Daddy”  have a better grasp on the new life growing inside you, and the changes to come by asking him to join you at the Doctor’s office on your monthly prenatal visits. When the baby is big enough for you to feel kicks, you can have Daddy put his hand on your belly so he can feel the baby kicking as well.

You can look for baby names together, decide on a theme for the baby’s room and prepare a list of things you will need once the baby is born. You can also talk about your birth plan and put together a bag for the hospital in preparation for the big day.

And then you become a parent

The first three months of most babies’ lives revolve around sleeping and eating. Both rocking your newborn to sleep and feeding him are wonderful opportunities for Daddy to bond with the baby. If you are nursing, you can pump and let your partner feed.

As your baby grows, there will be many activities and opportunities for each of you to bond with him, each in your own way. With time, family activities and play, the three months delay will disappear.