Fertility Friday: Keeping up your Routine

Usually we can come up with more reasons not to work out then to get up in the morning and hit the pavement.  It can be helpful to focus on the real goal for continuing to work out. Whether it's the mental clarity, the alone time, the increased cardiovascular effects, or the weight loss, keep reminding yourself of why you work out.  I remember when I was striving to achieve a goal weight, I put a picture up of Christina Aguilera in the movie Burlesque.  I wanted to get as close to that as my genetic make up would let me. This way when lack of motivation strikes, you can remind yourself of why you keep going.

Tip Tuesday: An Apple a Day

Apples are great for many reasons 1) they taste great. 2) they come in a number of different varieties 3) they have high antioxidant properties 4) they can increase immune functioning and brain functioning 5) they can help with heartburn in pregnancy.  How you like them apples?

Fertility Friday: Distractions

When trying to conceive, fertility can be on your mind all the time. Running around from doctor's visits to appointments to acupuncture appointments and eating a modified diet can make us think about fertility endlessly.  Good tools for distractions, are activities or tasks that take a lot of concentration, such as a sport or a class. A patient once told me that hitting golf balls helped her relax because it took a lot of concentration as well as physical strength.  Reading an engrossing book, doing a crossword, or creating something, such as a craft or project can be great distractions.

Tip Tuesday: Avoiding Vaginal Infections

Pregnancy can make us more prone to infections. Physical changes such as increased vaginal secretions, decreased gastric emptying, and increased urination can make us more prone to vaginal infections. To fight infections, practice good perinal hygiene.  Buy new underwear, or wash your underwear with boiling hot water. Don't hold your urine. Urinate after relations. Drink plenty of fluids and consume antioxidants daily, from vitamin C, garlic, apples etc. These are just a few tips to help keep you infection free.

Fertility Friday: Changing up the Routine

One way to fight work-out boredom is to change up the routine. Try a new class. My new favorite is super-amped up step aerobics. The 80's are back.   For classes in New York try Myles Hart.

Tip Tuesday: Financial Considerations

While not much in labor can be planned there are a few things that can be planned ahead when it comes to welcoming a new life into your home and planning financially.
Think about parental leave.  Talk to your provider and discuss what your plan for leave will be. Also have your partner discuss parental leave with his/her employer and find out what your employer allows and expects.  Work with your state to find out what your disability benefits will be.  Budget ahead of time or even put a little bit of money aside each month during your pregnancy to be prepared for time off work and additional expenses.

Fertilty Friday: Take a break from Stoires

When trying to conceive everyone wants to tell your their own story and recommend why you should take some remedy or product. If you are working with a health care provider, try to focus on their plans for you as much as possible and don't let other's get into your head with their stories and antidotes.