Fertility Friday: Plant Proteins

Animal proteins have long been favored over their plant protein counterparts.  Animal proteins have more satiety, due to their higher fat content and then are often complete proteins in themselves and do not need to be complimented. This was an excellent way to maintain a good metabolism and appropriate amount of fat and calories when food was less abundant. Today, with food so abundant it is easy to consume the right compliment of plant proteins to get a complete protein.  Eating animal proteins can increase the amount of insulin like growth factor 1, contributing to infertility and poor ovulation.  So substitute a few animal based proteins a week for eggs, legumes, or soy.

Tip Tuesday: Get Induced for the Right Reasons

There are several reasons a pregnant woman may need to be induced.  Some of them are factors relating to the baby, some to the mother, and some to the functionality of the placenta. Whatever, the reason, make sure your provider is offering you an induction for the right reason.  About 25% of pregnant women are induced every year, and it is higher in some regional areas.

Some reasons a woman may need to be induced include:

• Placental concerns: like abruption, or insufficiency
• Maternal concerns: A uterine infection, diabetes,
• Concerns about the baby: a very small baby, or low amniotic fluid

If you induction is for a non-medical reason, it's best if the cervix is favorable, ripe (ready for induction). Talk to your provider to understand the in's and out's of your induction.
 

Fertility Friday: Consult with an Eastern Practioner

There is a great field of research and medicine out there that we are fortunate enough to have access to. Eastern medicine looks at the body, mind and soul in a different way than traditional Western medicine. This different perspective can often shed light on issues that we may have been feeling immobilized by in the past. Acupuncture is a great way to start. Many acupuncturists will give you an eastern diagnosis, using the 5 Element method or Traditional Chinese Medicine and you might find that it fits. It can also help to tailor your diet and lifestyle modifications in a way that makes sense to you.