Tag Archives: pregnancy

Alternatives to Naturally-Conceived Pregnancy

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If you or someone close to you has ever struggled with fertility, you know all too well how much of an emotional toll it can be for a couple that is not able to conceive naturally as they may have planned. Luckily, for couples who want to start or continue growing their family, there are options available to help them move forward. 

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Fertility Treatments

One of the first steps many couples may take if they are struggling to conceive naturally is to see a fertility specialist. These professionals will often be able to determine the root cause of the problem and offer personalized options to best help the couple.

Fertility treatments may be an option for couples to consider to help address a wide variety of root causes. One of the most common treatments is in vitro fertilization during which the fertilization of the egg will occur in a lab and then it will be transferred into the uterus. IVF is recognized as having one of the highest success rates among assisted reproduction options.

Surrogates

Another option for couples could be to hire a surrogate mother. If using a surrogate, the child will still biologically be created from the father’s sperm and mother’s egg, but the embryo will be implanted and carried to term inside the surrogate’s womb.

Adoption

For some couples, neither conceiving naturally nor undergoing fertility treatments may be an option. If this is the case, adoption is another great alternative to consider. By connecting with an agency, the couple will be guided along every step of the way. They may have the option to choose traits such as age, race, or gender of the child and be placed on a list of adoptive parents available to be matched with children who need to be adopted.

While struggling with infertility is not easy, there are a lot of alternative options for couples to consider to help them through the difficulties they may be facing while trying to have children. 

Top Priorities Before Giving Birth

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If you are expecting a baby, you are probably very excited. You are preparing to welcome a new person to the world, and that is something to celebrate. However, you may also be stressed with everything that you have to do to get ready for the baby. Keep these considerations at the top of your priority list as you prepare.

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Medical Concerns

You should seek medical advice throughout your pregnancy, whether it be from a doctor or a midwife. If you are not currently seeing a professional, make an appointment today. Prenatal medical experts help to ensure that you stay safe and that any health issues that arise are dealt with immediately. You also need to decide what kind of medical help you will use during the birth. You may give birth at your hospital, or you may seek an alternative such as a birthing center Tampa. Check with your insurance company to see what services are covered with your plan.

Work and Finances

If you are currently employed, check your employer’s parental leave policy. If you will have to return to work soon after the baby arrives, you will need to have daycare or babysitting lined up as soon as possible. Family and friends can help you while you are home and maybe even provide full-time childcare. Most working parents must pay a professional, though, and you should consider your finances and your options months in advance of when you will start to need assistance.

Feeding

Babies can be breastfed or bottle-fed. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages based on your lifestyle. Before the baby comes, speak to your doctor or midwife about which option you want to try so that you can buy formula, a breast pump or any other supplies you may need.

Whether you are a first-time parent or a veteran, expecting a new baby is joyful and stressful. Prioritize these tasks and you will find that the rest of your preparations are much easier to accomplish.

Ways to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

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Having a baby is an exciting time, but pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body. You may find yourself experiencing an array of symptoms that you’d never even heard of before. While you may mostly be able to go about your daily routine as usual, here are a few things you want to make sure you’re doing in order to keep yourself on track during this pregnancy. 

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Eat Healthy

Eating healthy may be just about the last thing you want to do right now, but it is still important to make sure your baby is getting the proper nutrition. While it’s fine to indulge in a treat every now and then, you also need to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein. Many women find this difficult when suffering with first trimester nausea, but it typically gets easier around the twelve-week mark. 

Prepare in Advance 

You probably already have a mile long to-do list to get ready for baby, but getting a lot of that done early can allow you time to relax in the weeks before your little one arrives. Find a pregnancy care center Tampa FL that you are comfortable delivering at, sign up for birthing classes, decide who is going to be in the delivery room with you and begin buying all of the essentials that you will need for when your baby comes home with you. 

Exercise Regularly

You may find that you are more exhausted than ever right now, which can make exercising about the last thing you want to do. However, getting just thirty minutes of light cardio in each day may actually help you get some of your energy back. Before you start working out though, talk to your doctor about what type of exercise is best for you at this time. 

Even though you have a million things on your mind right now, try to take time each day to focus on yourself. Remember to enjoy this journey because your little one will be here before you know it!