How To Harness Negative Emotions To Nurture A Fertile Mindset

Emotion = energy in motion. Each emotion has a frequency and a wavelength.emotions

This is why dogs can sense your fear and growl at you or can sense your sadness and nuzzle you to make you feel better.

Like anything that emits a frequency, emotions require energy.

That valuable energy is coming from your energy reserves. Some unpleasant emotions (sadness, anger and rage) can actually help us grow and teach us a lot as long as we know how to harness them.

Lets look at some common negative emotions in turn:

Sadness can be a therapeutic emotion if we allow ourselves to express it. Crying can be very cleansing; it removes old painful emotions and memories.

Here is what Clarissa Pinkola Estes wrote about tears and crying in her beautiful book: Women who run with the wolves:

Tears are rivers that take you somewhere. Weeping creates a river around the boat that carries your soul life. Tears lift your boat off the rocks, off dry ground, carrying it downriver to someplace new, someplace better.(C. Pinkola Estes)

Anger and rage are very powerful emotions. They can also be very cleansing, but in a different way (like a thunder and lightning storm) if released in a productive way.

Guilt is an emotion with little to offer: guilt keeps taking and gives nothing back. Unresolved guilt can attack our own being from the inside and literally eat away at us.

The first step towards releasing an emotion is to become aware of it. Sometimes we carry an emotion around with us for so long that we forget what it really feels like to be free of it.

Here are the 8 ways for harnessing your emotions

1. Become fully aware of how you feel and write it down.

2. Write down all the thoughts that come up while feeling each emotion. These are the anchors which keep the emotion in place.

3. For each emotion write down what exactly makes you feel this way (a person, a situation, something about you).

4. The emotion will intensify or change when you hit the cause and when it does just allow it to flow.

5. If its a person that is making you feel the way you do, write a letter to that person explaining exactly how you feel and why. You dont have to send the letter, you can throw it out as a symbol of letting go of that emotion in your life.

6. If you have had a miscarriage or an abortion write a letter to the spirit that was with you and explain to them that you miss them (if you miscarried) or why you could not look after them at the time (if you had an abortion). Tell them that you wish for them to return and explain that you first need to let go of all the negative emotions related to the event in order for the spirit to move on or come back to you.

7. Before going to sleep at night, think about your desire to be pregnant and have a baby. Lie down in your bed and mentally scan your body for any images or emotions that may be coming up and remember their location. Notice the colors and shapes that you see as they will be valuable clues as to where your blockage to pregnancy may lie. Take a deep breath and visualize the emotion/shape/color leaving your body with the exhalation and new bright white/golden light filling its place on the next inhalation. Repeat this for all blockages you come across. Next visualize the golden light filling your whole body. Express your gratitude for your beautiful healthy body and go to sleep. Keep repeating this for a month, or until you cant detect any odd shapes and colors with your mental scan.

8. Become aware of your real emotions. Many times we consciously desire one thing but subconsciously believe the opposite. Maybe you have an underlying emotion deep within you which is preventing you from becoming pregnant. If that may be the case write down on a piece of paper why you possibly would not want to be a parent or be a parent but not be pregnant.

Sometimes its the fear of pregnancy that keeps it at bay.

Fears can pose a mental or physical block to pregnancy and as such you need to become aware of them.

To see how quickly thoughts can influence your body do the following exercise:

- Imagine you are standing in the open doorway of a flying airplane with a parachute attached to your back.

- All you can see is the ground far below and you need to jump.

If you visualized this and you are not a professional skydiver its most likely that your palms went sweaty or your heart started racing. Even though this was not real, your brain interpreted your thoughts and visions as real. Fears and thoughts and beliefs from a long time ago have the same effect on our conscious and subconscious mind and the body.

So there is a lot to be said about the things we read, saw, heard as we were growing up. We may have forgotten about them but our subconscious mind hasnt.

There are many effective methods for releasing old negative emotions which are standing in our way of living a full and a happy life. Good emotional cleansers are:

- Meditation

- Visualization

- TFT

- EFT

- Yoga

- Breathing Exercises

- Creative expression (dance, painting, writing)

- Exercise

- Massage

- Heart to heart talk with your best friend

- NLP

Copyright 2009 Iva Keene and Natural Fertility Prescription

Information about the Author:

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the Ultimate Fertility ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP. Get your free Fertility advice at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com To see more articles like this one see Iva's Blog at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com

The Art Of Being Right On Time For Conception

When it comes to identifying your most fertile times many women are more than happy to swap their bodys wisdom for a gadget or a test kit.

These gadgets and kits are not only expensive, but they also make you feel like you would never be able to work this out yourself.

Mother Nature thinks of everything and she even came up with a clever way of letting you know when you are most likely to get pregnant.

All women are familiar with PMS symptoms (pimples, sore boobs, cravings, mood swings etc.) but very few can accurately recognize the symptoms of their peak fertility.

What are they?

- Mucus fluctuations

- Heightened Sex Drive

- Pheromones make you more attractive to the opposite sex for the duration of your peak fertility (how sneaky is that?)

- Energy boost

Out of those the most reliable key to recognizing your most fertile time is your cervical mucus. I know to some the thought of examining your mucus may sound gross but seriously, its the easiest and simplest way of telling when you should have sex to get pregnant (and avoid sex if you dont want to get pregnant), so just do it. Your cycle is as unique as you are and no gadget will be able to tell you as precisely as your own body when you are fertile. You will also learn a thing or two about your cycle which may surprise you or even alert you that something is wrong. So rejoice that you have an access to such an amazing built in mechanism. Ok here we go;

Mucus fluctuates with your hormones

- At the beginning of the cycle your oestrogen levels are low. The mucus mirrors its levels and will be scanty, sticky and tacky and opaque in colour. This mucus is infertile and hostile to sperm as its acidic and thick thus not allowing the sperm to swim forward. It forms a plug across the cervix preventing sperm from entering.

- As your oestrogen gradually starts increasing with your approaching ovulation, the mucus will change in quantity and texture. This mucus is not yet fertile but its becoming more fluid and the pH is increasing and becoming more sperm friendly.

- As you approach ovulation your mucus will become wetter, clearer and thinner. And there will be more of it (profuse). This is already fertile mucus and it will enable sperm to swim and survive due to a friendly pH.

- Right before ovulation when oestrogen levels peak, mucus will become raw egg white like, it will stretch between your fingers up to 5-10 cm. This type of mucus is also called spin for its ability to be stretched. This is the most fertile type of mucus, it dislodges the mucus plug, leaving the gates to the cervix open, and its consistency allows the sperm to swim and survive. (hint: this is the mucus with baby written all over it)

- After ovulation as the levels of oestrogen start to drop, the mucus will gradually return to what it looked like after the period and before ovulation: infertile.

What are we looking for when checking mucus?

- How does it feel when you are walking around?
- How does it look?
- How much of it is there?
- What colour is it?
- How does it smell and if you are brave enough taste?

When should you check your mucus?

When you have to do a wee. Simple! Before doing a wee just check if there is any mucus on the mouth of the vagina. If there is, examine it between your fingers and use the above criteria to tell if its fertile or not.

This is a simplified explanation of the basics for recognizing your peak fertility. It takes time and practice before you can confidently rely on this information alone. There are also additional natural methods which can confirm whether you ovulated or not. So seek help and advice from a qualified health practitioner versed in natural fertility, who will teach you how to chart your cycles properly.

Having said that practice makes perfect and the sooner you start the faster you will master the art of determining your most fertile time.

Copyright 2009 Iva Keene and Natural Fertility Prescription

Information about the Author:

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the Ultimate Fertility ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP. Get your free Fertility advice at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com To see more articles like this one see Iva's Blog at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com

How To Buy Toddler Clothes

One thing you can guarantee about your baby when she is born, and that is she will have no clothes on; she will be naked. There will be no shock horror amongst the people in the delivery room when the baby makes her grand entry into the human world with its social practices and stigma.

Your first decision will be whether to buy a toddler bed. The toddler bed is a piece of furniture sized just right for babies who are too big for their crib. Most use the mattress from the crib, however, so they are not actually that much bigger in size.

The Long and the Lean

It is believed that the condition of birth determines what a child will look like when it grows up. But there is no way to predict exactly the rate of their growth. However, recent studies have claimed that heavy babies tend to grow up fat and long babies tend to grow up tall. But this may be contestable.

Baby clothing manufacturers do not follow rigorous standards with regard to size. Yes, there are the basic guidelines of 0 – 3 months, 3- 6 months and so on, but compare manufacturers and you will find that interpretations of these sizes can very quite a bit.

It is important that you know of good quality brands for your childrens clothing. A shirt that is manufactured by a well-known and trusted company lasts longer and does not have stain problems. It can even appear like new after your kid wear it several times already and after many washings. When your child no longer needs the clothing, probably because your kids have grown taller and bigger, you may resell them at online children stores for lower prices.

Dress up fun. Go to Goodwill and get a bunch of fun, fancy dress up clothes (old dresses, a boa, high heels, hats, boots, jackets, dress pants, ties). Have your toddler put on a fashion show, if you want to - join your toddler. Have a tea party, play office or restaurant. Let your toddler's imagination flow. Make sure to bring out the camera.

An alternative to even having a dresser and shelves taking up space in your toddler room is to create a closet that takes the place of a bulky dresser. You can easily install a small lock on a closet door to keep a curious toddler out. Simply buy planks of wood and cut them to the depth and width of the closet.

After all, toddlers, especially during the later parts of toddlerhood, can understand what is being told to them easily. Bringing a toy might also help. If the toddler refuses to behave during toddler clothing shopping, parents should promise a reward for appropriate or good behavior. This reward can be small-like a cheap toy or a particular food item.

You should also avoid toddler clothes that are potential fire hazards. Toddler clothes such as those with loose-fitting styles or airy fabrics, or those with loose sleeves and ruffles may be prone to fire. While you can teach your toddler not to play fire and any materials that can create flame (such as matches and lighters), wearing toddler clothes such as fit clothes, clothes with narrow sleeves, and or those made of tightly woven fabrics reduce the chance of catching fire.

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Read About Hair Care Also Read About How To Buy Toddler Clothes and Cleaning Your Child

The Post Birth Survival Guide

In order to make the first few days after your baby is born into the most positive, happy and relaxed time where you get to spend the maximum amount of time with your beautiful brand-new tiny baby, these are the things that you should allow yourself to do no matter what.

Breastfeed
Try to breastfeed your baby. It is what your body is built to do and it also promotes the love hormone oxytocin to help you bond with your baby. There is nothing on earth that will create a bond as strong as breastfeeding your newborn baby.

Skin to skin contact
Have as much skin to skin contact with your newborn as possible. Have your newborn lying on your chest with just a nappy on and a blanket draped around them to keep them warm. That skin on skin contact will give you a surge of hormones that brings you and your baby ever more closer and strengthens the unique mother-child connection between you.

Love your pyjamas
If you Want to stay in your pyjamas until it's time to go bed again at night, then you do just that! All that matters is that you and your baby get to spend as much time with each
other as possible in those first few days and weeks, so love your pyjamas! Heck, why not get a few extra pairs!

Bath with your baby
A lovely, relaxing, positive thing to do is to get into a warm bath. Then lower your baby slowly and, of course, very carefully into the water on his back.Then bring him to your chest for
a cuddle. Not only are you both relaxing in this warm cocoon of water, but you are also having skin to skin contact as well. This can only promote confidence happiness and positivity
in your newborn.

Never say no to extra help
If your mom offers to do the laundry or your neighbour or friend offers to collect the other children from school, just say yes! This gives you more time to relax and settle into
the routine of a new baby. It also gives you more time to play with and get to know your beautiful little newborn so accept as much help as possible.

Fill that freezer
Make sure that in the week or two run up to the birth, you get friends, family and yourself to cook lots of meals which you can freeze. Then once baby has arrived you can just pull out
pre cooked delicious meals, shove them in the oven and not have to worry about preparing food in the evenings. Therefore you can enjoy more time with your baby.

Catnap, catnap, catnap
Try to get as many snatches of extra sleep as possible, so when baby sleeps you can have a sleep too. Grab as many catnaps as you can during the day and this will help compensate for
all the broken, sleepless nights that you're bound to experience.

Ignore the house work
The house work can wait. The housework doesn't care. House work is irrelevant when it comes to the birth of a new baby. So don't panic, you can be sure lots of people will be happy to chip in with a bit of tidying! You just focus on getting some rest and being with your beautiful bouncing baby.

Information about the Author:

Fern Joseph is a mother of three who is passionate about pregnancy and general nutrition. Visit her website at www.fit-healthy-pregnancy.com

Impact Of Aging On Male Fertility

Any debate on advancing age and its effects on fertility has always been linked to women as if men do not get impacted at all. This understanding or the lack of it has been exposed thoroughly and research indicates that men too experience significant changes related to fertility in terms of decreasing sperm count and motility as they grow older.

This is a result of the physiological changes that are inevitable and one of them takes place in the form of the reduction of the testicular mass. Simultaneously, there is also a decrease in the testosterone level, the seminal tubes lose their resilience and with the epididymis and the prostate glands shedding cells; the pace of sperm production definitely takes a hit.

To compound the above problems, one out of two men suffer from a benign prostate condition which may not be dangerous to life but seriously inhibits the motility of sperms leading to lesser probability of the egg getting fertilized. Advancing age also weakens the muscles accountable for ejaculation; with the result the sperms ejaculated do not have the legs in them to reach the egg. It is a paradox that despite these problems, semen characteristics continue to remain very much within the standard norms and do not reflect major changes.

Another significant development that has been noticed is the DNA duplication process running into errors and that is the primary reason that semen donation has been restricted till the age of 40, as it has been discovered that the sperm cells of a man in his late forties would undergo far greater divisions as compared to an individual in his twenties.
Certain other complications like the Marfan syndrome, which is a genetic disorder associated with the connective tissue, causing abnormally long limbs and Apert Syndrome, which leads to deformities in the skull, face are known to occur in the offspring fathered by males over 45.

It is an accepted fact that aging by itself does not impact the sexual performance or thwarts a person from becoming a father. It is not the physical aspect that gets affected due to age but problems that are caused due to medication or mental factors that may precipitate a decline in the fertility levels. A case in point is impotence which may be due to some medications being taken for hypertension or diabetes; affecting the sexual performance of an otherwise healthy person. Such individuals need to consult their physician for an alternative mode of treatment.

Low libido due to reduction in testosterone levels, impotence and lack of understanding among the partners invariably causes a lower sex drive which in turn impacts fertility and need to be addressed accordingly. Research has revealed that the ability to have a satisfactory sexual life in the middle years of an individual often determines his sexual performance in his later years, influencing his capability to father children at that age.

Decreasing testosterone levels seriously affects fertility and manifests itself in the form of abnormal weight gain, insomnia, lack of self confidence, anxiety, problems with memory and even loss of hair. The problem needs to be tackled from different perspectives and only then can a practical solution emerge.

It would be incorrect to ascribe loss of fertility to male menopause, as various other reasons like stress, medication in addition to aging also play their part in negatively impacting male fertility. The key to maintain a top physical and physiological state is to indulge in regular exercise, minimize stress and seek timely medical advice. While the subject of male fertility demands far greater attention and research, current information borne out of extensive study shows that men can and do have the capability to father children even in their later years.

Information about the Author:

Steve Taylor is the webmaster of popular Male Fertility Information website. visit us online at www.malefertilitysupplements.com

Things You Can Do To Improve Low Sperm Count

Problems related to male fertility have been researched and talked about in the recent past. Infertility and low sperm count related problems have been a cause for concern for couples who are not able to conceive.

Following some of the suggestions given below can help in boosting sperm count and thereby the chances of conception. They are:

Cut down on unhealthy habits

It has been medically proven that alcohol and smoking are the main causes for male infertility. Nicotine as well as alcohol inhibits the production of healthy sperms. Men who consume drugs along with alcohol and smoke are at a higher risk of infertility. It is advised to seek professional help to fight such problems.

Take control of stress levels

Stress, depression and other heart ailments are some of the other causes for male infertility and low sperm count. Heredity could be another reason. Tensions at the work place and other personal problems may cause depression which can also lead to male infertility.

One time tested solution which needs to be made part of your daily regimen is regular exercise. Before getting geared up for the exercise regimen, get the green signal from your family physician, so that you do not end up aggravating the problem. Similarly, yoga and other deep meditation techniques are highly effective, since they de-stress the body and helps calm both the mind as well as body.

Follow the right diet

It has been found that obesity is also one of the other reasons contributing to a low sperm count. Eat healthy and nutritious food and desist the temptation of calorie rich soda drinks. Reduce the intake of caffeine. Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated.

Seek help from a professional

You need to approach fertility clinics and take expert opinion from the experts to boost the sperm count. You need to follow their advice to abstain from alcohol and cigarette smoking.

You could also look at other alternatives like herbal supplements. Extensive research has been conducted on these natural and herbal supplements and they have proven to be highly effective in treating infertility. These herbal supplements are referred as "Semen Volume Enhancers" and they help in improving and energizing sexual health.

Men who drive continuously for long periods of time or men who sit for hours together on the computer need to take a break every half an hour. In case this is not practical, they need to do some exercise with extended breaks. Tight underpants could be another reason for male infertility; the reason being the testes is pressed. Long term sitting results in compression of the testes. During sitting, the thigh area gets warmer and the damage takes place. Professional drivers are also at a greater risk of developing infertility related problems. Temperature changes and lifestyle too have a bearing on the sperm count. Simple and practical changes can be introduced in the lifestyle to fight these problems.
Effect of Cell Phones

Of late, the infertility cases have been on the rise and some of them have been attributed to the extensive use of cell phones. Clinical tests conducted on a group of men who used cell phones for more than four hours daily, revealed that they had a low sperm count. They were potential candidates for developing fertility related problems in the near future.

How can we tackle this problem?

You need to take immediate and responsible steps before the situation gets out of control. Try and cut down on the usage of cell phones. This is one way of preventing phone radiation. Do not attach the cell phone to your belt. Avoid keeping it in your trouser pocket. It results in increase in the temperature. Men of child-bearing age are encouraged to take steps to reduce their exposure to cell phone radiation as much as possible.

Never carry a cell phone on the belt or in a pocket near the groin, where it can raise the temperature in this receptive area and could lead to fertility problems.

Information about the Author:

Steve Taylor is the webmaster of popular Male Fertility Information website. visit us online at www.malefertilitysupplements.com

Early Pregnancy Symptoms Discharge, Heartburn, Nausea and More

There are many common early pregnancy symptoms. Discharge from the vagina is almost universal in the early weeks of a pregnancy. This increase in the discharge is due to the increase in the growth of the cells lining the vagina. The walls naturally start to thicken as soon as the egg is fertilized and this thickening can cause you to have a discharge of a white, milky fluid. The medical term for this fluid is leucorrhea and is harmless so it doesn¡¯t need any treatment. This discharge may actually continue throughout the pregnancy.

If you notice that the discharge has a foul odour, then this could be the symptom of a bacteria or yeast infection. Other symptoms of this that will require you to have medical treatment in the form of creams and vaginal suppositories include itching and burning sensations. Douching will not have any effect on the normal discharge you experience during pregnancy.

Other early symptoms of pregnancy that you can watch for in addition to missing your normal menstrual period include:

Morning Sickness. This is common in the first trimester of pregnancy and the name comes from the fact that most women have nauseous feelings early in the morning. Nausea and queasiness can occur though at any time of the day or night. You may also develop an aversion to foods you once loved to eat or to the smell of certain foods being cooked. These food aversions and the nausea are not harmful and are a normal part of carrying a baby in the womb. The sick feelings tend to abate at about the 13th or 14th week, although some women continue to feel sick all through the pregnancy. Some helpful hints include having dry crackers ready to settle your stomach and eating small meals more often so that you don¡¯t feel hungry.

Constipation. This complaint affects a large proportion of pregnant women. It is largely due to an increase in the body production of progesterone which decreases the colon ability to absorb water from the food you eat. Drinking more milk than you usually do can also cause bouts of constipation. This problem tends to worsen just after the first trimester. You can help ease the problem by making sure you drink plenty of water, getting plenty of exercise and including foods high in fibre in your diet.

Dizziness or Fainting. Many pregnant women first find out they are pregnant after they faint and then go to the doctor to try to determine the cause. It is also more noticeable in the second trimester when you get up or move suddenly. During pregnancy the blood vessels dilate at a dramatic rate and the amount of blood may be too much for the vessels. This is what causes the dizzy or fainting spells.

Fatique. Feeling more tired than usual is a very common early sign that you may be pregnant. The blood is carrying more oxygen to the fetus in the womb, which causes your heart to beat faster and in turn causes you to feel fatigued. Take naps during the day or if this is not possible start going to bed earlier at night. Eating foods that are rich in protein and iron can also help to reduce the feelings of tiredness.

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For more information onearly pregnancy symptoms like discharge,pregnancy stages,nursing gowns and related topics visit www.Pregnancy-Period.com

Expect Different Changes in Each of the Pregnancy Stages

There are three pregnancy stages called trimesters. Each one lasts for about three months of the pregnancy and involves bringing new changes to your body, the development of the baby and your relationships with your partner and those around you. It is important to have an understanding of what to expect in each of these stages so that you will not become unnecessarily stressed when they occur. The changes involve your emotions as well as the shape of your body and your level of comfort.

The sexual relationship between partners undergoes a change during these stages as well. The first trimester is often a traumatic experience for both partners with the morning sickness, extreme tiredness and general emotional changes, which often results in a decrease in lovemaking. This usually returns to normal in the second trimester. During the third trimester, with your body expanding quite quickly, you may have to find more comfortable positions in order to show your love for one another and sate your sexual desires.

The first trimester lasts for about twelve weeks. The increase in your hormones will cause you some discomfort with feelings of nausea. You may become ill when you see or smell some of your favourite foods and morning sickness is one of the early signs. When you wake in the morning and get out of bed, you may have to run to the washroom to throw up. Some women experience this later in the day and in some cases it is quite extreme. Usually it does abate by the end of the first three months.

In addition to not having any menstrual periods, you will notice that your breasts are tender and seem to enlarge. You will not notice any major increase in the size of your belly, but by the end of the first trimester, the waistbands may feel a little tighter than normal. You will feel tired most of the time and have to take naps during the day or early evening. Another consequence of this early stage of pregnancy is an increase in the frequency of urinating, which means more trips to the bathroom.

Your pregnancy will start to show during the second trimester. The riskiest period for a miscarriage is over and you can start to relax. You will experience more energy during this time and be able to do most of your normal activities. Due to the increased blood flow to the breasts and genitals, you will have an increased interest in sexual activity. You will start to feel the baby moving inside and have your first ultrasound during this time. This will make the pregnancy seem more real to you.

This is the stage of pregnancy when your uterus will start to enlarge as the baby starts to grow and develop more fully. This also puts more pressure on the blood vessels, often causing your blood pressure to rise. There is also more pressure on the ligaments and muscles of your lower body, resulting in back and leg pain.

The final stage of pregnancy, the third trimester, is the time for you to start planning for the baby if you haven¡¯t already done so. All of the baby organs are developed and this is a time for waiting for the baby to grow. Towards the end of this stage, you will experience a nesting attitude in which you want to make sure you have everything ready for the new arrival. You also need to get more rest at this time to prepare your body for the upcoming event.

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For more information onpregnancy stages,early pregnancy discharge, nursing gowns, and related topics visit www.Pregnancy-Period.com

Planning a Pregnancy One of the Often Overlooked Stages of Pregnancy

Many people refer to the stages of pregnancy as the three trimesters. However, your health before you get pregnant plays an important role in having a healthy pregnancy and in giving birth to a healthy baby. Although many pregnancies are unplanned, when you do start thinking about having a baby it is essential to start the process of planning. Before you even know that you are pregnant, the baby is starting to form in the womb and the organs are starting to develop. To give the little one a head start, the planning stage is a critical one that you shouldn¡¯t overlook.

When you plan your pregnancy, you will likely conceive easier and avoid many of the complications associated with pregnancies. The healthier you are before you get pregnant, the easier delivery you will have and the faster you will recover. This means being aware of your body and the changes it will go through over the 40 weeks of the pregnancy. You do need to have a complete check up to ensure you don¡¯t have any pre-existing medical conditions that will make it difficult for you to conceive and carry the baby to full term. The first step is to stop taking birth control pills. It may take you two or three months after this to be able to conceive. However, if you are using other methods or birth control, such as condoms or a diaphragm, you can easily become pregnant right away.

You should know the common signs of being pregnant, such as a missed period, tender and swollen breasts, an increase in the urge to urinate and nausea. Your emotions will also start to change so that you may start crying over very insignificant things, which could cause your partner to get frustrated with you. These changes occur before you have your first pregnancy test, so you may not even realize that you are going to have a baby.

The care giver you choose is a part of planning your pregnancy as well. You may opt to use a midwife or a physician. If you do encounter complications, the physician may refer you to a gynaecologist early in the pregnancy or may wait until later. You should get used to being poked and prodded and having many different kinds of medical tests and exams. These include blood tests, tests for glucose and urine tests. Ultrasounds are also part of the prenatal care in which the doctor can determine the health of the baby.

Where you choose to have your baby is also something that you need to consider. While many women choose to have the baby in the regular delivery room of the hospital, you may want to have your baby at home. You do need to make sure that the birth setting you choose offers the best medical care so that if complications arise during the birth they can be handled at this location.

Learning to reduce the amount of stress in your life is also a part of the planning stage. Stress can cause you to enjoy or detest the idea of being pregnant, which in turn will affect the health of the baby. Make sure you are in good physical shape before you become pregnant so that your muscles, joints and ligaments are strong. You should also continue with your exercise as best you can while you are pregnant.

Information about the Author:

For more information on thestages of pregnancy, early pregnancy symptoms like discharge, nursing gowns, and related topics visit www.Pregnancy-Period.com

Boosting Your Sperm Count

Problems related to male fertility have been researched and talked about in the recent past. Infertility and sperm count related problems have been a cause for concern for couples who are not able to conceive.

Following some of the suggestions given below can help in boosting sperm count and thereby the chances of conception. They are:

Cut down on unhealthy habits

It has been medically proven that alcohol and smoking are the main causes for male infertility. Nicotine as well as alcohol inhibits the production of healthy sperms. Men who consume drugs along with alcohol and smoke are at a higher risk of infertility. It is advised to seek professional help to fight such problems.

Take control of stress levels

Stress, depression and other heart ailments are some of the other causes for male infertility and low sperm count. Heredity could be another reason. Tensions at the work place and other personal problems may cause depression which can also lead to male infertility.

One time tested solution which needs to be made part of your daily regimen is regular exercise. Before getting geared up for the exercise regimen, get the green signal from your family physician, so that you do not end up aggravating the problem. Similarly, yoga and other deep meditation techniques are highly effective, since they de-stress the body and helps calm both the mind as well as body.

Follow the right diet

It has been found that obesity is also one of the other reasons contributing to a low sperm count. Eat healthy and nutritious food and desist the temptation of calorie rich soda drinks. Reduce the intake of caffeine. Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated.

Seek help from a professional

You need to approach fertility clinics and take expert opinion from the experts to boost the sperm count. You need to follow their advice to abstain from alcohol and cigarette smoking.
You could also look at other alternatives like herbal supplements. Extensive research has been conducted on these natural and herbal supplements and they have proven to be highly effective in treating infertility. These herbal supplements are referred as "Semen Volume Enhancers" and they help in improving and energizing sexual health.

Men who drive continuously for long periods of time or men who sit for hours together on the computer need to take a break every half an hour. In case this is not practical, they need to do some exercise with extended breaks. Tight underpants could be another reason for male infertility; the reason being the testes is pressed. Long term sitting results in compression of the testes. During sitting, the thigh area gets warmer and the damage takes place. Professional drivers are also at a greater risk of developing infertility related problems. Temperature changes and lifestyle too have a bearing on the sperm count. Simple and practical changes can be introduced in the lifestyle to fight these problems.

Effect of Cell Phones

Of late, the infertility cases have been on the rise and some of them have been attributed to the extensive use of cell phones. Clinical tests conducted on a group of men who used cell phones for more than four hours daily, revealed that they had a low sperm count. They were potential candidates for developing fertility related problems in the near future.

How can we tackle this problem?

You need to take immediate and responsible steps before the situation gets out of control. Try and cut down on the usage of cell phones. This is one way of preventing phone radiation. Do not attach the cell phone to your belt. Avoid keeping it in your trouser pocket. It results in increase in the temperature. Men of child-bearing age are encouraged to take steps to reduce their exposure to cell phone radiation as much as possible.

Never carry a cell phone on the belt or in a pocket near the groin, where it can raise the temperature in this receptive area and could lead to fertility problems.

Information about the Author:

Steve Taylor is the webmaster of popular Male Fertility Information website. visit us online at www.malefertilitysupplements.com

Facts and Information on Tubal Ligation Reversal and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

It takes a lot of consideration and reflection before you can decide as to whether you should go ahead with a tubal ligation procedure, partly because it is supposed to be permanent. Unfortunately there are many women who, after performed this procedure, years later then feel they after all want to have another child and for many of them a reversal is achievable. Pregnancy rates after a reversal tubal ligation are high and the covalence period is quick. This could be the option for you if you want to add to your family.

Tubal ligation reversal will not be a good option for every woman. To find out if the procedure is suitable for you, visit a tubal reversal doctor who will carry out an assessment by examining your fallopian tubes with the aid of a laparoscope, a tiny camera used to investigate the insides of your tubes to determine their health.

The doctor will also examine your records from when you had your tubes tied, as they will need to know which type of method was used to block them. Before the specialist can consider your tubes to be healthy they have to find out how they have been blocked, the length of your remaining tubes and if they seem undamaged.

A tube reversal involves rejoining the two parts of the fallopian tube that remain after a section has been tied, clamped, or burned. Generally a healthy fallopian tube is around 10cm in length. After having your tubes tied the remaining tubal segment lengths can vary. The longer the tubes the higher the probability you will get pregnant.

Although tubal ligation reversal is not a procedure to be taken lightly, it is not a complicated surgery and can be done on an outpatient basis by a very experienced tubal surgeon. How long your reversal takes will depend on how they were tied in the first place and the expertise and knowledge of your doctor. After the operation a patient should take it easy for at least a week before returning to work and if experience any bleeding or infection then get in touch with the clinic or hospital where the surgery was performed.

The actual tubal ligation procedure only takes around an hour and the chances of getting pregnant after a tubal ligation reversal are higher than pregnancy rates for in-vitro fertilization and it will certainly be a cheaper alternative

Of course, there is no certainty that you will conceive after having a tubal ligation reversal just as there is no certainty that any woman will become pregnant even if she hasn’t had tubal surgery. Your age and health will affect your chances of getting pregnant; a young woman will generally get pregnant a lot easier than women over 35 and 40.

If you feel unease about having tubal surgery then an alternative is to try in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This is a method used by many women who have previously had their tubes tied. Success rates however are not as high as a tubal ligation reversal and there are higher costs involved. Also be prepared for lots of visits to the clinic and numerous injections if you are considering going down this route.

Studies show that a tubal ligation reversal is generally more successful for women wanting to get pregnant than undergoing IVF treatment. A fertility clinic will be able to answer all your questions and address any worries you may have with regard to the procedure. Although tubal ligation is intended to be permanent, a good surgeon will have a lot of success in repairing the fallopian tubes of women who want to have another baby. Before making any major decisions consider all your options and good luck!

Information about the Author:

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Dr. Gary Berger, who is widely known as the tubal reversal doctor with the most experience reversing tied tubes and tubal ligation in the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. For information and advice on reversing tubal ligation, sterilization and tubal reanastomosis visit the website.

The First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Time of Caution

The first trimester is the most critical moment of pregnancy since the mother should take all necessary precautions to be able to ensure safe growth of the baby. During this time, developments of essential body parts happen that pregnant mothers should know what food to eat and what activities to take. Whatever changes that will take place during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy will be permanent. Whatever the beginning is will be carried throughout the end.

It may be said however that the early pregnancy stages should be treated with care, it does not mean that the next few weeks of being pregnant should not be considered essential too. The point of saying this is that the essentials of your baby’s growth like the placenta and the fingers and the vital organs happen to initiate during this term. There are a lot of good things that you could expect from the first trimester of your pregnancy. Knowing these expectations can give you track of what is going to happen and what will you to adapt to the event or change.

Here is an account of the week by week changes of your baby during the first few weeks of your pregnancy. For the week 1 of your pregnancy, the health care provider will count forty weeks from the first date of your last menstruation. This means that your pregnancy period kicked off even when you aren’t pregnant yet. The second week is the week of fertilization. This time the sperm and egg unite to create a zygote. The zygote then travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus.

Pregnancy stages include the third week as important part of the whole pregnancy when the zygote turns into a blastocyst and nourishes itself in the placenta. Moreover, the embryonic period begins at week 4. the baby’s heart and the circulatory system forms. At week five, your baby reaches the size of the tip of the pen. His can be very exciting since the mother can now hear the baby’s heart beating her. Week six marks the forming of the passageways like the mouth and the inner ear and the formation of the digestive and respiratory tracts. The pregnancy’s first trimester still continues with the appearance of the umbilical chord in the seventh week. The arms will look like a tiny paddle that indicates the baby’s movement. On week eight, The baby’s fingers and toes form. The baby is an inch long in the ninth week. Your baby’s head will be tucked down unto the chest as it looks half the size of the body.

Neurons multiply in week ten and it could be possible that baby’s sex can be apparent. Determining the gender of the baby is one of the highlights of pregnancy. Other mothers, however, will still have to wait for the next pregnancy stages because babies might not have positioned themselves to be easily seen by the practitioner. On the last part of the initial trimester, baby’s finger nails and toe nails appear.

Taking care of your baby all through out the pregnancy is a must for mothers who want to ensure the baby’s physical, mental and emotional stability.

The first trimester is the most critical moment of pregnancy since the mother should take all necessary precautions to ensure the safe growth and development of the baby. During this time your baby starts to develop critical body systems. To ensure their proper growth, pregnant mothers should know what foods to eat and what activities to avoid.

Information about the Author:

Know what happens to your baby during the first trimester of your pregnancy at Aha! Baby. You can also find articles explaining your baby’s developments for all pregnancy stages at Aha! Baby.

How is Gender Determined? The Answer You've Been Looking For.

The gender of an organism is determined before the moment of fertilization, when female and male gametes join and the zygote is formed. Gametes are haploid cells that contain half of a genetic set. Male gametes are called spermatozoan, while female gametes are called ovum, or eggs. Eggs can only contain an X chromosome, while sperm can contain either an X or Y. Whether an X or Y chromosome is carried by the sperm is a crucial part of determining the gender of the child.

How is Gender Determined? - Biology

It's impossible to tell the sex of a human child for the first ten weeks. Up to this point, the baby has the potential to become a male or female. Fetuses have basic female genitalia for several weeks after fertilization. At 12 weeks, the chemical differentiation occurs. If the Y chromosome isn't present, and the child has an XX chromosome pair, the mullerian ducts change into more pronounced female genitalia, triggered by a boost of estrogen.

If the infant has an XY chromosome pair, increased testosterone levels trigger the formation of wulffian ducts. These ducts become the male genitals. The clitoris changes into a penis, and the labia turns into a scrotum. This occurs between 16 and 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

In most cases, the presence of the Y chromosome decides the gender of the child. Occasionally, a female with an XY combination or a male with an XX combination occurs. This is due to increased levels of estrogen or testosterone respectively. Sexual development occurs normally, yet some fertility issues can occur in adulthood.

How is Gender Determined? - Cultural

Gender is determined by a myriad of factors, and boils down to how gender is actually defined. Biologically, gender is defined by the presence of certain reproductive organs. More correctly, gender is defined by attitudes, behaviors and roles, defined by the society of the individual. Gender is mostly a cultural product, resulting form interaction between the person and their society. Following this line of thought, gender is and can be entirely determined by the individual.

Gender reassignment surgery is becoming increasingly accessible. This breakthrough can successfully change the genitalia to that of the opposite sex. Petitioning a court and requesting a gender change is a way to legally recognize a gender change. Transgender and transsexual people are increasingly accepted in today's culture.

How is Gender Determined? - Other Methods

Some species of birds, insects, and fish have a different way to determine sex. For these animals, the female gamete can contain either a Z or W chromosome. Male gametes only carry the Z chromosome, making ZW pairs female and ZZ pairs male.

Other insects like wasps and bees don't have sex chromosomes. The gender of these species is determined by fertilization. Fertilized eggs become females, while unfertilized eggs become males. This process of unfertilized reproduction is called parthenogenesis.

How is Gender Determined? - The Future

How gender is determined may be determined by parents in the future. New research indicates that the sex of the child may be highly influenced by the diet of the mother. It is thought that the foods eaten by the mother can affect the environment of the womb and fertilization. Calcium, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and B12 are all linked to producing male offspring.

Information about the Author:

Visit as at bright-horizon.org to find more interesting articles there!

More information about pregnancy may be of paramount importance

The woman’s body may have different reactions and the pregnancy sighs may differ as well. Therefore, am I pregnant or not? This seems to be one of the most common questions because the women tend to experience a wide range of pregnancy signs. But the early pregnancy signs may not occur at all and this is when the pregnancy test can be extremely helpful in order to find out whether you are pregnant or not. Such tests can be found online but you will have to browse the internet in order to find a reliable site that can provide you with quality tests. The early signs are likely to differ from woman to woman and you have to be aware that knowing the signs is of paramount importance especially if you are already experiencing their effects.

The signs may also be related to other causes besides pregnancy and you have to be aware of this fact too when wondering if you are pregnant or not. You must provide yourself with more information about pregnancy in order to know how to deal with this wonderful situation. For instance, if you miss your period, you should know that this sign may show you that you are already pregnant. Still, this sign may be related to a disease too and you will have to pay a visit to the doctor in order to find the real diagnostic.

You will have to take the pregnancy test in order to make sure that you are pregnant or not. Missing your period is among the most common signs that can show you that you are pregnant. Still, you will have to undergo the test too in order to be sure. Frequent urination is among the most common signs too and you will have to provide yourself with more information about pregnancy in order to understand the way your hormones change their natural level because of the implantation of your embryo.

Still, if you are already experiencing one of these signs, you must confirm this situation. In case that the result is positive, you should provide yourself with the useful pregnancy calendar in order to monitor the entire pregnancy period. This calendar is to be used in order to learn more about the way your body and your baby are progressing together during the pregnancy. This piece of information is valuable because this calendar can show you whether the things are going in the right way or not.

The constant monitoring of your pregnancy is extremely helpful and you should make use of this tool in order to avoid certain common fears that are related to this period. So, if you have already found out the answer to the question “am I pregnant or not?”, you should browse the internet in order to find a reliable site that can provide you with the pregnancy calendar. This calendar is likely to be available for free and the only thing that you will have to do is to register with a particular site by entering the e-mail address in order to receive all the updates. By doing this simple movement, you will provide yourself with more valuable information about pregnancy.

For instance, you will learn more about the way your body and your child develop. You may learn more about the changes that are going to take place in your body when expecting a child and you will be bale to relax because you will avoid the constant worries. Suggestions and tips are also likely to be included in these e-mails in order for you to become more prepared for your baby and his/her arrival. The benefits that can be brought along by these e-mails are enormous and you should become aware that gaining knowledge about your pregnancy is of paramount importance when you are expecting a child. You will be able to organize the necessary baby care in advance. You will be able to plan everything in order to make sure that your baby will be healthy and happy. The only thing that you need is to find out more information about pregnancy because ignorance is not bliss in this particular case.

Information about the Author:

More information about pregnancy is of paramount importance when expecting a child. And if the answer to the question am I pregnant or not? is positive, you will have to prepare yourself and try to learn more about your pregnancy

Looking Into the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

During the first trimester of your pregnancy, nothing but fear, doubts and excitement fill your emotions as you let the thought of “being pregnant” sink into your senses. Your questions on what to do next, what is happening to you and your baby and what are you supposed to act are just a few that bothered you. The fear and excitement during the first trimester will be more intense for the pregnant mother during the second trimester. Although the sensitivity of the baby’s formation lay in the first ten weeks, reaching the second trimester is filled with more developments that each mother is looking forward to. These next few weeks of pregnancy bring into the mother a feeling of deep satisfaction knowing that her baby was able to make it during the first crucial semester.

The second trimester is everything about movement and development that are basically happening within the body of the baby. As the first trimester ends on the twelfth week, you will begin to feel how your pregnancy is becoming real every time your baby’s heart beat become more distinct and audible for your heart and ears. The thought of being pregnant slowly sinks into your nerves which is physically evident on the enlargement of your stomach. The latter is just one of the many physical changes you have to undergo being pregnant. However, the excitement continues knowing that two months ago, your baby is nothing but a cluster of cells yet this soon, he is nor beginning to take form with organs, nerves and muscles.

The growth of your baby and the development of his or her organs are explained by your health care provider in all pregnancy information she gets from your prenatal check up. You need to be updated of any changes, big or small about your baby inside. It pays to know how the baby is able to flex and kick on week thirteen and hormones gear up for both male and female babies during week fourteen. Marking the fifteenth week is the formation of the baby’s skin – the largest organ of the body. Highlighting this moment of your pregnancy is the fact that by reaching the sixteenth week of the second trimester, your baby is capable of making facial expressions that show his feelings about everything around him inside. Moreover, at week eighteen, your baby can hear sounds and would be very sensitive to your voice. Week twenty is your pregnancy’s half-way point where your baby grows to an overwhelming six inches log and weighs more or less 9 ounces.

Knowing what happens to the life inside you in all pregnancy information available will aid you in working out for nothing more than your baby’s good. Ask your healthcare providers about the food you can and cannot take together with an exercise program that will not harm the baby inside. The second trimester of your pregnancy is your way to the finale of the journey to having a baby. Take all the best possible actions that will secure healthy growth for your child.

The fear and excitement experienced during the first trimester will be even more intense for the pregnant mother during the second trimester. Although the most critical time in the baby’s growth occurred in the first ten weeks, reaching the second trimester is filled with more developments that each mother is looking forward to.

Information about the Author:

You can learn more about what happens to your baby during the second trimester of your pregnancy at Aha! Baby. You can also find additional pregnancy information to help you understand the changes you and your baby undergo form Aha! Baby.

Eating Dairy Can Make You Infertile

There is something fundamentally odd about humans consuming dairy. Just think about it. We are the only species on the Planet that drink another mammals breast milk!

Breast milk, be it human or cows is designed for the young one of that species for a limited period of time, before they can eat sold food, period.

In this article we will examine why this beloved, popular food can be so detrimental to your fertility.

We stop producing the enzyme lactase as small children (between ages 2-5). This enzyme helps break down lactose, the major sugar found in dairy products.

Lets look at some stats on lactose intolerance:

- 75% of adults world wide are lactose intolerant
- 30-50 million Americans are lactose intolerant
- 80% of African-Americans are lactose intolerant
- 75% of Native Americans are lactose intolerant
- 90% of Asian-Americans are lactose intolerant

When you eat dairy and you are lactose intolerant your gut becomes inflamed. This increases mucus production in the digestive system. The mucus prevents other nutrients from being absorbed. Excessive mucus production can also occur in the nose, lungs and reproductive system. That is why sniffly nose and asthma like reactions are common in people who are intolerant to dairy. The mucus in the reproductive system can be excessive and can make the sperms journey through the uterus and the fallopian tubes to the egg difficult.

One study found that a major source of animal derived estrogens in the human diet are milk and dairy products, which account for 60-70% of the estrogens consumed. Humans consume milk from the cows in the second half of pregnancy when the estrogen levels are high. Due to genetic modification of the dairy cows (such as Holstein), it is quite possible that the milk consumed today is not the same as it was 100 years ago. These cows are fed a combination of grass and concentrates (grain/protein mixes and various by-products) allowing them to lactate during the second half of pregnancy.

We usually associate dairy and drinking milk with calcium, and never think about what else we may be consuming along with the calcium (and dairy, by the way is not the best source of calcium). Here is a list of hormones which have been found in cows milk:

Prolactin, somatostatin, melatonin, oxytocin, growth hormone, lutenizing releasing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, estrogens, progesterone, insulin, corticosteroids and many more. Do you think an excess consumption of all these hormones could disrupt your own hormonal balance? You bet!

Consumption of milk has been linked to some cases of male infertility. Studies have found more concentrated pesticides in cheese than in non organically grow fruit and vegetables. Excess estrogen and pesticide exposure have been linked to PCOS and Endometriosis. The first line of naturopathic treatment for PCOS and Endometriosis is to minimize intake of animal products. Animal products have a high content of hormones, pesticides and herbicides which are known endocrine disruptors. They play havoc with your hormones and this can lead to anovulation.

If you think you are addicted to cheese and milk. Guess what? You are! Milk contains natural morphine, codeine and other opiates. The feel good chemicals are in the milk so that the calf gets addicted to milk and bonds with the mother in order to survive. Morphine = Pleasure, so the calf associates pleasure with drinking milk and comes back for more.

The same chemicals make it into your cheese, which is why so many people love eating cheese. In Switzerland, it was reported that people in this cheese loving country consume an average of 20kg of cheese per year!

Like all addictions it will take some time to overcome it. It takes 21 days for the brain to break or acquire a habit. Go without cheese for 21 days and you will stop craving it. But beware, like all opiates it only takes one bite to become hooked again.

Look, I am not saying never eat dairy again (although, if you are intolerant to it, you would be doing yourself a world of good). It is hard to avoid it, as it is in everything from pizza and creamy pasta sauces to cheese cakes, yoghurts and ice creams. All I am saying is give it a miss while you are trying to get pregnant.

In this article we looked at the negative effects of dairy on your fertility. It can cause inflammation in the gut and lead to poor nutrient absorption. It can adversely affect your cervical mucus production and contribute to hormonal imbalances and anovulation. Therefore as a general rule avoid dairy unless it is organic and you are not intolerant to it. And avoid it altogether if you suffer from PCOS and endometriosis. The best way of finding out if you are intolerant to dairy is to have an IgG immunoglobulin test. Minimize your intake of animal products and increase the intake of organic vegetables and fibre from fruit, grains, nuts and seeds. You can get all the calcium you need from sesame seeds (Tahini), spinach, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, sea weed Kelp and Dandelion leaves.

Sources:

Bernard, N. Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings and 7 Steps to End Them Naturally. NY: St. Martins, 2003.

Ganmaa D, et al. Is milk responsible for male reproductive disorders? Med Hypotheses. 2001 Oct;57(4):510-4.

Keene, I. Natural Fertility Prescription, Switzerland, 2008.

Information about the Author:

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the Ultimate Fertility ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP. Get your free Fertility advice at www.natural-fertility-prescription.com

How Trojan And Durex Condoms Helped Sexual Health

There are a variety of contraceptives on the market that can be obtained through a medical professional or over the counter. The most easily available contraceptive is the condom. We take a look at the history of major brands such as Trojan and Durex condoms to find out how the product became so popular and identify what changes have occurred over the years.

Durex condoms are probably the best known brand in the UK and were the first to offer non latex varieties made from polyurethane. This was to address the fact that some people suffer from an allergy to latex. Founded in London in 1915, Durex has now cornered around a quarter of the global market in condom sales. This equates to the production of one billion units per annum.

As well as offering an alternative to latex condoms, Durex has also launched products that are said to improve blood flow, creating a firmer erection. In addition to this they released a vibrating ring that is worn around the base of the penis for greater stimulation. Among their many varieties, Durex have introduced flavoured and ribbed condoms, all available in varying thicknesses for increased or decreased sensation, depending on the needs of the wearer.

In the US, the Trojan brand was declared the most successfully selling condom. Established in 1927, Trojan initially used a material derived from rubber before turning to latex in the 1930s. This was to produce a more comfortable experience through a more natural feeling. Part of their popularity was based on a spoof website called Trojan Games which parodied the Olympics but with adult content.

As a brand, Trojan has been successful in promoting safe sex campaigns and in launching merchandised products such as a clothing range. This has helped promote the safe sex message to protect people from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Trojan also have a varied range of condoms to suit each individual, but the marketing campaign that really promoted the brand was the introduction of the extra large condom, which is fifteen per cent larger than regular varieties.

Conversely, the female condom has not received any recognisable or specific branding strategies. As such, this type of condom has remained a less popular option for protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases even though it provides an even safer form of contraception by providing extra protection through increased genital coverage.
Female condoms were originally made from polyurethane and then nitrile rubber. This led to a reputation of having a distinctive crinkling sound during intercourse, which some people felt was off putting.

Despite this, manufacturers have continued to improve the design, recently turning to latex varieties. Without high profile branding however, the female condom is mostly promoted in communities where it is difficult to persuade men to wear protection rather than in communities where safe sex is achieved through mutual agreement.

There is no doubt that creating a marketing image has helped the success of major brands and helped tackle the often sensitive issue of safe sex. Branding helps get a product noticed, and done correctly it can encourage often image conscious young people to practice a healthier sexual lifestyle. Combined with ever more refined manufacturing techniques to improve the quality and sensation, condoms look set to stay as one of the preferred contraceptives for sexually active people of all ages.

Information about the Author:

Dom Donaldson is a family planning advisor. Find out more about Durex Condoms at www.condomcare.co.uk/22-c-durex-condoms.html

The Third Trimester: Getting Closer to Your Journey’s End

The end is near and you begin counting the days to your due date. Again, fear does not go away since giving birth is another event to overcome on your way to motherhood. Like any other endings, the third trimester is a harbinger to a more exciting event in your life. With the remarkable developments in the last few weeks as pregnant mother, the last trimester is both an ending and a beginning – the end of the baby’s life inside your womb and the beginning of his journey outside as an individual. Anticipating for the birth of your child is also knowing what to expect during the last weeks of his stay inside you.

As you prepare for all baby materials for the coming of your child, your baby also gears up for getting out of the womb. Your baby needs to be equipped with a healthy and fully developed body that will help him survive the world outside. The baby continues to grow and gain weight with body systems achieving maturity. This can be the most uncomfortable moment for the mother since she begins to feel heavy and tired to move or walk longer distances. Fetal development continues while you care to complete your pregnancy planner before birth. The approaching of your due date is indicator enough that you have to practice movements or exercises that will ease up the act of giving birth especially those who are first-time mothers. For those who are planning to breastfeed, breastfeeding courses can be undergone by you to teach you of proper breast feeding techniques.

What to expect during the third trimester is that everything seems to achieve full growth potential. On week 28th, the fifteen-inch long baby is now capable to open and close the eyes and is able to sleep within 20-30 minutes. On week 29, the baby’s movement is more forceful than ever. This is because the bones are now fully developed which contribute to vigorous and frequent movements. On week 33 following the maturity of the eyes, the baby can now detect the presence of light. The 36th week is a moment to look forward to as baby learn to suck his thumb. The whole duration of the third trimester is your baby’s chance to make movements to prepare for the head down position. On the last week before your much-awaited due date, the placenta will provide your baby with antibodies to act as protection for the elements outside the womb.

The counting is nearly coming to end and you have already completed your pregnancy planner to guide you before, during and after giving birth. The end of the third trimester is now within your reach. Your baby is now a few a few moments away from your arms. Let a loving heart and a nurturing hand welcome him in his travel with you through life. What to expect with his birth can be more than the words you have at hand. Seeing him, touching him and loving him is all you can do to express your joy as the mother.

Like any other ending, the third trimester is the final stage to a more exciting event in your life. With the remarkable developments in the last few weeks as pregnant mother, the third trimester is both an ending and a beginning – the end of the baby’s life inside your womb and the beginning of his journey outside as an individual.

Information about the Author:

You can prepare for the end of your pregnancy and learn what to expect during the last trimester of pregnancy at Aha! Baby. You can also find a pregnancy planner at Aha! Baby that matches your needs to serve as your guide in welcoming your baby.