Starting a family and having children is something that most couples dream of, and often try to plan for. But the reality for many, including our family, is that conceiving a child does not come as easily as they would have thought. In Canada, the incidence of fertility issues have risen in the past several decades, with one in six Canadian couples now experiencing fertility-related problems. The result is that what is supposed to be an exciting and happy time, can become a significant source of stress and pressure for the couples that experience challenges along the way.
With National Infertility Awareness Week around the corner (May 12th – 20th), Dr. David Greenberg, Family Physician at St. Joseph Hospital, has some tips to help start the family planning.
· Don’t “try”!
For couples “trying” to conceive, every month can be filled with anxiety and worry. Heightened stress can actually cause more challenges. Therefore, it’s important to live in the moment and just enjoy your partner.
· It’s not your fault
There are many reasons why conceiving a baby may be difficult, but it’s not anyone’s fault. Blaming yourself or your partner won’t fix anything and may lead to more problems, including tension in your relationship.
· Live healthy
Don’t wait until you find out you’re expecting to start making changes to your diet or exercise routine. Once you decide to start trying to conceive, start behaving like you’re already pregnant by eating right, taking prenatal vitamins, avoiding alcohol, stop smoking and exercising sensibly.
· Know yourself
Improve your odds of conceiving by having sex on the days when conception is likeliest to happen. Every woman’s body is unique and, when trying to become pregnant, your individual cycle should be taken into consideration. The First Response™ Digital Ovulation Test detects and tracks your personal daily baseline levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) to detect your personal LH surge, unlike other ovulation tests that use a preset “average” level to determine an LH surge.
· Know when to see an expert
Most couples who are trying to conceive will become pregnant within a year. For others it can take longer. If it’s taking longer than you expected to conceive, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor about what you should be doing to improve your chances of conceiving.
For those who know someone trying to conceive, the most important thing is to be supportive and understanding. Please remember that every woman is different. It’s important to consult your doctor to find the best steps for you.
I have a girlfriend who struggled with fertility. Her first pregnancy miscarried. It was difficult to witness her and her husband’s struggle. Eventually they adopted. She never was able to carry a baby full term.
I have a couple friends who struggled with infertility. It was hard watching them go through it.
Good point about the tension with in the coupleship.
Great post! Thank you!
This is something we are currently struggling with….we have unfortunately had failed IVF procedures.
It’s taxing on the emotions.
This is such a heart breaking problem, we have it in our family & see the pain it causes
It’s sad but it’s more common than anyone realizes, you just never know, and it’s so sad for the couples that want to have a baby so bad!!
I have 1 son – IVF was our last option. Was overweight/smoked/had 22 surgeries – 1 ovary and 1/2 fallopian tube – was blessed after first cycle to get pregnant and found out on Mother’s Day that I was pregnant. Smoked for 27 years until I got pregnant and have remained a non-smoker since. I was persistent and I never gave up. When it seems all odds are against you…have faith and persevere. Live in Edmonton, AB – at that time 12 years ago – Alberta Blue Cross – Non group coverage did cover the cost of fertility drugs as did IBEW – International Brotherhood Electrical Workers – IBEW424- Union. Great tool to check the ABC Drug Benefit List to see if coverage exists. Also since the procedure was done at Foothills Hospital in Calgary – travel/accommodations could be claimed on income tax. I believe they have established a Foothills Hospital fund to assist couples who cannot afford the cost of the procedure, also there were talks of a similar program at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton. If there are women/men that can benefit from this information – please share.
I was very lucky to have the 3 sons I have. I had one miscarriage between my second and last son and the doctor told me I might never have any more children but I did have my last son. I would have like to have kept trying for a girl but it wasn’t meant to be. So many have trouble with infertility and it is very depressing. I feel so bad for those who are having problems.
I have a few friends who struggle with it and it’s so painful for them, I couldn’t imagine
This is a great article to pass on to my sister!
will pass this info on to my grand daughter
It’s tough to see really young people who have unplanned children and how tough it is and then folks who can afford little people who have problems – life isn’t always fair.
I know quite a few people dealing with infertility and secondary infertility right now. So hard 🙁
I did not know there was a month dedicated to this! Good to know there is, it is a serious concern and I feel for all families who have to endure this!
Great post for those dealing with infertility
I’ve never wanted children so this isn’t an issue for me personally but my best friend is dealing with this right now. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for her!
I know a few couples who were unable to carry a baby to term. One had a miscarriage and it was so hard. A year later they finally adopted a baby girl.
I also struggled, in fact it took me over four years before I became pregnant but that was only after a battery of tests and prescription drugs for my husband. I delivered a healthy baby girl, but when we decided to add a second child, we were faced with the same obstacles. Sadly, I wasn’t able to conceive again.
I have a niece who tried for years to have a baby, went through fertility treatments and anything possible but no luck, they were so stressed out about it, then they found out that they both were infertile so they turn to adoption and adopted a baby girl
Living healthy is always the best practice.
This is such a tough subject.
I am lucky that we never had too hard a time trying to conceive. I truly feel for those who are not blessed with kids when they wish for them 🙁
My sister has struggled with infertility and it is heartbreaking to say the least. I am glad to see there are new products to help aid people to get pregnant!
I feel especially blessed to have my fab 5 but i tried for 10 more years for one more. Call me crazy but i know i was born to be a mom. I miscarried what would have been my 6th child. I wish all the best to those struggling with infertility issues.
I have a friend that struggles through this and I feel really bad for her and her husband. I feel really bad for her husband because she always gets mad at him saying that incompetent because he can’t give her a baby. I myself would like a child one day (when my health gets better) If I don’t conceive I wouldn’t be accusing my husband but I would just have to look at as it’s not meant to be. It is out of my control.
This is a great post for couples struggling with infertility
I am happy to see there are new products to help people to get pregnant.
I know of some people who struggle with infertility. good information to pass on to them
My husband & I suffered with infertility and it was one of the hardest things we have had to go through. We did 3 rounds of IVF and they all failed 🙁
This is great advice for everyone trying to conceive
there really are quite a few people struggling with infertility today.
My brother and SIL have struggled with infertility. It is an extremely painful process.
This is such a hard struggle to go through — I’m glad people TTC have more support nowadays compared to earlier years.
It’s great to hear more people talking (and blogging) about fertility! Communication and sharing helps people realize that everyone’s experiences are unique and we gain understanding!
This is really sad hearing all these stories
Thank you for the info, will pass on to a friend that would be interested.
I’ve never experienced infertility but I’m sure its a super stressful time for people wanting families! Thanks for sharing!
I hadn’t realized that infertility-related problems were so common. Thanks for the information.
The statistics are sad but not surprising. It seems like everyone knows someone struggling with infertility. It’s truly heartbreaking!
This is a great post for people dealing with infertility.
really great post and some great tips
I cant even count the amount of girls I know or heard of that got pregnant when they “stopped trying”. Our brain is a powerful thing!