Fortunately for many couples, modern science has been able to come up with some very useful aids for trying to conceive. Before the invention of in vetro-fertilization, Clomid, Vitex, and inter-uterine injections, women who had trouble conceiving were left with no other options other than an empty nest or adopting. Yes things have changed and for the better. Now couples who were once told they would never have children are having not only one child but several children of their very own.

But what about those couples who are perfectly healthy, but just need a little something extra to help them conceive? There are actually 6 different tools couples can try before they seek medical attention, and those include the following:

1.) Pre-Seed is the first and only “sperm friendly” intimate moisturizer on the market. It works by replenishing natural moisture while providing the perfect environment for sperm (the pH and osmolarity is the same as semen). No other lubricant on the market offers a conception friendly environment.

2.) SoftCup which has been around since 1997 was traditionally used by women during their periods, instead of a pad or tampon. However, couples are now finding it to be very useful while trying to conceive. The cup can act as a barrier, thus keeping the sperm inside the vagina and near the cervix. It can be used as a shield after intercourse to keep the sperm inside, or sperm can be deposited directly into the cup and then inserted. It is a cheap and effective way to keep the “little swimmers” right where they need to be.

3.) Fertell is a His and Hers fertility test kit. Although it doesn’t aid in conception as Pre-seed or SoftCup, it can be VERY useful for couples who are having problems trying to conceive, or who are investigating the possibility of a family and want to know if they are both functioning properly. The test kit is over 95% accurate and allows couples the opportunity to investigate their fertility in the privacy of their own homes. For men it measures the concentration of motile sperm and for women it detects the FSH hormone to check ovarian reserve (or the number and quality of available fertile eggs).

4.) Charting is a GREAT way to track your fertility and predict ovulation and also your due date! You can chart by taking your temperature every single morning (as recommended in my article “The 4 Easiest Ways to Track Ovulation”).

5.) Natural Progesterone Cream raises body temperature, maintains the lining of the uterus for nurturing a fertilized egg, makes the cervical mucous fertile and sperm accessible, and may promote implantation and development of the baby throughout the pregnancy.

6.) Fertile Focus Ovulation Microscope allows women to view the visual changes that occur in their saliva throughout their cycles. Just before the egg is released, a woman’s body will have an estrogen surge, which looks like ferning when viewed through a microscope. A woman can actually know when her estrogen surge occurs by using this simple little tool.

Since doctors typically won’t even want to see you until you have been trying for 6 months or more with no success, it is best to try everything you can on your own, before you turn to your OB for help. If you think you have had a miscarriage or a chemical pregnancy however, you may want to call your doctor for testing. There are many different factors that can cause a miscarriage (although they typically happen for no medical reason at all), and getting blood work done and an internal exam would be excellent ideas.

By: Jenna Garvin

In the United States, there are currently approximately 41 million people who are uninsured. Throughout the health care debate, you have likely heard the statistics. Of this group, roughly 13 percent are women who are pregnant and due to either not having insurance or being under-insured, even, many will not get adequate prenatal care. Many insurance plans consider being pregnant a Prue-existing condition, and Medicaid only excepts pregnant women who meet certain income criteria, and this causes a great number to fall through the cracks. These women may make over the income guidelines and this causes a problem because pregnancy care is expensive- the average birth free of complications usually will cost around six to eight thousand dollars, alone. That’s to say nothing of the extremely high cost of a high risk situation. A cesarean birth usually runs around $10,638. Though under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, it is not technically a pre-existing condition, there may be some exceptions that cause a pregnant woman to be declined coverage. This is also only if the plan already includes maternity care, so, make sure that you’re clear on exactly where you stand with your insurer or with a prospective insurer.

If you are a pregnant woman who is uninsured, there may be options available to you. Firstly, make sure that you are ineligible for Medicaid- some people believe that they may not be eligible, when they actually are. Also, on a state by state basis you may find that there are other options available to you by checking with your state’s health department. There are also many health care discount programs out there that can help- doing some research on line and with your health care provider may help you to find those programs which can help you.

Another thing to consider as an option is a birthing center rather than a hospital. Many birthing centers will accept a non-complicated pregnancy on a sliding scale at a much lower cost than a hospital. Check around in your area to find out where the birthing centers closest to you are, and find out if perhaps you are able to utilize that option. Some hospitals actually also have a sliding scale program and if you speak to someone in the account office, and are willing to work out a payment plan for self pay patients.

These are just a few of the options you may be able to find if you are pregnant and uninsured. However, you may want to check with a few insurance providers before you decide that you cannot get coverage- not all insurance providers will consider you completely insurable, and some may offer insurance at perhaps a higher premium with some stipulations. You may also wish to ask about stand alone plans for pregnancy- some offer this and not too many people are aware that such options exist, so, when in doubt, make sure that you are asking about the coverage you need before you decide that you won’t get it.

By: Henry Fleet

Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as practice contractions because although they do contract the uterus, they are not strong enough to actually deliver a baby. They are however, very useful in helping your body to prepare for labor, and will help you to dilate prior to labor. Typically they begin around the 4th month or 20th week of pregnancy…although some mothers will feel them sooner than that, and others later. Mothers who have had previous children will find that they are more intense the second and third (etc.) time around then they were the first time. They may also have them happen sooner than they did with their first as well.

What Does A Braxton Hicks Contraction Feel Like?

The contractions feel like a gradual tightening of your uterus. You will notice it starts at the top and continues down near your pubic bone. Your uterus will become a hard ball, sometimes feeling like it takes your breath away. Typically they last between 15-45 seconds, and are not regular. Although they typically are painless, some women will be quite uncomfortable while the contraction is taking place. If you experience pain, menstrual like cramps, bleeding or are having more than 6 an hour, you need to call your doctor right away.

What Causes the Contractions?

There are several reasons why a woman may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. They are as follows:

Dehydration- if you are dehydrated you can cause your uterus to contract and that may lead to pre-term labor. An irritable uterus Full bladder Being active- that includes you and the baby. Sex

What Can I Do to Make Them Stop?

The first thing you should do is change your position. If you are sitting or laying down when they occur, get up and walk around. If you are walking, take a seat. Also, drink…drink…drink! Try and relax. Take a warm bath or practice your breathing exercises. If still you try all of this and you cannot get them to go away, consult your doctor or midwife. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Braxton Hicks contractions should stop if you change positions, relax and hydrate. If they do not, if may be a sign of preterm labor.

By: Jenna Garvin