Preconception

Our Story of Infertility
Our Story of Infertility by Linda Robertson. Our story of infertility started in 2001.  My husband (Jim) and I had been married for nearly four years and decided that we were now ready to embark on the journey into parent-hood.

Understanding Fertility and Infertility
Understanding fertility and infertility: Many of us take our fertility for granted. We presume that one day when we choose to we will be able to have a baby. We envisage one or two months of pleasurable ‘trying’ before pregnancy is achieved. 

Understanding IVF
Since Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, was born in England in 1978 it is estimated that over a million babies have been born worldwide using some form of assisted reproductive technology. In Australia and New Zealand 6816 babies were born in 2002 as a result of assisted reproductive technology (around 2% of all births). IVF is the most common of these technologies.

Spacing pregnancies is a good thing?
New research published this year indicates that there may be an optimal time between pregnancies. The research found that pregnancies that were spaced less than 18 months apart or more than 59 months (5 years and nine months) apart carried a greater risk of the baby being born being small or, preterm.

When the ‘change of life’ comes too early
Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and therefore fertility for women. It is a normal and natural event that occurs in most women’s lives between the ages of 40 and 58, with the average age being around 51 years of age. In some women menopause occurs early, before the age of forty. This is called ‘early menopause’.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and natural fertility
In Australia, the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is enjoying growing popularity as couples seek to enhance their fertility using natural methods.

Safe Eating and Drinking Before and During Pregnancy
Thinking about getting pregnant? This article, by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), will provide you with vital information about safe eating and drinking before and during pregnancy.

Planning for Pregnancy: Preconception Care
Preconception care can make a positive difference to your health and the health of your child. More and more evidence points to the fact that the way we were nourished and grew in our mother’s womb can have an important impact on your health as an adult. It is now popular to seek information and health care prior to trying to conceive a baby.

Is poor thyroid function impacting your fertility
Many women don't realize that good thyroid function is necessary for fertility, the ability to conceive and to maintain a pregnancy.  An under (or over) functioning thyroid can prevent you from achieving that much desired pregnancy. While there are many and varied reasons for infertility, suboptimal thyroid function may be that "missing link" especially for those with no specific reproductive problems.