photo/Kratochvil

Headed up by lead researcher Dr. Jorge Chavarro, a research fellow in the department of nutrition at the school, his results showed daily male soy consumption lead to 41 million fewer sperm per milliliter; as compared to males who do not eat soy products; in a study conducted on 99 men who participated in the collection of this data. Average sperm counts are between 80-120 million per milliliter.The correlation had an even greater impact on over-weight or obese males.

Soy products included were soy milk, tofu, tofu and soy sausages, tempeh, soy burgers, soy bacon, soy cheese, soy ice cream and yogurts as well as numerous other soy-based products.

Although still inconclusive, the culprit may lie in increased male estrogen levels/activity as a result of soy intake. Raised male estrogen levels are now believed to have a negative effect on sperm count and production, however Chavarro says these findings are preliminary and more data is necessary on the correlation.

These preliminary results are available in the Oxford Journals online under Human Reproduction.

While Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines have all but replaced encyclopedias and dictionaries, eBooks are today’s convenient way of obtaining all kinds of literary material including pregnancy related books immediately from the Internet.

With the simple click of a mouse these eBooks can be downloaded right away, then you as the buyer have the option of printing it out and (or) keeping it conveniently on your computer or laptop for easy instant access.

When browsing through the shelves of the local bookstore it can be difficult deciding which book best suits your specific needs, so after evaluating and critiquing several of the eBooks relating to conception and pregnancy that are currently available on-line, we narrowed our search for the cream of the crop to the following three eBooks.

These best-sellers were created by reputable authors and true experts in the field and the prices ranged from $14.95 to $39 which is a small price to pay when you consider the thousands of dollars you could spend on unnecessary fertility specialists.

$39 eBook ‘Pregnancy Miracle’ by Lisa Olson – This top-selling author sheds light on getting pregnant naturally with her successful program. An alternative health and nutrition specialist, health consultant and Chinese medicine researcher, Lisa Olson teaches couples how to reverse infertility and get pregnant within 2 Months.

This eBook snagged our attention because of the quality of the content and the fact Olson guarantees her method with a 60-day money back guarantee. This book is available for $39 on her site here and it’s definitely worth a strong consideration.

$14.95 eBook ‘Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally’ by Cindy Ferda – At $14.95 this is clearly the best bargain we could find anywhere on the net; it sells elsewhere for $29.95. This no-nonsense material offers the nuts and bolts necessary to conceive naturally while concentrating on providing the best health environment for your baby.

A national columnist for The Examiner’s Family and Parenting Pregnancy division, Cindy Ferda combines years of gynecological and obstetrical information from experts in the fields of reproductive medicine and holistic practices and presents them in this eBook.

‘How to Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally’ contains great health tips as well as the newest secrets of conception and strategies for getting pregnant.

The book also includes an in-depth look at the advantages of fertility diets that not only are proven to increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, but also decreases the chances of a fetus having neural tube defects and other potential deformities.

Utilizing this same information the author conceived naturally at 44 and is now offering to share her knowledge and personal experience in conception, fertility issues, fertility enhancing foods and keys to improving sperm count and sperm motility naturally.

$29.59 ‘The Full Embrace Pregnancy Success Program’ by Diana Farrell, M.A. – This eBook reveals secrets about the most powerful and rare health treatments you can do yourself at home for FREE that will vastly increase your chances of conception within 8-12 weeks. To date the information in this book has helped thousands of couples beat infertility and achieve pregnancy.

We hope you find this information helpful and please comment back to this section to let us know how these eBooks have helped your quest to fertility so we can share your success with our other readers.

New clinical studies on vitex chasteberry supplements have shown a considerable improvement for women with luteal phase defects. Some women do not recognize they even have an LPD and that its effects can prevent conception and pregnancy.

The luteal phase is the latter phase of the menstrual cycle (generally days 14-28). It begins with the formation of the corpus luteum and ends in either pregnancy or luteolysis.

The main hormone associated with this stage is progesterone, which is significantly higher during the luteal phase than other phases of the cycle.

Luteal phase defects transpire when the luteal phase is shorter than normal, progesterone levels during this phase are well below normal, or both. LPD is believed to interfere with the implantation of embryos.

If cycle irregularity and hormonal imbalance are causing difficulty with ovulation or impairing fertile quality cervical fluids, the regular use of an all-natural vitex agnus-castus, also called vitex, chaste tree, chasteberry or monk’s pepper may improve these defects with time.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a small study was conducted on 52 patients with luteal phase defects who showed signs of reduced prolactin release.

By adding a vitex supplement to their diet their luteal phases normalized, they improved luteal phase progesterone synthesis and increased luteal phase estradiol. Vitex is recommended for PMS issues as well. Studies caution that once pregnant, the supplement should be stopped immediately.

Vitex supplements are available at most vitamin stores and on-line for under $10.

It is now an accepted fact within the medical establishment that cord blood stem cells from the umbilical cord can treat (and sometimes cure) over 70 life-threatening diseases, including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies and blood disorders. Studies are currently under way regarding treatment for Type 1 Diabetes and Cerebral palsy. Researchers are also hopeful cord blood stem cells may be able to treat heart disease and stroke in the near future.

Banking cord blood is a simple procedure. Performed by the doctor or midwife just after the birth of the baby and before the placenta is delivered, a 4 to 8 inch section of umbilical cord is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a blood bag needle is inserted into the umbilical vein until the collection is completed. This in no way interferes with the health and safety of the mother and child, and often takes under 5 minutes. The blood bag is sent to storage at a pre-arranged blood cord bank of your choice. Two companies that seem to be leading the way are ViaCord and Cord Blood Registry.

The importance of stem cells is powerful as they have the ability to not only treat diseases but actually repair and replace damaged cells in the body. Anthony and Tammy Witherspoon of McComb, MS know this all too well.

“My wife and I gave birth to a baby boy in 1994 named Anthony II. Approximately four months later, we were informed that our son had been diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. In 2000, our son suffered a stroke; unfortunate as that may be, the incident qualified him to participate in a research program offered at the Batson Children Cancer Clinic in Jackson, MS. In doing our research, we began to learn about the possibilities of curing sickle-cell disease with stem cells and we came across ViaCord.

On September 20, 2004, we gave birth to another baby boy. We immediately collected the umbilical cord blood and shipped it to ViaCord for storage. The blood test results came back a couple of weeks later. Not only did our newborn not have sickle-cell, he was also a match for a donor. In October 2005, we checked into the transplant unit at the University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. ViaCord was very prompt and professional on their part. They delivered the blood, the transplant was performed, and we are grateful today to be able to say that our son has been cured of sickle-cell disease.”

Cord blood can be used from a donor-matched non-family member; however stats show a 50% higher success rate when cord blood is used from a family member. There is enough cord blood from one cord blood draw to be used one-time for treatment of one person.

Banking cord blood for your family is a financial commitment. The approximate cost for the first year is $2200. This includes the collection of the cord blood and cryopreservation. Add an additional $125 annually for each year of cryopreservation storage.

According to blood banking company ViaCord, more than 600,000 families have banked their cord blood thus far and those numbers are expected to rise exponentially.

To combat infertility, many women are turning to clomiphene citrate as their first course of action. Sold under the brand name Serophene or Clomid, it is the most commonly prescribed medication for women with ovulation issues, PCO (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and/or luteal phase defects, however it does not work for women with blocked fallopian tubes.

Treatment generally begins with a 50mg dose of Clomid. This will assist in regulating and/or inducing ovulation by stimulating hormones that will produce or release mature eggs from the ovaries.

Affordable and prescribed from your doctor or purchased through an international pharmaceutical source online without a prescription, a one-cycle 50mg dose may only cost about $50.

Studies indicate this easy to take oral medication offers great ovulation results for approximately 40% of the women it is prescribed to. Clomid can be taken for up to six menstrual cycles, but most doctors agree that if it doesn’t produce a pregnancy within the first three cycles, another treatment should be considered.

Taken orally on days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9 of your menstrual cycle, Clomid signals the pituitary gland to begin secreting more FSH and LH hormones. At this signal, the ovaries will typically begin to mature eggs and release them; sometimes even more than one.

Used alone or as part of what is known as superovulation on women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), Clomid offers some patients the chance for multiple egg retrievals or ultimately multiple births. The live birth rate for women using Clomid is climbing and thought to be between 30 and 60 percent. Studies also suggest there is a 10% increase in the birth of twins.

Monitoring your body during this treatment is vital to the success of the treatment. Work with your doctor or fertility specialist to make sure you are not developing a hostile cervical mucus environment known to affect about one third of all Clomid users. Hostile cervical mucus will adversely affect sperm on contact.

Generally with mild side effects, Clomid’s adverse reactions may range from ovarian enlargement or hyperstimulation, hot flushes, abdominal discomfort, breast discomfort, nausea, vomiting, visual impairments, headaches or abnormal uterine bleeding.

There are potential risks however with the drug. A 1994 study cites a connection with an increase in risk of ovarian cancer in women who took clomiphene (Clomid) for 12 or more months. Additionally, there are a number of women using Clomid without the advice of a medical professional who are not the right candidates for this med, thus reducing their potential to conceive.

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week; usually occurring before the 12th week during the first trimester. The chances of miscarriage increase considerably as a woman ages. Some studies even suggest pregnancies from men older than 40 increases the odds of miscarriage as well. A miscarriage may occur because the embryo or fetus isn’t developing properly due to chromosomal abnormalities.

Signs and symptoms of miscarriage

Spotting or bleeding
Abdomen or lower back pain
Cramps
Vaginal fluid or tissue discharge
Fever (usually due to septic miscarriage)
Chills (usually due to septic miscarriage)
Body aches and pains (usually due to septic miscarriage)
Thick discharge with foul odor (usually due to septic miscarriage)

Causes of miscarriage

Miscarriage typically occurs due to embryonic abnormalities during the division and growth of the embryo during the first 12 weeks; not usually due to inherited issues from the parents. In some cases though, a mother with uncontrolled diabetes, uterine and cervix issues, thyroid disease, infections or hormonal problems may be at more of a risk of miscarriage.

Intrauterine Fetal Demise occurs when an embryo is present but there is no heartbeat and the embryo has died before there are any signs of miscarriage/pregnancy loss. This may be due to chromosomal and/or genetic abnormalities. This usually occurs during the first trimester.

Blighted Ovum is a very common cause of miscarriage, occurring when a fertilized egg develops a placenta and membrane but no embryo. This usually transpires during the first trimester.

Molar Pregnancy is more of a rarity and occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 pregnancies. Also known as Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, it is an abnormality of the placenta caused by an issue or problem at fertilization where the placenta develops into a fast-growing mass of cysts that may or may not contain an embryo.

Invasive prenatal testing such as CVS (chorionic villus sampling) and/or amniocentesis carry a slight risk of miscarriage. Smoking or consuming alcohol or drugs increases the risk of miscarriage greatly.

Determining miscarriage at the doctor’s office

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will check for cervical dilation. An ultrasound checks for the heartbeat and development of the embryo. Blood tests provide levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG and determination of placental tissue passing. If you have passed tissue and bring it in to your OB/GYN, it can be sent to the lab to confirm miscarriage.

Common medical miscarriage terms

Threatened Miscarriage occurs if you are spotting or bleeding but your cervix has not dilated. Some pregnancies remain viable even though they may be threatened initially.

Inevitable Miscarriage occurs when you are bleeding, your uterus is contracting and your cervix is dilated. Miscarriage is inevitable.

Incomplete Miscarriage occurs when some placental/fetal material passes but some remains in uterine.

Missed Miscarriage occurs when the placental/embryonic tissue remains but the embryo has died or not formed.

Complete Miscarriage is the most common of miscarriages. All pregnancy tissues have passed. Usually takes place within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. The entire process may take up to four weeks if done naturally.

Septic Miscarriage is when an infection develops within the uterus. A severe infection, this must be handled by medical professionals immediately. Some signs include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills and vomiting.

Medical and surgical miscarriage treatment

After medically confirming pregnancy loss or the inevitable loss, there are medical treatments available that speed up the process and get one back on track quicker like oral medications or vaginal ointments to expel all remaining pregnancy tissue. Some side effects may include nausea, cramps and diarrhea. About 70% of women will bring miscarriage to a close within 24-48 hours.

A surgical procedure called suction dilation and curettage also known as D and C dilates your cervix and suctions the non-viable pregnancy tissues. Uterine walls may be gently scraped of unnecessary tissue as well. To stop the bleeding, a D and C procedure might be necessary for some women.

Recovery

After a miscarriage, whether natural or with medical assistance, recovery time varies. For some it may only be hours, for others a few days to weeks. Generally a period will return within 4-6 weeks. Women must watch for signs of infection throughout recovery and consult a doctor immediately if symptoms develop like fever, chills, severe pain and/or heavier than normal bleeding. Additionally, doctors advise no tampons, douching or sex for two weeks following a miscarriage.

Pregnancy after miscarriage

Most OB/GYN’s recommend waiting one menstrual cycle after a miscarriage to try and conceive again; however it is possible to become pregnant before the next cycle.

Doctors advise additional testing for women who have experienced two or more miscarriages to identify underlying problems and/or abnormalities. After addressing issues, more than 60% of women will go on to deliver healthy babies.

Neural tube defects (NTD) like spina bifida and anencephaly are one of the most common birth defects today. Affecting the brain and spinal cord of a fetus, this can occur before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.

The health of a fetus and the mother are always the top priorities during pregnancy and although maintaining good health habits statistically reduces the risk of birth defects, the possibility of birth defects cannot be completely eliminated.

When an opening in the brain or spinal cord occurs early in the embryo’s development, it is known as NTD. The cord of the embryo begins to develop and roll into a tube approximately 28 days after the baby is conceived and with normal development, the cord will close. When the neural tube does not close completely, an open NTD occurs.

According to a published report by Duke University, NTD are one of the most common birth defects in America and occur in approximately one in one-thousand live births.

One of the best ways a woman can combat this risk is by taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acidbefore she is pregnant.

The FDA has recognized the serious nature of NTD and taken action by requiring many foods like breads, grains and cereals to be fortified with folic acid in an effort to battle this defect.

Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate and from one of the Vitamin B categories, is considered by many the most important supplement a woman can take during pregnancy.

It has become common knowledge that folic acid is essential in the development of a healthy baby.

Studies have shown that by taking folic acid in the recommended dose, usually 800 mcg to 1000 mcg, a woman can decrease her risk of a neural tube defect by up to 70%.

Depending upon family history of NTD, the dosage may vary.

Folic acid may also play a role in decreasing the risks for other serious birth defects such as cleft palate, congenital heart defects and chronic disease conditions such as heart disease, several cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.

The elimination of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine during pregnancyis of course an obvious choice by women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, but the addition of folic acid must be integrated into a daily routine immediately to help stave off neural tube defects.

Studies indicate that low folic acid levels can cause severe birth defectsof the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects. Low folic acid levels may even reduce the chance of a woman carrying to term.

Many women who are trying to get pregnant and not taking a prenatal vitamin find their levels well below the suggested safe levels recommended by the FDA.

They spend the first several weeks of pregnancy with unsafe levels of these nutrients in their systems increasing their risks of having a baby born with birth defects.

With this in mind, anyone even considering pregnancy should be taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 800 mcg of folic acid each day. For women with low folate levels, of advanced age or who are experiencing fertility issues, doctors may recommend a prescription prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 mcg for a more aggressive approach.

The most important nutrient in a prenatal vitamin is folic acid. Folate can also be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and citrus fruits. The FDA requires that many flour products such as breads, buns and bagels be fortified with extra folic acid. Breakfast cereals and fortified enriched grain products offer the nutrient as well.

Calcium is another important nutrient in a prenatal vitamin. A growing fetus consumes much of the mother’s calcium during pregnancy; thus creating a low level in the mother’s system that may result in bone density loss and increase the chance of osteoporosis later in life. Calcium can also be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Many juices are now fortified with calcium as well.

Iron is also an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The mother’s body creates additional amounts of blood during pregnancy to support a growing baby. With a higher volume of blood present in her system she needs supplemental iron to maintain a healthy level throughout her blood supply. Keeping a healthy level of iron lowers the risk in pregnant women of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Natural sources of iron include meat, fish and poultry. Other sources of iron may include beans, dried fruits, whole grains, fortified cereals and enriched breads.

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, niacin and zinc are also found in a prenatal vitamin tablet. Although most experts agree that proper levels of folic acid, calcium and iron are most essential in carrying a healthy baby to term, these other vitamins are important as well.

Some women taking prenatal vitamins have experienced mild side effects like constipation and nausea. The constipation may be caused by the iron supplement. Drinking more water than usual may ease the constipation. Nausea can be reduced by taking the prenatal vitamin with food later in the day.