We here at NCPPC have already told you about the importance of taking Folic Acid before you become pregnant (please refer to our January posts for more folic acid information). Another important step to take before you become pregnant is to get in shape. Believe it or not, exercise may actually help improve your chances of getting pregnant by reducing the risk of one of the most common causes of infertility (when someone is unable to have children).

Exercising regularly, along with having low body fat and avoiding large amounts of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks can reduce you chances of having Endometriosis. Endo what? Well, if you have never heard of Endometriosis before, it is a common health problem that affects more than 5 million women in the U.S. Endometriosis causes the lining of the Uterus or womb, the Endometrium, to grow outside of the uterus. This growth can be very painful and can make it more difficult for you to get pregnant.

Common places for Endometriosis to occur include:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian Tubes
• Tissues that hold the Uterus in place
• Outer surface of the Uterus
• Lining of the Pelvic Cavity

If you have, or had Endometriosis, you may be experiencing feelings of fear, anger or uncertainty, but remember you’re not alone. 

I have a family member who had surgery last year for Endometriosis. Surgery is the one treatment that can boost your chances for getting pregnant. Now, she and her husband are on the road to recovery and hopefully the road to parenthood (I’m keeping my fingers crossed). Have you or someone close to you had Endometriosis? As par of National Endometriosis Awareness Month, would you like to share your story to serve as inspiration for others? Please post your story or opinion in our comment section. 

If you would like more information about this disease, visit one of the websites below or talk to your doctor.

Sources:

National Women’s Health Center

Endometriosos Research Center

The reason I decided to focus on healthy body image during pregnancy this post is that National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February 21-27.  I hope this information is helpful.

Were you self-conscious about your body before you got pregnant? I’m sure the weight gain, enlarged breasts, food cravings, mood swings, and increased fatigue are not helping. It is natural for your body to change during pregnancy to help support the growth and development of your baby. Even though the changes may be tough, especially if you had a low body image before, it is reassuring to know that the changes are happening so you can have a healthy baby! Here are some tips from The National Women’s Health Information Center to help you love and accept your pregnant body. 

1. Concentrate on your baby. Your body is changing in order to help your baby grow and develop. It is a natural process.
2. Express your feelings. Talk with your partner, family, or friends about how you are feeling. Keeping your feelings bottled up will only make you feel worse.
3. Try to get out for some enjoyable exercise. A light swim or walk can help you clear your mind and get the focus off your body.
4. Take up prenatal yoga. Yoga focuses not on how your body looks, but on the link between your body and your mind. Make sure it is yoga that is safe during pregnancy, because some positions can be dangerous during pregnancy (check with your doctor to be safe). 
5. Learn as much as you can about pregnancy. By educating yourself, you will know what to expect and feel more in control.
6. If you are really having serious issues, seek out mental health counseling.

 Sources for entry: Women’s Health, National Eating Disorders Association,

Source for picture:

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/sex-doctor/css/pregnant-couple-embrace.jpg