Archive for the ‘Conceiving and Pregnancy’ Category

Importance of Iron Supplements in Pregnant Mothers and Children

Health is very important for families. Though it is not considered absolutely necessary, taking vitamin supplements like iodine supplements and iron supplements can help in fulfilling one’s daily vitamin requirements.

Iron is a necessary mineral for body function and good health. Every red blood cell in the body contains iron in its hemoglobin, the pigment that carries oxygen to the tissues from the lungs. But a lack of iron in the blood can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which is a very common nutritional deficiency in children.

If you want to try something more natural for your children (to prevent iron deficiency anemia), here are some tips:

Breast Feeding: It is recommended to breast-feed your child until he is 1 or 2. Breast milk has iron that is easily absorbed by children.

Opt For Iron Supplements.Although iron supplements are not recommended for children under the age of 1, for premature babies it is recommended. If you had a premature baby and he isn’t eating iron rich diets after 6 months along with breast-feed then it’s important to start iron supplements. However, make sure you consult it with your doctor before starting the supplements.

Make Absorption Easier: It is important to give your child foods that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in promoting the absorption of dietary iron which is a must for children.

Offer Balanced Meals: In this case, a balanced meal means one that is rich in iron and other nutrients. For children between the ages of 4 months and 5 months, it is important to have added iron in the meals. Iron-fortified cereals, egg yolks, meat and beans are some of the best sources of iron. Try not to give your child food that is high in calories.

Jarrow Formulas also offer superior nutritional supplements.

Alternative Ways to Conceive: Fertility Options like Egg & Sperm Storage

It is always hard to hear some friends feel so heartbroken whenever they would see one pink line instead of two every month since they start trying to conceive. Medical technology is so advanced these days that conceiving a baby is no longer hard or impossible. Egg Storageand Sperm Storage can be done. In vitro fertilization makes it possible for couples finding it hard to conceive naturally. Surrogate mothers and sperm donors are accepted in some countries. The gift of child can also be experienced through adoption.

Cancer Fertility is also a much discussed topic. Cancer patients whose reproductive organs and hormones maybe affected by chemotherapy can choose to store their egg cells or sperm cells for future reproduction.

If you want to try to conceive naturally first before exploring other options, some of these tips might help:
1. Drinking alcohol, smoking or addiction of any other kind of harmful drugs can stop you from getting pregnant. It is best that you and your partner stop vices as early as now.
2. Take folic acid. Taking folic acid does not mean that chances of conception are increased but will decrease the chances of having neural tube defect in the baby. But one has to start taking it when she has decided to conceive.
3. You should know your monthly cycle and should try to do intercourse at the time of ovulation. Best time for pregnancy is 5 days earlier than ovulation till the day on which ovulation will occur.
4. Eat a healthy diet and do exercise regularly.
5. Learn to relax. Stress and anxiety can affect the hormones involved in reproduction.