When it comes to making babies, both the quantity and quality of sperm your partner produces matters. An average ejaculation contains about 180 million sperm (about 66 million per ml). When semen is analyzed doctors look at more than just how much semen is ejaculated. The amount of semen produced per ejaculation can vary quite a bit, anywhere from 1-6 ml of semen per ejaculation is considered normal. Likewise, the amount of sperm produced during an ejaculation can vary greatly. The quantity of sperm in a semen sample – or sperm count – is measured per ml; 20-150 million sperm per ml is considered normal. A sperm count below 20 million per ml indicates a low sperm count and could result in infertility.
While your guy may produce millions of sperm during an ejaculation only a handful of them – about 200 sperm – are hardy enough to make it past the cervix and travel far enough up the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some things that can affect a man’s sperm.
Some basic info about sperm:
Sperm are produced in the man’s testes, mature in the epididymis, and finally travel through the vas deferens and out through the urethra during an ejaculation. This process takes about 75 days.
Sperm makes up only a small percentage of what is ejaculated.
Healthy sperm can live up to 5 days inside the woman’s vagina.
20 million sperm per ml (or higher) of semen is considered normal.
Some abnormal sperm are usually found in most semen samples. As long as 40% or more are shaped correctly, this is considered normal.
They don’t call sperm swimmers for no reason. A normal sperm moves in a forward direction. A man is most likely fertile if at least half of his sperm are forward moving “swimmers”.
Things that can affect a man’s sperm
You probably know about some of the biggies like smoking, alcohol, illicit drug use or hot tubs impairing a man’s fertility but here are a few things you may not know about:
1. Morning sex = higher sperm count: If you are trying to conceive, time intercourse when his sperm count is at its highest. Researchers have found that men generally have a higher sperm count in the mornings. Men’s sexual interest may be higher in the mornings as well.
2. His weight matters: Women are not the only ones who have weight related fertility issues. Men who are overweight or underweight are more likely to have problems with infertility. Having too much or too little body fat may affect a man’s hormone levels. Scientists in one Finnish study found that a 20 lb weight gain may increase a man’s chance of being infertile by 10 percent.
3. Have more sex not less: Men with low sperm counts are often advised to abstain from sex in order to improve their sperm count, but new research suggests that while this may improve sperm count, too much abstinence can damage the DNA of the sperm that is produced. Australian researchers have found that having daily sex actually improves the quality, if not the quantity of sperm. The thought behind this is that regular ejaculations get rid of the old sperm and make way for newer healthier sperm.
4. Folic acid is not only good for the goose, but it is also good for the gander. Most women know that taking a folic acid supplement is important during childbearing years because it can prevent certain birth defects. You may not have known that it is also important for men to eat a diet containing folic acid. A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Berkley found that men who had lower levels of folic acid (or folate) in their diets had a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm.
5. Avoid soy products. A recent study published by Oxford University Press’s online publication Human Reproduction, suggests that eating a diet high in soy foods could cause men to have a lower sperm count. According to the study, men who ate soy foods were more likely to have lower sperm counts (although not necessarily abnormally low) than men who did not eat soy.
6. Skip the lubricants. Lubricants can impede the movement of sperm. A woman’s cervical mucous is designed to help transport sperm, but many commercial lubricants have the opposite effect. Lubricants like KY Jelly, baby oil, or petroleum jelly have been shown to slow down or damage sperm. Saliva can also damage sperm. One lubricant that is okay to use is Pre-seed. According to one study in the ASRM’s journal of Fertility and Sterility, Pre-seed was not shown to harm or slow down sperm.
7. Watch out for cell phones and lap tops. There have been a few studies that have shown that excessive use of lap tops or cell phones can cause sperm damage. Lap tops, if placed on a man’s lap, get hot over time. The increase in scrotal temperature may have a negative effect on a man’s sperm if he keeps a lap top sitting on his lap for extended periods of time. Similarly, cell phone emissions might also cause sperm damage. Keeping a cell phone in a close proximity to a man’s scrotum could potentially cause a decrease in sperm quality, according to a small research study from the Cleveland Clinic.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Reflux Symptoms in Babies
Acid reflux, or “spitting up,” is very common among infants. Because the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) is not yet mature in infants, it is unable to effectively hold stomach contents down. Spit up can also occur when your baby simply drinks too much and too fast, creating air bubbles in the esophagus which push liquid up and out of baby’s mouth.
Reflux symptoms
Although infant acid reflux most often occurs after feeding, it can happen anytime your baby coughs, cries or strains. Signs and symptoms of infant acid reflux include:
spitting up
irritability during or after feedings
coughing
wheezing
refusing to eat
crying when placed on his or her back, especially after a feeding
in severe cases, your baby may arch his or her back while crying and this may look like your baby is having a seizure.
To minimize reflux, consider these tips:
Feed your baby in an upright position. Follow each feeding with 15 to 30 minutes in a sitting position. Gravity helps stomach contents stay down. Be careful not to jostle or jiggle your baby while the food is settling.
Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from building up in your baby's stomach. To burp, sit your baby upright, supporting his or her head with your hand. Avoid burping your baby over your shoulder, which puts pressure on your baby's abdomen.
If you're using a bottle, make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size. If it's too large, the milk will flow too fast. If it's too small, your baby may get frustrated and gulp air. A nipple hole that's the right size will allow a few drops of milk to fall out when you hold the bottle upside down.
Ask your doctor about thickening your baby’s formula or breast milk. If your doctor approves, add a small amount of rice cereal to your baby's formula or expressed breast milk. You may need to enlarge the hole in the nipple to make sure your baby can drink the thickened liquid.
When to be concerned
If your baby spits up, but is happy and smiling, you shouldn’t worry as most cases clear up on their own around 12 to 18 months of age, without causing problems for your baby.
Some symptoms, however, may indicate more serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis. Contact your doctor right away if your baby has any of these symptoms:
Isn't gaining weight
Repeatedly spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth
Spits up green or yellow fluid
Spits up blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds
Repeatedly resists feedings
Has blood in his or her stool
Has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing
Begins vomiting at age 6 months or older
Severe abdominal pain
Reflux symptoms
Although infant acid reflux most often occurs after feeding, it can happen anytime your baby coughs, cries or strains. Signs and symptoms of infant acid reflux include:
spitting up
irritability during or after feedings
coughing
wheezing
refusing to eat
crying when placed on his or her back, especially after a feeding
in severe cases, your baby may arch his or her back while crying and this may look like your baby is having a seizure.
To minimize reflux, consider these tips:
Feed your baby in an upright position. Follow each feeding with 15 to 30 minutes in a sitting position. Gravity helps stomach contents stay down. Be careful not to jostle or jiggle your baby while the food is settling.
Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from building up in your baby's stomach. To burp, sit your baby upright, supporting his or her head with your hand. Avoid burping your baby over your shoulder, which puts pressure on your baby's abdomen.
If you're using a bottle, make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size. If it's too large, the milk will flow too fast. If it's too small, your baby may get frustrated and gulp air. A nipple hole that's the right size will allow a few drops of milk to fall out when you hold the bottle upside down.
Ask your doctor about thickening your baby’s formula or breast milk. If your doctor approves, add a small amount of rice cereal to your baby's formula or expressed breast milk. You may need to enlarge the hole in the nipple to make sure your baby can drink the thickened liquid.
When to be concerned
If your baby spits up, but is happy and smiling, you shouldn’t worry as most cases clear up on their own around 12 to 18 months of age, without causing problems for your baby.
Some symptoms, however, may indicate more serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis. Contact your doctor right away if your baby has any of these symptoms:
Isn't gaining weight
Repeatedly spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth
Spits up green or yellow fluid
Spits up blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds
Repeatedly resists feedings
Has blood in his or her stool
Has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing
Begins vomiting at age 6 months or older
Severe abdominal pain
Silent Reflux in Infants (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)
Infant reflux is what happens when a baby spits up. Silent reflux (also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR) is very similar, but the baby doesn't actually spit up, because he's able to swallow the stomach contents. The problem is that the stomach contents are acidic, so it burns on the way up and back down. Since the baby doesn't spit up, silent reflux is harder to recognize when it happens. Babies are prone to reflux because the sphincter that holds food in their stomach is undeveloped, and they have such a short esophagus. They also spend a lot of time lying on their backs, which doesn't help.
Symptoms of Silent Reflux in Infants
Chronic cough
Sour breath and wet-sounding burps
Sudden bouts of intense crying
Trouble breathing or asthma-like symptoms
Baby pauses while breathing (apnea), or breathes noisily
Difficulty feeding
Frequent hiccups
Spitting up
Inhaling food
Hoarse voice
Difficulty gaining weight
The esophagus and throat aren't equipped to deal with stomach acid, and silent reflux can lead to irritation or even internal damage if it continues. It can cause problems with the baby's ears, either in the form of multiple ear infections or a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. The baby can develop contact ulcers from the stomach acid, and silent reflux can also cause the area below the vocal cords to become narrower.
Colic vs. Silent Reflux
The crying that's associated with silent reflux is often mistaken for colic. Infant colic is a condition in which a baby that otherwise appears healthy cries for an extended period of time. The medical community is divided over whether silent reflux is actually a cause of colic. Between 40 and 60 percent of all babies experience silent reflux in the first months of their life, so there seems to be some support for that theory. However, colic tends to only last from about the 6 week age mark until the baby is about 3 or 4 months old. Silent reflux symptoms can last for several weeks longer, so many doctors think the link might not be that solid.
Diagnosing Silent Reflux
The doctor will do a physical exam of the baby to diagnose silent reflux. He'll check for symptoms and ask you what you've seen as well. There are a couple of tests that can be done to confirm the diagnosis. One is to do an endoscopic exam. The doctor uses a viewing scope to take a look at the baby's vocal cords and throat for signs of stomach acid. The other method is called pH monitoring. The doctor runs a catheter through the baby's nose and down into the esophagus. The catheter has a monitoring device on the end, which will watch for stomach acid. The catheter is kept in place for 24 hours, and the device records its findings over that period. The presence of stomach acid shortly after feedings will indicate that silent reflux is the problem.
Treating Silent Reflux
The first options that doctors will recommend for dealing with silent reflux will require some dietary changes for the mother and the baby. The mother's diet is often a culprit, because what she eats is passed on through breastfeeding. Altering the mother's food intake can sometimes help clear the problem up. This isn't easy, though, because it's difficult to know exactly what foods are triggering the reflux in the baby. Dairy products are known to cause silent reflux in babies, so the doctor may recommend eliminating them completely for a couple of weeks to see how it impacts the baby. Foods like soy, wheat, coffee and citrus fruits can also contribute. The doctor will make recommendations for the mother to follow as best as she can.
The next step is to change how the mother feeds the baby. Giving the baby shorter feedings with smaller amounts can help with digestion. Doctors recommend feeding with the baby held up at an angle of 30 degrees or greater, and burping him thoroughly after feeding. If you're bottle feeding, try experimenting with different bottles. Try to keep the baby in an upright position for a half hour after feedings, but don't get him excited, because this can lead to reflux.
For more serious cases of silent reflux, a doctor might recommend medications. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are a couple of options that can help. Follow your doctor's instructions closely when using these. In a worst case scenario, the doctor might discover that the reflux is caused by an abnormality of some sort, usually in the sphincter connecting the stomach and esophagus. Surgery may be recommended to correct the problem.
Symptoms of Silent Reflux in Infants
Chronic cough
Sour breath and wet-sounding burps
Sudden bouts of intense crying
Trouble breathing or asthma-like symptoms
Baby pauses while breathing (apnea), or breathes noisily
Difficulty feeding
Frequent hiccups
Spitting up
Inhaling food
Hoarse voice
Difficulty gaining weight
The esophagus and throat aren't equipped to deal with stomach acid, and silent reflux can lead to irritation or even internal damage if it continues. It can cause problems with the baby's ears, either in the form of multiple ear infections or a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. The baby can develop contact ulcers from the stomach acid, and silent reflux can also cause the area below the vocal cords to become narrower.
Colic vs. Silent Reflux
The crying that's associated with silent reflux is often mistaken for colic. Infant colic is a condition in which a baby that otherwise appears healthy cries for an extended period of time. The medical community is divided over whether silent reflux is actually a cause of colic. Between 40 and 60 percent of all babies experience silent reflux in the first months of their life, so there seems to be some support for that theory. However, colic tends to only last from about the 6 week age mark until the baby is about 3 or 4 months old. Silent reflux symptoms can last for several weeks longer, so many doctors think the link might not be that solid.
Diagnosing Silent Reflux
The doctor will do a physical exam of the baby to diagnose silent reflux. He'll check for symptoms and ask you what you've seen as well. There are a couple of tests that can be done to confirm the diagnosis. One is to do an endoscopic exam. The doctor uses a viewing scope to take a look at the baby's vocal cords and throat for signs of stomach acid. The other method is called pH monitoring. The doctor runs a catheter through the baby's nose and down into the esophagus. The catheter has a monitoring device on the end, which will watch for stomach acid. The catheter is kept in place for 24 hours, and the device records its findings over that period. The presence of stomach acid shortly after feedings will indicate that silent reflux is the problem.
Treating Silent Reflux
The first options that doctors will recommend for dealing with silent reflux will require some dietary changes for the mother and the baby. The mother's diet is often a culprit, because what she eats is passed on through breastfeeding. Altering the mother's food intake can sometimes help clear the problem up. This isn't easy, though, because it's difficult to know exactly what foods are triggering the reflux in the baby. Dairy products are known to cause silent reflux in babies, so the doctor may recommend eliminating them completely for a couple of weeks to see how it impacts the baby. Foods like soy, wheat, coffee and citrus fruits can also contribute. The doctor will make recommendations for the mother to follow as best as she can.
The next step is to change how the mother feeds the baby. Giving the baby shorter feedings with smaller amounts can help with digestion. Doctors recommend feeding with the baby held up at an angle of 30 degrees or greater, and burping him thoroughly after feeding. If you're bottle feeding, try experimenting with different bottles. Try to keep the baby in an upright position for a half hour after feedings, but don't get him excited, because this can lead to reflux.
For more serious cases of silent reflux, a doctor might recommend medications. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are a couple of options that can help. Follow your doctor's instructions closely when using these. In a worst case scenario, the doctor might discover that the reflux is caused by an abnormality of some sort, usually in the sphincter connecting the stomach and esophagus. Surgery may be recommended to correct the problem.
Diaper Rash That Won't Go Away
Your baby has a diaper rash and you’ve tried all the conventional treatments but it still won’t go away. What should you do? If your baby has a diaper rash that doesn’t go away after a week with conventional treatments, you may need to call your pediatrician. Likewise, if your baby has a fever, diarrhea or illness, or if the rash has spread to other parts of his body you should make an appointment with your pediatrician.
Causes of persistent diaper rash
simple irritation (from sitting in urine or stools too long, or sensitivity to the urine or stools)
food sensitivities
yeast infection
bacterial infection (like staph or strep)
sensitivity to baby wipes
colon bacteria imbalance
cloth diaper sensitivities (to detergents or materials in cloth diapers)
For a persistent diaper rash you need to get to the bottom of what is causing the rash. It may take some time or experimenting to determine what is causing your baby’s diaper rash. However, because a diaper rash can be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection or other conditions, you should get your doctor to take a look at the rash if it has persisted for longer than a week.
Diaper rashes caused by an infection
A yeast infection rash looks different than an ordinary diaper rash. It is extremely red and you’ll see little raised bumps on the edges of the rash. As the rash spreads, you may see red “satellite” legions that look like red pimples and are further away from the main rash. A distinguishing characteristic of yeast rashes is that they are often seen in the folds and creases of the skin around the groin area.
If your baby has a bacterial infection you may see yellow bumps that may be filled with “puss” or you may notice crusty areas on your baby’s bottom. This is a sign of an infection that may require antibiotic treatment.
Other causes of persistent diaper rashes
Ammonia Dermatitis and feces breakdown: Sometimes a baby’s rash is caused simply by not keeping him dry enough. Some babies are sensitive to the ammonia that develops as their urine breaks down. This condition is known as ammonia dermatitis. Additionally, when urine turns into ammonia it creates a more alkaline environment. This can be problematic if your baby sits in urine and feces for too long. Enzymes found in feces cause the skin to break down. Since these enzymes thrive in an alkaline environment, a baby sitting in both urine and feces is more prone to skin break down. Changing your baby’s diaper frequently and controlling the pH level of your baby’s skin will help to clear up and prevent a diaper rash.
PH balance: Normally the pH of your baby’s skin is neutral to slightly acidic. Breastfed babies tend to have slightly acidic stools. Whereas formula fed babies’ stools tend to be slightly alkaline. This is one reason why formula fed babies are more prone to diaper rash. To improve the pH balance of your baby’s skin, try rinsing his bottom with a water and vinegar mixture. The vinegar will help to restore the proper pH balance of his skin. If your baby is using cloth diapers you can add a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar to your final rinse cycle when you wash his diapers to help as well.
Sensitivity to baby wipes: Some babies are very sensitive to the chemicals in baby wipes. You may be able to switch to wipes designed for sensitive skin, but if your baby is having problems with a persistent diaper rash, you should avoid wipes altogether until the rash clears up. You can just use a wash cloth with warm water to wipe with.
Digestive issues, food sensitivities, and colon health: Anything that alters the pH level of your baby’s urine or feces can cause diaper rash. Certain foods may cause your baby’s urine or stools to be more acidic or alkaline. An imbalance in either direction can be a problem. Acidic stools may cause a chemical burn-like rash; alkaline stools will cause the enzymes in feces to flourish, leading to skin break down.
If your baby has a food sensitivity, dairy is the likely culprit. It is one of the most common food sensitivities in babies. Babies that are sensitive to dairy may have green stools, mucus stools, or stools with blood in them. Naturally, these poorly digested stools can cause problems with skin break down and diaper rash. If your baby has started on solid foods, he may have issues tolerating some of the acidic foods as well. Foods like citrus fruits, apples, cherries, pears, prunes, peaches, strawberries and tomatoes are more acidic. If your baby’s rash appears shortly after starting solids, you may want to eliminate the acidic foods to see if the rash goes away. Your baby just may be more sensitive to these foods.
Causes of persistent diaper rash
simple irritation (from sitting in urine or stools too long, or sensitivity to the urine or stools)
food sensitivities
yeast infection
bacterial infection (like staph or strep)
sensitivity to baby wipes
colon bacteria imbalance
cloth diaper sensitivities (to detergents or materials in cloth diapers)
For a persistent diaper rash you need to get to the bottom of what is causing the rash. It may take some time or experimenting to determine what is causing your baby’s diaper rash. However, because a diaper rash can be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection or other conditions, you should get your doctor to take a look at the rash if it has persisted for longer than a week.
Diaper rashes caused by an infection
A yeast infection rash looks different than an ordinary diaper rash. It is extremely red and you’ll see little raised bumps on the edges of the rash. As the rash spreads, you may see red “satellite” legions that look like red pimples and are further away from the main rash. A distinguishing characteristic of yeast rashes is that they are often seen in the folds and creases of the skin around the groin area.
If your baby has a bacterial infection you may see yellow bumps that may be filled with “puss” or you may notice crusty areas on your baby’s bottom. This is a sign of an infection that may require antibiotic treatment.
Other causes of persistent diaper rashes
Ammonia Dermatitis and feces breakdown: Sometimes a baby’s rash is caused simply by not keeping him dry enough. Some babies are sensitive to the ammonia that develops as their urine breaks down. This condition is known as ammonia dermatitis. Additionally, when urine turns into ammonia it creates a more alkaline environment. This can be problematic if your baby sits in urine and feces for too long. Enzymes found in feces cause the skin to break down. Since these enzymes thrive in an alkaline environment, a baby sitting in both urine and feces is more prone to skin break down. Changing your baby’s diaper frequently and controlling the pH level of your baby’s skin will help to clear up and prevent a diaper rash.
PH balance: Normally the pH of your baby’s skin is neutral to slightly acidic. Breastfed babies tend to have slightly acidic stools. Whereas formula fed babies’ stools tend to be slightly alkaline. This is one reason why formula fed babies are more prone to diaper rash. To improve the pH balance of your baby’s skin, try rinsing his bottom with a water and vinegar mixture. The vinegar will help to restore the proper pH balance of his skin. If your baby is using cloth diapers you can add a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar to your final rinse cycle when you wash his diapers to help as well.
Sensitivity to baby wipes: Some babies are very sensitive to the chemicals in baby wipes. You may be able to switch to wipes designed for sensitive skin, but if your baby is having problems with a persistent diaper rash, you should avoid wipes altogether until the rash clears up. You can just use a wash cloth with warm water to wipe with.
Digestive issues, food sensitivities, and colon health: Anything that alters the pH level of your baby’s urine or feces can cause diaper rash. Certain foods may cause your baby’s urine or stools to be more acidic or alkaline. An imbalance in either direction can be a problem. Acidic stools may cause a chemical burn-like rash; alkaline stools will cause the enzymes in feces to flourish, leading to skin break down.
If your baby has a food sensitivity, dairy is the likely culprit. It is one of the most common food sensitivities in babies. Babies that are sensitive to dairy may have green stools, mucus stools, or stools with blood in them. Naturally, these poorly digested stools can cause problems with skin break down and diaper rash. If your baby has started on solid foods, he may have issues tolerating some of the acidic foods as well. Foods like citrus fruits, apples, cherries, pears, prunes, peaches, strawberries and tomatoes are more acidic. If your baby’s rash appears shortly after starting solids, you may want to eliminate the acidic foods to see if the rash goes away. Your baby just may be more sensitive to these foods.
Natural Cold Remedies for Babies
Over the counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines should not be given to children under 6, and especially not to babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises doctors to always recommend more natural remedies for babies when they contract a cold. OTC medicines have been shown to have dangerous side effects in babies, and even if this doesn't happen, the medicines won't help your baby get over a cold sooner. You should always think carefully before you dose a young child or baby with OTC cold medicine. Here are some natural cold remedies you can try for your baby's symptoms:
Coughing
Breast milk is one of the best remedies any time your baby gets sick. It helps boost the baby's immune system, and transfers some of your resistance to the baby. Increase your feeding schedule to help your baby's cough.
A natural oil rub can also help sooth a cough. Mix 3 to 4 teaspoons of olive oil with 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint oil. Rub the mixture on the baby's chest and back. This works especially well at night, because the rosemary can help the baby sleep while the eucalyptus eases the coughing.
Congestion
Congestion is simple to relieve with steam. You can simply stand in the bathroom and run a hot shower to make the air steamy. Stay in there for a few minutes with your baby, and it will help to clear her airway.
Another option is to give the baby a warm bath, and add a few drops of essential oils to the bathwater. Eucalyptus is a natural oil that helps to clear the airway, and you can also try sage or thyme drops. Running a humidifier in the baby's room can help keep the air moistened as well, which will relieve both coughing and congestion.
Runny Nose
Some saline drops and a bulb syringe are the way to go when your baby's nose is runny or clogged with mucous. Use a dropper to put a few saline drops into one nostril, and then use the rubber bulb syringe to suck the mucous out. Repeat on the other nostril. This is uncomfortable for the baby, but the relief from the runny nose will be quick, which is the goal.
Fever
A baby with a fever can be one of the scariest moments for parents. A fever is the body's way of naturally fighting off an infection, but if the baby's temperature gets too high, you'll want to take steps to relieve it. Ask your doctor about using either infant ibuprofen or a similar remedy for a fever. (Make sure you ask at a regular appointment with your pediatrician; babies tend to get fevers in the middle of the night, when you can't reach your doctor.)
When to Be Concerned
If your baby is 3 months old or less, you should give the doctor a call any time signs of sickness appear. A baby this young should not have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. From 3 to 6 months, call the doctor if her fever gets above 101 degrees, and after 6 months, call the doctor if a fever climbs above 103 degrees.
You should also call the doctor if cold symptoms appear to be getting worse, or if a fever lasts longer than 2 days. Any significant change in the baby's feeding or sleeping habits during sickness should be cause for concern.
Coughing
Breast milk is one of the best remedies any time your baby gets sick. It helps boost the baby's immune system, and transfers some of your resistance to the baby. Increase your feeding schedule to help your baby's cough.
A natural oil rub can also help sooth a cough. Mix 3 to 4 teaspoons of olive oil with 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint oil. Rub the mixture on the baby's chest and back. This works especially well at night, because the rosemary can help the baby sleep while the eucalyptus eases the coughing.
Congestion
Congestion is simple to relieve with steam. You can simply stand in the bathroom and run a hot shower to make the air steamy. Stay in there for a few minutes with your baby, and it will help to clear her airway.
Another option is to give the baby a warm bath, and add a few drops of essential oils to the bathwater. Eucalyptus is a natural oil that helps to clear the airway, and you can also try sage or thyme drops. Running a humidifier in the baby's room can help keep the air moistened as well, which will relieve both coughing and congestion.
Runny Nose
Some saline drops and a bulb syringe are the way to go when your baby's nose is runny or clogged with mucous. Use a dropper to put a few saline drops into one nostril, and then use the rubber bulb syringe to suck the mucous out. Repeat on the other nostril. This is uncomfortable for the baby, but the relief from the runny nose will be quick, which is the goal.
Fever
A baby with a fever can be one of the scariest moments for parents. A fever is the body's way of naturally fighting off an infection, but if the baby's temperature gets too high, you'll want to take steps to relieve it. Ask your doctor about using either infant ibuprofen or a similar remedy for a fever. (Make sure you ask at a regular appointment with your pediatrician; babies tend to get fevers in the middle of the night, when you can't reach your doctor.)
When to Be Concerned
If your baby is 3 months old or less, you should give the doctor a call any time signs of sickness appear. A baby this young should not have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. From 3 to 6 months, call the doctor if her fever gets above 101 degrees, and after 6 months, call the doctor if a fever climbs above 103 degrees.
You should also call the doctor if cold symptoms appear to be getting worse, or if a fever lasts longer than 2 days. Any significant change in the baby's feeding or sleeping habits during sickness should be cause for concern.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Best Sexual Positions for Getting Pregnant
If you’re looking for the best sexual positions to get pregnant, you probably won’t find any studies definitively proving that one position is better than another. Women can become pregnant in just about any sexual position – and in many cases, without even trying. However, if you want to give yourself an edge, it couldn’t hurt to make a few adjustments that might boost your chances for getting pregnant.
When you are trying to get pregnant, you want your partner’s sperm to get as close as possible to your cervix, and you want the sperm to stay in there for as long as possible to increase the chances that one of those little swimmers will make it all the way to your egg. The main idea is not to force the sperm to swim against gravity – i.e. you don’t want to be standing up or sitting up, because you want to give the sperm the easiest possible opportunity to get where it needs to go.
Missionary position
Probably the easiest way to do this is through the missionary position, with the man lying on top of the woman. This position allows for deep penetration, which will bring the sperm close to the cervix, and it has the added advantage of the woman already lying down so the ejaculate will stay inside your body longer. When you are finished, prop up your hips with a pillow, hug your knees close to your chest, and stay lying on your back for at least 15 minutes.
Other sexual positions
If the missionary position becomes too boring or routine, you can spice things up with a few variations. For instance, you don’t have to stay on the bed – you can always try things out on a couch, on the floor, or even in the back seat of your car (but make sure you stay clear of onlookers and respect local laws). Another idea is to lie on your back with your pelvis at the very edge of the bed. Your partner can stand in front of you (or kneel if your bed is lower). The advantage is, once you’re finished, you can stay right there on your back for 15 minutes or so to give the sperm an extra chance to get where they need to go.
Another position to try is the rear-entry position, with the man behind you while you are on your knees. This position allows for deep penetration, which is good for getting the sperm close to the cervix, and as an added benefit, many experts call it the best position if a woman has a tipped uterus. After you are finished, simply roll over so that you can lie on your back with your hips elevated.
If you find yourself getting to the point where it seems like you have been “trying too hard,” maybe you need to find a new way to rediscover closeness with your partner. One of the best positions for relaxing is spooning, where your partner curls up against your back and enters from behind. Even though the penetration may not be as deep, this position can be especially relaxing, and many people will tell you that’s a good thing if you’re trying to get pregnant. When you’re finished, you’re once again in a good position to roll over and lie on your back for a few minutes.
Again, there’s no definitive evidence that any one of these positions will be a magic solution, but there’s no harm in trying, and any position that helps the sperm get to where they need to go can’t hurt. But while you’re testing out these positions, remember to follow all of the other preconception recommendations so you can be sure you are maximizing your chances. And above all, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy this special time with your partner.
When you are trying to get pregnant, you want your partner’s sperm to get as close as possible to your cervix, and you want the sperm to stay in there for as long as possible to increase the chances that one of those little swimmers will make it all the way to your egg. The main idea is not to force the sperm to swim against gravity – i.e. you don’t want to be standing up or sitting up, because you want to give the sperm the easiest possible opportunity to get where it needs to go.
Missionary position
Probably the easiest way to do this is through the missionary position, with the man lying on top of the woman. This position allows for deep penetration, which will bring the sperm close to the cervix, and it has the added advantage of the woman already lying down so the ejaculate will stay inside your body longer. When you are finished, prop up your hips with a pillow, hug your knees close to your chest, and stay lying on your back for at least 15 minutes.
Other sexual positions
If the missionary position becomes too boring or routine, you can spice things up with a few variations. For instance, you don’t have to stay on the bed – you can always try things out on a couch, on the floor, or even in the back seat of your car (but make sure you stay clear of onlookers and respect local laws). Another idea is to lie on your back with your pelvis at the very edge of the bed. Your partner can stand in front of you (or kneel if your bed is lower). The advantage is, once you’re finished, you can stay right there on your back for 15 minutes or so to give the sperm an extra chance to get where they need to go.
Another position to try is the rear-entry position, with the man behind you while you are on your knees. This position allows for deep penetration, which is good for getting the sperm close to the cervix, and as an added benefit, many experts call it the best position if a woman has a tipped uterus. After you are finished, simply roll over so that you can lie on your back with your hips elevated.
If you find yourself getting to the point where it seems like you have been “trying too hard,” maybe you need to find a new way to rediscover closeness with your partner. One of the best positions for relaxing is spooning, where your partner curls up against your back and enters from behind. Even though the penetration may not be as deep, this position can be especially relaxing, and many people will tell you that’s a good thing if you’re trying to get pregnant. When you’re finished, you’re once again in a good position to roll over and lie on your back for a few minutes.
Again, there’s no definitive evidence that any one of these positions will be a magic solution, but there’s no harm in trying, and any position that helps the sperm get to where they need to go can’t hurt. But while you’re testing out these positions, remember to follow all of the other preconception recommendations so you can be sure you are maximizing your chances. And above all, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy this special time with your partner.
Clomid and Ovulation: Is Clomid Right for You?
Clomiphene citrate, also known by its brand names Clomid and Serophene, is a drug you have probably heard about. You may be curious how Clomid works and when you might need to take Clomid. Clomid is a fertility drug used to induce ovulation. It is the most commonly prescribed fertility drug. If you are having problems trying to get pregnant, you may be thinking about talking to your doctor about prescribing Clomid. How do you know if Clomid is right for you?
Clomid is an ovulation induction medication.
Not all women with fertility problems should take Clomid. Your doctor should screen you to see if Clomid is recommended. Couples that have been trying to conceive and have not gotten pregnant could have any number of problems. Proper testing and evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine what is the best course of action for you. If you are not ovulating, ovulating irregularly, or have irregular periods Clomid may be recommended for you.
Normal Ovulation
During the first half of a normal menstrual cycle, follicles in your ovaries begin to mature and enlarge. Each of these follicles contains an egg. These follicles nurture the growing egg. As they mature, they produce estrogen. Estrogen levels are low in the beginning of your cycle.
Your body communicates with hormones. Low estrogen levels tell your body to produce GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone). GnRH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of FSH and LH.
FSH, which stands for follicle stimulating hormone, does exactly what it sounds like, it stimulates the follicles to grow and mature. As they grow and ripen they produce more estrogen. This rise in estrogen triggers a release of LH, also known as an LH surge. When LH levels surge, it signals the mature egg to be released from the follicle. Ovulation occurs within 12-24 hours after the LH surge.
How does Clomid work to induce ovulation?
Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain.
Hormones are your body’s way of communicating. Hormones attach to hormone receptors to communicate. Think of it like a puzzle piece that fits together. When estrogen attaches to its receptor cell in the hypothalamus it communicates and lets the brain know that estrogen levels are increasing. Clomid has a similar structure to estrogen. Clomid attaches to the receptor cell in the hypothalamus, which keeps the estrogen from attaching. Because the Clomid is blocking the receptors, they don’t get the signal from the estrogen and this essentially tricks your body into thinking there is not enough estrogen. Your body tries to kick up the production of estrogen by producing more GnRH. GnRH is what causes the release of FSH and LH. And FSH is what makes the follicles ripen and produce more estrogen. If the Clomid does what it is supposed to, your body will be tricked into producing more FSH and LH, which will hopefully cause your body to ovulate.
How do you know if you need Clomid?
Your doctor will want to see if you are ovulating normally. If you have an irregular cycle there is a good chance you are not ovulating normally. It is a good idea to keep a record of your cycle if you are trying to conceive. Keeping a bbt chart of your cycles will help your doctor determine whether or not you are ovulating. You may also want to use a fertility monitor. Fertility monitors, such as the Clear Blue Easy monitor, are a great way to determine if and when you are ovulating. If you are not ovulating or ovulating irregularly your doctor may order tests and/or prescribe Clomid.
Clomid is an ovulation induction medication.
Not all women with fertility problems should take Clomid. Your doctor should screen you to see if Clomid is recommended. Couples that have been trying to conceive and have not gotten pregnant could have any number of problems. Proper testing and evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine what is the best course of action for you. If you are not ovulating, ovulating irregularly, or have irregular periods Clomid may be recommended for you.
Normal Ovulation
During the first half of a normal menstrual cycle, follicles in your ovaries begin to mature and enlarge. Each of these follicles contains an egg. These follicles nurture the growing egg. As they mature, they produce estrogen. Estrogen levels are low in the beginning of your cycle.
Your body communicates with hormones. Low estrogen levels tell your body to produce GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone). GnRH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of FSH and LH.
FSH, which stands for follicle stimulating hormone, does exactly what it sounds like, it stimulates the follicles to grow and mature. As they grow and ripen they produce more estrogen. This rise in estrogen triggers a release of LH, also known as an LH surge. When LH levels surge, it signals the mature egg to be released from the follicle. Ovulation occurs within 12-24 hours after the LH surge.
How does Clomid work to induce ovulation?
Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain.
Hormones are your body’s way of communicating. Hormones attach to hormone receptors to communicate. Think of it like a puzzle piece that fits together. When estrogen attaches to its receptor cell in the hypothalamus it communicates and lets the brain know that estrogen levels are increasing. Clomid has a similar structure to estrogen. Clomid attaches to the receptor cell in the hypothalamus, which keeps the estrogen from attaching. Because the Clomid is blocking the receptors, they don’t get the signal from the estrogen and this essentially tricks your body into thinking there is not enough estrogen. Your body tries to kick up the production of estrogen by producing more GnRH. GnRH is what causes the release of FSH and LH. And FSH is what makes the follicles ripen and produce more estrogen. If the Clomid does what it is supposed to, your body will be tricked into producing more FSH and LH, which will hopefully cause your body to ovulate.
How do you know if you need Clomid?
Your doctor will want to see if you are ovulating normally. If you have an irregular cycle there is a good chance you are not ovulating normally. It is a good idea to keep a record of your cycle if you are trying to conceive. Keeping a bbt chart of your cycles will help your doctor determine whether or not you are ovulating. You may also want to use a fertility monitor. Fertility monitors, such as the Clear Blue Easy monitor, are a great way to determine if and when you are ovulating. If you are not ovulating or ovulating irregularly your doctor may order tests and/or prescribe Clomid.
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