All posts in Pregnancy

Importance of Prenatal Care

By 17 Oct, 2023 Health Conditions and Pregnancy, New Moms, Parenting, Pregnancy, Prevention, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Finding out you are pregnant is often very exciting, and it may come with a ton of questions as to what happens next, how you should take care of your body and your baby, how to prepare for their arrival, and all the combinations of both nervousness and excitement! Taking care of your baby begins the moment you find out you are pregnant, and seeking professional prenatal care early is key to a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery. 

What Do I Do?

Very good question! Most mothers have asked the same, so here is a basic checklist:

  • If you suspect you are pregnant, make an appointment with your OBGYN as soon as possible. If you don’t have a regular OBGYN, call your insurance and see which experts in your area accept your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, before you look into applying, contact family planning clinics and community health centers close to you–those do provide basic prenatal care either free of charge or at a low cost. 
  • Your first prenatal appointment usually happens when you are 8 weeks pregnant, when a review of your medical history will take place and possibly a urine and blood test as well. 
  • For uncomplicated pregnancies, expect to see your prenatal healthcare provider once a month up until the 28th week, twice a month for weeks 28-36, and weekly from week 36 until delivery. 

How Does this Help my Baby? 

During your prenatal visits your doctor or nurse will check both your health and the health of your baby: your blood pressure and weight need to be monitored, measuring your abdomen to determine your baby’s growth is important, and your baby’s heart rate will also be checked at every visit. 

Studies have shown that babies of mothers who receive no form of prenatal care whatsoever are three times more likely to have birth complications or low birth weight. It is understandable that if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of all suggested prenatal exams and tests, you may not be able to afford them all. Some tests are screening tests, meaning that they detect risks of possible health problems; based on their results, your doctor may suggest diagnostic tests to get more accurate results. 

What are some of the tests?

First and foremost your doctor needs to know your blood type and Rh factor, as well as any STIs, infections, or HIV. Genetic testing may be suggested to diagnose birth defects or possible genetic conditions, tests for chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes test, glucose tolerance test, as well as regular urine tests and ultrasounds.



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Amniocentesis

By 17 Oct, 2023 Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Prevention, Procedures , , , , , , , , , , ,

The majority of expectant parents want to ensure their baby is as healthy as possible. Along with pre-genetic tests that determine certain genetic traits or risks parents may pass to their offspring, prenatal testings are quite common. These help you carry a healthy pregnancy to term, and check in on the baby’s health. Amniocentesis is one of these prenatal tests: it diagnoses genetic disorders and other health issues in a fetus:

  • Fetal infection can be determined through amniocentesis, along with other illnesses 
  • Fetal lung testing is rarely done, but if a delivery is planned to happen sooner than 39 weeks amniotic fluid helps see if a baby’s lungs are mature enough for birth
  • Sometimes there is an amniotic fluid build-up in the uterus–polyhydramnios–and it is drained through amniocentesis

What is the procedure?

It is normal to be nervous about any medical procedure, much more so if you are pregnant! The goal of amniocentesis is to extract amniotic fluid from your uterus, and most procedures happen between 15-20 weeks of gestation. Here’s what you should expect on the day of your appointment:

  1. You will lie on your back, just like you would prepare for a routine ultrasound. That’s the first step, as the ultrasound will show where your baby is in your uterus that particular day and time. 
  2. The ultrasound will remain on screen as your healthcare provider inserts a very thin needle through your stomach wall and into the uterus. The needle is removed swiftly as amniotic fluid is drawn into the syringe. 
  3. There is no sedation or numbing used, and it is important that you stay still. Even after the needle is removed, the ultrasound will remain in use to monitor your baby’s heart rate. 
  4. You may experience mild cramping during the procedure, and/or shortly after, but you should be able to resume your normal activities after the test. 

When is it necessary?

As one of many prenatal testings, amniocentesis provides details on certain genetic conditions and issues that other procedures may not fully address. It can detect chromosomal, genetic disorders, or congenital disabilities such as down syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, neural tube defects, and Rh disease. 

If the results of a routine prenatal screening test are worrisome, your doctor may suggest amniocentesis to rule out another diagnosis. If you’ve had a pregnancy with a genetic condition, amniocentesis will look for that condition in your current pregnancy. If the parents are carriers of a genetic condition, or have a family history, amniocentesis shows whether your baby is affected by it. Unusual ultrasound findings are another reason for further testing. Babies born to people over 35 have a higher risk of chromosomal conditions, so if you’ve had a prenatal cell-free DNA screening that came back positive, amniocentesis will shed light into possible conditions. 

Even if your doctor suggests amniocentesis, and explains why, the final decision is up to you; as with any healthcare issue, you always have the right to seek out other professional opinions! 



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Sexual Intimacy after Pregnancy

By 14 Sep, 2023 Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When we become pregnant, we anticipate changes in our bodies. We may also have worries about how we will look and feel different after giving birth. Many women are concerned about the changes delivery and a newborn baby creates in their intimate relationships– and who wouldn’t worry about such a profound issue? A baby changes everything, bedroom adventures included! 

Medical professionals recommend that you allow your body approximately 4-6 weeks to heal after giving birth: if you have had a C-section, the area will need extra care, so sex may prove a little challenging. During delivery, it is also possible you have had a vaginal tear that needs to heal, or have received an incision to enlarge the vaginal opening. Give your body the time it needs to heal; there is no need to rush. 

New mothers experience their body differently after giving birth. Some women feel like their libido may never come back, while others find themselves aroused– a lot of hormones and the release of oxytocin make for a variety of responses to sexual desire; any way you feel is completely normal. There is no right or wrong way to feel or not feel sexual desire and no right or wrong way to listen to your body. To ensure your safety, note that the risk for postpartum complications is highest two weeks after giving birth, regardless of the delivery method. You may also have vaginal discharge during this time, vaginal dryness, general discomfort, or even pain. Fatigue, exhaustion, and lack of sleep are also very common and it is understandable that you may have zero interest in sex while trying to recover and care for your newborn baby. 

If and when you and your partner decide to have sex make sure you are completely comfortable and not just trying to get things “back to normal.” Couples go through several changes when their baby is born, and nobody is under any obligation to put their health on the line—especially not a new mother. So, when the time is right for you, keep in mind you may experience some pain during vaginal sex.

Since sex after delivery is guaranteed to be different, consider the following as ways to rebuild your intimacy with your partner and be safe: 

  • Sex is the end point, not the start. Start small, like hand holding or cuddling.
  • Be comfortable: you may want to take a painkiller to help your body relax and ease some of the discomfort. You can ask your partner to give you a massage, or take a hot bath together.
  • Set time aside to be intimate. You will need time to relax, get in the moment, pay attention to your body, and to reconnect with your partner. 
  • Discuss alternatives to vaginal intercourse and use this opportunity to experiment with your partner.
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Tips for a Summer Pregnancy

By 15 Aug, 2023 Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Parenting, Pregnancy, Prevention, Women's Health, Your baby's health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In some parts of the country the weather is starting to cool down at this time of year, but there are still areas being affected by heatwaves. Even if you’re not in the Midwest, the South, or any other part of the US where heat persists well into September, keep in mind that bigger cities suffer higher temperatures regardless. When you’re pregnant, you have an increased amount of blood in your body, which can make you feel hotter all the time. If you combine that with the summer heat, things can get really uncomfortable…

It’s a good idea to always be aware of the risks that come with a summer pregnancy:

  1. You are more likely to become overheated, and suffer from dizziness, nausea, headaches, or even muscle cramps. 
  2. With that being said, keep in mind that the chances of fainting, or losing your step and falling, are higher: this could result in a more serious injury and endanger your baby’s health–even bringing on early labor or placental abruption.
  3. Dehydration is one of the risks associated with overheating. If your temperature is consistently above 101 degrees, you should be seeing your doctor. High fever– especially in the first trimester–has been shown to impact fetal development, particularly the fetal heart structure and neural tube defects. 
  4. If you work outdoors, if your job requires manual labor, if you are working in a building that’s not climate controlled, or if you work in a commercial kitchen, you should know you are at higher risk of overheating while pregnant. 

Though being pregnant is not the same experience for everyone, and not all people have the same advantages, opportunities, and support from family and friends during their term, the following steps are recommended so as to keep you and your baby safe: 

  • Since you are liable to overheat when pregnant, try to stay out of the heat as much as possible–especially if the outside temperature is higher than 90 degrees. 
  • Know that if your body temperature is higher than 102 degrees for more than 10 minutes, that puts you at a higher risk for heatstroke. 
  • Swelling and pregnancy go hand in hand, and in the summer heat this may get worse. Try to elevate your feet as much as you can, and stretch often. If you can, avoid standing for long periods of time. 
  • Your body is working for two, so with a higher blood volume, you will be sweating more. That’s your body trying to keep you cool: drink lots of water to avoid dehydration, and try to wear clothes that allow heat to escape.
  • Underarm antiperspirant is not your friend: you need to allow your body to regulate its temperature, so you don’t want to trap heat in you. Try to wear light, breathable fabrics that help you cool down, and always use sunscreen to protect your skin from overheating. 
  • If you are exercising, it is best to stay inside and use AC– it is the best thing you can do for your safety to be in climate controlled environments, drink as much water as possible, and cool down every chance you get. 
  • Avoid the sun, avoid high sodium foods, and avoid all other drinks but water: non-alcoholic cocktails or other drinks have sugar and other ingredients that are not helping your cause. Water should be your beverage of choice. 

Always trust your instincts when it comes to how you are feeling, and always listen to your body: even if the environment is seemingly cool and safe, if you feel that something is not right, follow your gut and seek medical attention. 

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/07/01/summer-heat-brings-special-health-risks-for-pregnant-women 

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/heat.html 

https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/10-things-no-one-expects-during-a-summer-pregnancy

 

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Robotic Assisted Hysterectomy

By 31 Jul, 2023 Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Hysterectomy, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Robot Hysterectomy, WNY Ob-Gyn News, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is it?
You may have heard of a traditional hysterectomy, which refers to the surgical procedure to remove the uterus (hysteros) from the body. In this case, the procedure is done with a large incision and requires longer recovery time. Nowadays, doctors can use robotic technology to their advantage–and to the advantage of the patients–to perform certain procedures, hysterectomy being one of them. In robotic hysterectomy, your doctor uses the technology to make small incisions of 1-2cm and fully controls the robotic arms with a controller while looking at a 3D magnified image of the area of surgery on their screen.

How does it work?
Robotic hysterectomy is a type of laparoscopic surgery: it is less invasive than traditional surgery, and patients experience much less pain, faster recovery, and less blood loss than open abdominal hysterectomy. Your doctor makes small incisions on your abdomen, and then inserts a laparoscope and other surgical instruments through the incisions. The laparoscope is a very thin tube with light and a camera at the end, thus projecting the surgery on a high-definition and magnified screen; this allows your surgeon to be aware of a lot more details during the surgery, as well as possible problems, than the human eye itself since the image is magnified up to 15 times.

The instruments used during robotic hysterectomy, particularly the technology of the daVinci surgical system, mimic the movement of human hands but with a lot more dexterity, precision, and flexibility. Your surgeon has full control over the instruments at all times, and they would be in the operating room just a few feet away from you. As opposed to traditional surgery where the surgeon would be standing over you for long periods of time, robotic hysterectomy allows your surgeon to utilize the constant steadiness of the robot arms to operate from angles and positions that would be typically hard to reach. Keep in mind that the robotic arms are more precise than natural hand movements, and they will not get tired during the surgery.

Who needs it?
Hysterectomies may be suggested to treat conditions like cancer or precancer of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries, uterine prolapse, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Robotic hysterectomy is one of the methods surgeons can use to remove the uterus from the body, and though less invasive and more precise, surgeons decide on a case by case basis whether robotic hysterectomy is an appropriate option for their patients. Robot assisted procedures can be especially helpful if you have a complex surgical case, such as scar tissue that binds surrounding organs together and would need more precision during surgery.

What happens after it?
Like with any surgery, there will be a recovery period. Patients who have had robotic hysterectomies report that they heal faster and experience less pain; we need to remember that every body is different, and that people recover at different rates. After a robotic hysterectomy, you may be expected to stay the night at the hospital, and you may experience vaginal bleeding for a few days or weeks after your surgery. Full recovery can take 3-4 weeks, and vaginal intercourse should be avoided for at least 6 weeks after the surgery. If you are concerned about any symptoms or adverse reactions, reach out to your doctor and immediately seek professional assistance.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21057-robotic-assisted-hysterectomy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-hysterectomy/about/pac-20384544

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Family and Maternal Care

By 14 Jul, 2023 Fatherhood, New Moms, Parenting, Pregnancy, Queer Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Having a baby is a source of great joy for many families, single parents not excluded; it is also a big change, especially if you are an employed parent who will need accommodations to prepare for the arrival of their child. Talking to your boss or coworkers about it can be a sensitive topic, and many people may feel awkward having this conversation. First things first, it is important to know your federal rights: 

  • The Family and Medical Leave Act was established in 1993 to provide family and temporary medical leave under circumstances that include the birth and care of a newborn child and the placement of a child for foster care or adoption with an employee. 
  • Though you will need to check with your employer and meet certain provisions, the FMLA in general provides employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. During this time, your job is protected and your health benefits should remain active. 
  • Upon returning to work, you also have the right to request reasonable accommodations for nursing, and other needs you may have as a new mother; the Fair Labor Standards Act protects employees from discrimination or retaliation when they assert their rights in the workspace. 

With that in mind, you know you have specific laws on your side! What happens when it comes to private businesses or a work environment you’re not quite sure about? Here are some tips on how to approach your supervisors in a comfortable manner:

  • Research your company’s policies on parental leave and rights; if you know you want to start a family before you start working at a specific place, that’s something you can look into early on. Knowledge is power, so you should be informed about HR processes at your workplace. 
  • Choose who to talk to first; if there is a chain of command, but you don’t feel comfortable approaching a certain person on it, that’s an issue HR can help you with. If you can choose who to talk to and you feel comfortable with that person, set up a meeting with them first. 
  • It never hurts to follow the buddy system, so consider asking a coworker you trust to be present with you in any conversations regarding parental leave and rights. Two sets of eyes and ears are better than one!   

It is undeniable that you will need accommodations in the workplace during your pregnancy, before the parental leave kicks in, and that you will continue to need accommodations after you welcome your new family member. 

Accommodations change throughout the duration of your pregnancy, and they differ from person to person. It is very likely that you will need different accommodations throughout your pregnancy, and of course depending on the nature of your job. Some common pregnancy accommodations may include: 

  • Extra breaks for restroom use, snacks, water, and rest 
  • Changes to job duties or location  to avoid physical harm and/or fatigue 
  • Schedule changes and excusal from tardiness policies, as well as time for prenatal appointments 

No matter the regulations or laws, it is important to remember that your health and the health of your baby and family come first; though you should feel supported by your workplace, it never hurts to know your rights and advocate for what you need. 



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Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

By 16 Jun, 2023 Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

A large number of pregnant people experience heartburn during pregnancy, and the logical next step is to see treatment for acid reflux. There is, however, a slight difference between the two terms that may help you differentiate: acid reflux refers to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not tightening as it should, which allows the stomach acid to travel up to your esophagus.

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, and it is often experienced as a feeling of burning or pain in your chest. During pregnancy, not only is your body changing to accommodate your baby, pushing all your gastrointestinal organs together and upwards, but your hormone levels also change and affect how you digest food. 

How can it be prevented? 

First things first, note that more than half of pregnant women report having heartburn in the third trimester. This is more common in women who have been pregnant before, or have experienced heartburn or dealt with acid reflux conditions before pregnancy. 

Lifestyle Changes would be the first suggested method of helping you prevent heartburn during your pregnancy. One suggestion is to wear loose clothing as much as possible to avoid further constrictions on your body. You should also avoid lying down within 3 hours after a meal, and if that is not possible, make sure that your head is elevated–which can also help throughout the night as well. Additionally, lying on the left side of the body to sleep or rest has been shown to assist digestion much faster, and thus lessen the feeling of heartburn. 

Eating Habits may be another element to address while pregnant. It is advised to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 big ones so that your body has more time to process the food and digest easily. Eat slowly for the same reasons, and avoid consuming fluids with your meals– instead, consume fluids in between your meals. Sitting up straight when you eat can also be of great help, as well as not eating a big meal late at night/before you sleep. Cravings may not be avoided, but do your best to pace your intake of food and respect the new–perhaps slower and more sensitive–process of your digestive system. 

What are safe medications?

Most pregnant people turn to Tums as a safe medication for heartburn during pregnancy. Tums is a typical antacid with a combination of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum salts that help neutralize stomach acid. Pay attention to the dose, however, as a pregnant person should not be taking more than 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day. Additionally, when pregnant, you should avoid long term use of medications that contain magnesium trisilicate. 

Your doctor may suggest other medications, specifically a medication that blocks the stomach acid from traveling up to the esophagus and contains sucralfate. A tried and true method is also to avoid citrus foods, spicy foods and caffeine, and increase how much yogurt, milk, and probiotics you take. 

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-can-i-take-for-heartburn-while-pregnant-besides-tums#safe-medications 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12011-heartburn-during-pregnancy#prevention

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Stretch Mark Prevention

By 26 May, 2023 Diet & Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Pregnancy, Prevention , , , , , , , , , , ,

We often associate stretch marks with pregnancy, and for many women they are an extra cause for concern; our bodies change a lot during pregnancy, and new mothers are in a quest to re-discover themselves after giving birth. Visible changes on the body can be an aspect of pregnancy that many women want to prevent or treat, and stretch marks are on the front lines of self-esteem. 

Though pregnancy and stretch marks may go together, these lines can appear on our skin due to weight fluctuations or bodybuilding as well–especially if our skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. They are most often seen on the stomach, thighs and hips, breasts and upper arms, as well as lower back and buttocks. Stretch marks are very common, especially among pregnant people to a 50-90%. 

How do they happen?

We know that weight fluctuations can lead to stretch marks, and you may be familiar with their red or pink hues. Lots of people also experience irritation or itchiness where stretch marks are forming, and do notice they appear as sunken lines on the skin. If our skin rapidly stretches or shrinks, the elastin and collagen in it breaks. Elastin has the role of allowing our skin to stretch, and collagen’s role is to provide structure and support for our skin. As our skin heals after weight or muscle changes, stretch marks usually appear where elastin breaks. 

Can they be prevented? 

Especially during pregnancy, you want to ensure that your skin maintains its maximum elasticity in order to prevent stretch marks; you need to keep it supple and well hydrated. 

  • Enrich your “skin food” by supplementing elastin and collagen. Eat foods rich in Vitamins E, C, B2, B3, as well as rich in zinc and silica. Consume at least 2 liters of water a day to keep your skin strong and help it renew. 
  • Use topically applied products to help your skin’s elasticity. Bio-oil is a great first step from the first trimester to help your skin remain well-hydrated. 
  • You can also exercise, if your health allows it, to improve circulation that will keep your skin elastic and more able to stretch as it grows. Improved circulation will also help lessen the possibility of varicose veins and swollen ankles during pregnancy. 

Other methods

During pregnancy you should be careful to use products that will not harm your baby, and focus on natural means of improving your skin’s elasticity. Beyond pregnancy, or if you are interested in diminishing stretch marks caused by other reasons, you can turn to some of the following treatment options: use of retinol creams, microneedling, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. 

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/prevent-pregnancy-stretchmarks/ 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks

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Pelvic Floor Exercises

By 22 Apr, 2023 Diet & Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Maybe the first word that comes to mind when you hear about Pelvic Floor Exercises is “Kegel”! Yes, that’s correct– Kegel exercises are one way to exercise your pelvic floor muscles, but they are not the only ones. Kegel balls have lately become popular as an easier and faster way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, increase sexual pleasure, and prevent incontinence (especially if you were Assigned Female at Birth–AFAB). However, there is much debate over them, so before we worry about that we will provide some information on the benefits of pelvic floor exercises in general. 

What are the benefits for AFAB people?

  • Pelvic floor exercises improve bladder and bowel function control, which can be extremely helpful after childbirth or in older years. It can help with constipation, and with incontinence. 
  • Strong muscles on your pelvic floor can also significantly reduce the risk of prolapse.
  • If you are considering childbirth, they do support vaginal delivery, and strong pelvic muscles will also greatly improve your recovery from childbirth and other gynecological surgeries. 
  • They are reported to help with vaginal contractions and blood flow during sex, thus increasing sexual satisfaction and orgasmic potential. 

Like any self-care routine, and especially an exercise routine that helps you strengthen your muscles, training your pelvic floor muscles can help you increase your social confidence and overall quality of life.  

How do they help with pregnancy and delivery? 

Your pelvic floor muscles are first in line to be affected if you become pregnant; the weight of your growing baby will undeniably put extra strain on the pelvic floor. In addition to the weight, hormonal changes in pregnancy cause your muscles to soften and stretch more easily. That can lead to bladder/ bowel problems while you are pregnant and after giving birth. 

It is recommended to start strengthening your pelvic floor as soon as you learn that you are pregnant. Strong muscles in the area will reduce the risk of bowel or bladder problems during your pregnancy, you will learn how to control your muscles to assist with contractions during childbirth (in the case of vaginal delivery), and with a strong pelvic floor you will return to normal much easier after delivery. 

What happens to the pelvic floor after menopause?

After menopause, the production of estrogen in our bodies significantly reduces. This can lead to weaker or stiffer muscles on the pelvic floor. Connective tissues may provide less support, and along with a lifetime of bad habits and lack of specific exercise, we may be in danger of experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. 

The pelvic floor muscles are part of your spine and pelvis. If they are struggling, you may experience pain in your lower back. Weak pelvic muscles can also lead to Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), which means you may not be able to control your bladder during seemingly simple activities, like laughing, coughing, or sneezing. More serious pelvic dysfunctions can be pelvic organ prolapse–which can be avoided with pelvic floor rehabilitation–and bowel and urinary urgency, where we may not be able to control the urge to urinate or defecate and incidents of leakage may occur. 

No matter your age, it is never too soon or too late to start looking into pelvic floor exercises or rehabilitation that are best for you, your physical condition, and your abilities. 

https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-for-women.html 

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pelvic-floor-exercises 

https://provenancerehab.com/aging-and-the-pelvic-floor/ 

 

 

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Freezing Eggs

By 14 Apr, 2023 Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Surrogate, Women's Health , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Many people consider the choice of freezing their eggs so they can retrieve them at a later time and start a family. This process is, nowadays, more common than it used to be; there is more information available for people to become aware of the pros and cons, there are more facilities that can store your eggs at an affordable price, and more professionals will suggest it if you want to have your own family later in life, or are undergoing treatments that may affect your fertility. 

When Should I Consider it?

Most cis-women reach the peak of their fertility at age 30. While eggs continue to be produced and can be retrieved after that age, our egg production drops significantly around age 37, and completely stops when entering menopause–usually between 45-55 years of age. Patients who are experiencing severe health concerns that may affect their fertility– such as undergoing chemotherapy, having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or endometriosis– may want to consider undergoing fertility treatments and retrieve their eggs for freezing. Egg freezing is also common among individuals who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy. 

What is the Process?

It is quite a straightforward process to freeze your eggs, so don’t be alarmed by the terminologies used or the clinical equipment needed. In fact, it is very similar to the process of in-vitro fertilization, with the difference being that the eggs are not fertilized immediately, but frozen. Most cycles are complete in about 2-3 weeks. 

  1. The first step would be to meet with a fertility specialist to discuss your desire to freeze your eggs. Then, you will schedule an exam for complete medical history, bloodwork, and hormone testing. Your doctor may also recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to assess your ovarian reserve. 
  2. You will need to monitor your menstrual cycle and determine the exact dates when you are ovulating. To get more accurate results, your doctor may recommend birth control. After that, you will start stimulating your egg production.
  3. Most commonly, you will start by injecting 2-3 hormone medications a day for about ten days. This will encourage a group of eggs to develop at the same time. 
  4. To track the ovulation and development of the eggs, you will have frequent blood work done and 4-6 pelvic ultrasounds. 
  5. Once your eggs have matured, they will be retrieved. This involves an ultrasound-guided surgical procedure that takes 20-30 minutes under anesthesia. 

And you will have reached the final step! Once an embryologist confirms the eggs are mature, which means they will have the potential to be fertilized, your eggs will head to their deep freeze home: liquid nitrogen tanks in an embryology lab. 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/freezing-eggs-preserving-fertility-for-the-future 

https://www.healthline.com/health/egg-freezing-process#timeline

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