Getting pregnant after infertility and pregnancy loss is probably the hardest thing I will ever do. At first I had loads of anxiety. Well, after 8 months of trying (because we aren’t doing IVF) my focus is now on actually GETTING pregnant, rather than when I am pregnant.
I wanted to share what I’m currently doing in hopes to get pregnant on our own. I know that a lot of when we do get pregnant will be in God’s hand. But, I also need to be doing my part and can’t expect a miracle without my own effort.
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So here’s what I’m currently doing to get pregnant and will update (with new posts) as we move along.
Current Supplements
Here’s the current list of the supplements that I have taken or am currently taking.
CoQ10
Is a nutrient that promotes energy production in cells (ATP synthesis), and functions as an antioxidant. It has been shown to improve egg quality, by getting rid of the free radicals found in our body. Ubiquinol (a form of Co-Q10) can improve overall chances of getting pregnant.
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
A natural source of Omega 6 fatty acids, and helps with quantity/quality of cervical mucus. EPO helps regulate hormones in the body which has been shown to help with PMS symptoms. BUT, you must only take this up until ovulation as it can cause uterine contractions and may cause miscarriage.
Conception
This is a good prenatal and the majority of the vitamins/minerals listed, help with regulating hormones. Included are: Myo-Inositol, Chaste Tree Berry Extract (Vitex), Ashwagandha Extract, Shatavari Root Extract, Stinging Nettle Root Extract, and Choline. It also contains Selenium.
Maternal Symmetry
Maternal Symmetry is a high potency multivitamin and contains a gentle form of Iron, Methylated folate (L-5-MTHF), Ginger, Stinging Nettle leaf, Lemon balm, Oatstraw, and Dandelion root.
Calcium
There isn’t a known benefit of calcium and fertility however, it helps with muscle cramps (aka period cramps). Because I don’t drink milk or eat a lot of leafy greens, I feel I need to supplement.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps with calming you down (sleepless nights), helps prevent constipation, and muscle cramps. There has been studies linked to Magnesium and infertility, and shows that a deficiency in Magnesium can cause infertility, miscarriage, placenta issues, and preterm birth.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that helps support the immune system, and involved in collagen formation (joint health). Vitamin C can aid with hormone regulation, helps egg quality, and plays an important roll in regulating menstrual cycles. However, it does dry your cervical mucus up, so I have stopped taking it.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates cell growth, and create much needed sex hormones. Deficiency in vitamin D could potentially have PMS, PCOS, and infertility. This study at Yale on infertile women suggested that women with PCOS had a deficiency in Vitamin D. If you do need to supplement (most do), supplement with Vitamin D-3.
Vitamin E
Promotes healthy immune system and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin E can help men with sperm mobility, and quality, while in women can increase overall health of the eggs.
Desiccated Liver
Desiccated liver has lots of benefits like protein, essential amino acids, vitamin A, B vitamins, Coq10, vitamin k2 and Iron to name a few. It’s better on the tummy than typical Iron. Your body needs Iron to help carry oxygen through your blood. If you’re tired/feeling sluggish it could be a sign you have low iron. Typically, most women need more.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has lots of antioxidants and can lower blood sugar levels. Not much else with fertility, but overall health is very beneficial.
DIM (diindolylmethane)
DIM is a molecule that is found in vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower (your cruciferous vegetables). And has been found “most notably for regulating estrogen metabolism, reducing estrogen dominance” and too high of estrogen (imbalance of estrogen and progesterone) can cause PMS like symptoms.
Wobenzym
Wobenzym has been shown to reduce; immune-related recurrent miscarriage during pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, blocked fallopian tubes, scar tissue and adhesions.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 can help with PMS, luteal phase defect (shorter phase between ovulation and your next period) and with the generation of cervical mucus.
Here’s the supplements that Chase is taking – since we have combined infertility.
Conception for Men
This is essentially a prenatal but for men. From this site: Vitamin E and Pygeum Extract work to increase sperm count, while N-Acetyl Cysteine, Ashwagandha and Folate boost male fertility.
Evening Primrose Oil
A natural source of Omega 6 fatty acids. While EPO mainly benefits women, EPO has been shown to help with blood flow in men.
CoQ10
Aids in overall sperm health by getting rid of free radicals found in the body.
Things not doing:
There are some things that I have chosen not to do in our effort to get pregnant.
Not running as much – I mainly just don’t like to do it anymore. I wasn’t able to get faster on runs or races and that was discouraging.
Not eating as much dairy – Dairy causes inflammation in our bodies, which can cause infertility and in my case eczema too.
Cutting out as much sugar as possible (aside from my treat every day) – Did you know there’s sugar in pretty much everything? Kinda ridiculous. So I started small, finding better options for mayo, ketchup, and ranch. I’m also not eating as much processed foods (which have a ton of sugar in them).
Using harsh chemicals – I have made the switch to better products. I started using the Branch Basics All Purpose cleaner, switched to Seventh Generation, and am using ECOS and Meyers for my laundry.
Things doing:
Yes, these are things that I am doing now, and will continue to do once we do get pregnant.
Still working out at least 6 days a week – I’m doing more HIIT type workouts and strength workouts. My hips and knees thank me.
Drinking plenty of water (1/2 bodyweight in water) – For me right now is about 80oz of water per day, and I would like to increase that to 100oz.
Drinking my 32oz Diet Dr. Pepper (yep, no shame, it’s my daily treat) – I need a treat, and because I don’t drink coffee or tea, this is the one thing that I enjoy.
Eating more veggies and fruit – Yes, I try very hard to eat a veggie or fruit at lunch/dinner.
Mercier Therapy about every other month – Since I have possible endo I need this. I am still massaging myself from the end of my period to ovulation. But Mercier Therapy does a really good job.
Caster Oil Packs – I use this after my period up until I ovulate. It helps to detoxify liver and lymph system, and allow for better fertility massage.
More protein – At this moment in time I am counting my macros. I am trying to get between 100-130g of protein per day. Protein helps with growth and repair of new and damaged tissues.
Do you have any questions!?
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