How To Conceive Right Now!
Find out how to become pregnant sooner

If you want a baby, you will want to know how to conceive right now! It can be so hard waiting for conception to happen as each month passes. But don't give up hope! Most women go on to have the baby they have always wanted. Here's how!

Follow these steps so that you exlore all the ways on how to conceive

Top Tips To Conceive

The most obvious suggestions on how to conceive right now are to give you some great tips!
We have a special section of our website dedicated to providing you with the best tips that have helped couples conceive.
From learning when you ovulate, to incorporating prenatal vitamins or fertility herbs into your daily life!

Find Out If You Have A Common Infertility Problem

Another strategy that might help you with how to conceive right now is to discover any underlying reasons for infertility.You can try all the tips in the world to get pregnant, but if you or your partner have a fertility problem that's ignored, you can try till the cows come home and nothing may happen!
It's not always just the female who has the problem, in atleast 30% of cases the male can have the fertility problem.
This section of our comprehensive website will give you a complete rundown of the most common problems experienced by couples when trying to conceive.
Some problems include sperm problems, polycystic ovary problems,
progesterone, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis and a whole variety of other problems - even simple things you may not have considered like weight gain or your age.
Check out all of the most common problems here.

Look Into Assisted Fertility

Most fertility problems are fixable, and some of them you can actually change yourself - such as making lifestyle changes to weigh within your ideal weight range so you can give yourself a better chance of getting pregnant.If you have a problem however that can't be overcome naturally, or if you have tried for such a long time and just can't get pregnant for unknown reasons, that is you have unexplained infertility, than a little extra help from a fertility specialist may be just what you need.
Whether it's just some fertility medication like clomid or femara, or a little bit more like IUI or IVF - this is a great section that breaks down all your options and gives you an idea of what to expect with each type of treatment.

Check Out Surrogacy And Adoption

If there's no chance of you being able to carry a baby, or if you are interested in adopting, you should check out these sections of our website. Surrogacy is a great way for you to be able to have a baby with your own egg (or a donors egg) and your partners (or a donors sperm).
Adoption is a great option for you to give a child in need a loving home, and of course a great way to enrich your own life by caring for someone who will learn from you.

Be Prepared!

If you want to get pregnant, chances are at some point you will become pregnant. A lot of women and couples want to know the answers to how to conceive right now, but it's not always possible things will happen that quickly.
Becoming a parent is a decision you shouldn't enter into lightly. Make sure you are completely prepared so that pregnancy is a stress-free and uncomplicated as you can possibly make it.

Got Sore Boobs?
Find out why, and how you can reduce the pain

Sore boobs can occur whether you are pregnant, or getting close to your period. The level of progesterone in your body

increases after you ovulate and this can contribute to your breasts becoming swollen and painful. It's quite normal to have some breast pain, so don't panic too much about it.
If you are already pregnant your breasts can become so painful that you won't want to wear clothes, and even anything brushing against them can be painful and quite sensitive.
Again, this is normal and is simply your bodies way of reacting and responding to the increase of pregnancy hormones coursing through your body.
As a result you could experience problems like engorgement, mastitis, blocked ducks and cracking nipples.
You will find your body begins adjusting a lot better from 8 weeks onwards, and the pain should hopefully subside a little.

How To Relieve Sore Boobs Naturally

Your breasts be sore for a number of reasons - including injury, muscle strain, menstrual pain, pregnancy and even fibrocystic breast disease.
You can overcome breast pain naturally by taking herbs like Marigold, also called Calendula, or Chamomile which is great for relieving pain and inflammation, along with reducing discomfort.

Techniques to reduce painful breasts

If you are pregnant and experiencing breast pain there are also things you can do yourself to try and reduce your discomfort.
If your baby wants milk, don't hold out - give your baby milk on demand it will actually help your breasts. If you are trying to keep a routine with your baby, express the milk into a container instead.
Try to eat healthily and get plenty of rest, keep your nipples aerated between feeding to give them a chance to breathe.
Check your baby is attached to your nipple properly and begin a feed on the least sore breast, swapping to the worse breast once the milk is actually flowing.
You can get over-the-counter medication that will help you too, but it is preferable to try to fix things naturally if possible.
Goodluck with everything!

African American Infant Adoption:
Could you adopt?

African American infant adoption is highly possible because there are over one hundred thousand children waiting to be adopted.It's not just Africa you can adopt from, the USA also have many children needing loving parents and a good home.
Your chances of adopting more quickly actually increase, at the moment, if you are interested specifically in adopting an African American newborn or child.

The African American Infant Adoption Process

The process of adoption can be lengthy and there are many criteria you will need to meet to qualify as an adoptive parent.
This is all in the interest of meeting the needs of the child, and being the right match for the child, and also so the birth-parents are satisfied their baby is going to a good home, as the child should.
Sometimes the baby ends up going home straight from the hospital in which they were born because the birth mother would prefer the baby go straight to one set of loving parents, instead of going between foster carers and so forth.
This kind of adoption is great too because you have access to the families medical history in case your adopted baby has medical problems due to their genealogy.
Your adopted child will also take comfort in knowing their birth parent made the choice for them to have the best life they possibly could, out of love for their well-being.

So What Do You Do Now,
If you want to adopt?

Adoptions today can actually include being open or even semi-open. These decisions are made case to case and come down to the decision made between the birth parent, and agreed to by the adoptive parents.
If you are of African American descent yourself, your odds of being able to adopt an African American child increase furthermore, as it is the preference indicated by some birth-mothers that they wish their child to become placed with an African-American or bi-racial adoptive family.
There are many organizations dedicated to helping match birth-parents with adoptive parents. You should get in touch with one of these organizations to start the ball rolling.
Goodluck!

Adoption Agency Georgia: Find out how to adopt in Georgia

An adoption agency in Georgia can help you either find a child to adopt or if you have an unplanned pregnancy, but can't raise your baby, an agency can help you find an adoptive couple who is seeking a child to love and care for as their own. Children in Georgia range from being infants through to older children, including those with special needs. There are males and females both available for adoption.
The best place to start is the with Georgia Department of Human Resources, known as DHR. There are plenty of children awaiting adoption with DHR.
You will find that in some cases the birth parents have relinquished their rights, or in other cases their rights may have been terminated due to the courts ruling neglect or abuse of the child.

Here is a short video about Adoption from DHR:

Alternatively if you don't want to look into what the DHR can do for you, there are child placing agencies you can get in contact with too.
The fact of the matter is, there are many children who are in the foster care system that would be better off adopted and in the arms of one loving stable family in which they can grow, be cared for, and know they are a permanent family member.
If you go through with the adoption process, once your dossier is completed your referral will take about an additional 4 months.
It can happen sooner, even as soon as 1 month after, but expect about a 4 month wait.
You will usually travel to Georgia about a month or 2 after the referral has been granted.
Both adoptive parents will be required to make the trip, and you will expect to be there for about 2 weeks.
You must be over 16, you can be a single woman, or a married couple.
The adoption process does differ from country to country and even state to state.
There's many other options, but what you need to do is work out which is best for you. Everyone has a different situation.
If you are highly considering Georgia, make a start by contacting an Adoption Agency in Georgia to further explore if this option could become a reality for you.

Robitussen:
Find out how it can help you conceive

Robitussen, usually spelt Robitussin is a cough medicine, but many women have used it to increase their fertility by improving cervical mucus.If you have problems with conception because you can't get quality fertile mucus than this could be a good thing to try.
Because it is an expectorant it is taken to loosen mucus. So the same theory applies to cervical mucus. You need to make sure the expectorant you are taking has the active ingredient guaifenesin (which is the case with Robitussin).
If you take another cough brand medicine with other active ingredients it could actually hinder the effect you are aiming for, and therefore defeat the purpose of taking it.

How Much Robitussin Should You Take

If you are trying to take Robitussin for conception purposes than the recommended dose is about two tea-spoons about three times daily.
You want to aim to thin out your mucus so it isn't so thick and gluggy or like a glue-like consistency.
If your cervical mucus isn't thin enough the sperm can't penetrate it to get through the cervix and reach the fallopian tubes. If your mucus doesn't have the right consistency than your mucus can even be too acidic and kill the sperm.
Even drugs like femara or clomid can actually cause your mucus to be hostile. By taking Robitussin you can actually help level it out.

When Should You Take Robittusin?

It's best to take it leading up to ovulation. So 5 days before ovulation and up tot he day of ovulation are the best time to take it. Stop taking it once you do ovulate. And try not take it until after the last day of your Clomid or Femara if you are on any of these prescriptions.

If you have good fertile mucus in your cycle already, you probably won't have to worry about the robittussin.
Goodluck with everything!

Self Insemination:
Find out how to artificially inseminate at home

Self insemination or DIY insemination is a step you may wish to take if you have been trying to conceive for a long time, but unsuccessfully. It has worked for many couples before, and in fact on alot of online forums women have posted that they've not only had their first baby by performing self insemination, but that they've gone onto have second and third babies via this method!

But why would you try self insemination?

Well, it can be a useful method for couples who have problems with sexual dysfunctions like impotence or vaginismus, it can be useful if the husband can't have intercourse for whatever reasons on the females most fertile time of the month, and of course if you are in a lesbian relationship, or a single woman wishing to have a baby, it can be a viable way to conceive without having to pay the big money to get fertility assistance like IUI or IVF.

Check out this short video about artificial insemination:

Is DIY insemination easy?
How do you do it?

Although this method isn't something you may desire to do, and has been critisized as being too clinical by some, the fact of the matter is, it has helped some couples achieve pregnancy where they haven't been able to before.
For some men they may have motility problems with their sperm, with involves the way the sperm moves. Injecting them up to the cervix can give them a kickstart in their quest to make it to the fallopian tubes where it will hopefully meet up with the egg for fertilization on the path to the uterus.
You will need a 10ml sterile syringe (without the needle on the end!). Have the male ejaculate into a clean plastic container, trying not to spill any of it.
If you don't have a partner, you can use sperm donors thawed out sperm.
Expel all the air from the syringe, than put it into the sperm drawing it back.
Lie down with your knees bent and wide apart. You can guide and direct it to your cervix if you are comfortable (like inserting a tampon), or if you prefer have your partner guide it in.
Make sure the semen is slowly ejected so that it will pool around the cervix and not splash back off the walls.
You can keep your hips raised and elevated on a pillow. Try to lie as still as possible for atleast 30 minutes. It is normal for some sperm to leak out, so don't panic if it does.
But try to keep the majority of it in for the 1/2hr after doing the procedure. Your most fertile days of your cycle is when you want to do this procedure - that is the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation.
Try to do this atleast 2 times in that time frame, preferably 4 times to ensure you've given yourself the maximum chance of conceiving.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms:
Think you might be expecting?

When you conceive you will not have any early pregnancy symptoms, in fact you won't experience anything until at-least 7 days after you've ovulated, because this is when the embryo will begin to implant into your uterus lining.Symptoms can vary from person to person. You could experience alot of problems and discomfort, or you may go through pregnancy without even feeling anything!

Check out this video about the signs and symptoms of pregnancy:

What are some early pregnancy symptoms?

It can be hard to tell early on in your pregnancy if what you are feeling is indeed pregnancy symptoms, or pre-menstrual symptoms.
That's because alot of the things you can get before your period, like cramping, tender breasts and feeling sad can actually be experienced if you are pregnant.
That aside, here's some of the most common early pregnancy symptoms you can experience.

Missed Period

This is one of the most obvious signs you could be pregnant.
Especially if your cycle is quite regular.
Some women have thought they are pregnant when a period has come late, but sometimes your period can come late if you have had a very stressful month too.
Check out the most common reasons for missing a period.

High Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

This is one of the biggest early pregnancy symptoms.
Your body temperature elevates after ovulation each month as your progesterone levels rise in a bid to make your uterus a comfortable and inviting place for an embryo to grow.
If you don't get your period, and are indeed pregnant, your temperature will remain elevated, and maybe even peak at a third elevated level.
You can learn more about using a Basal Body Thermometer (BBT) to monitor your cycle here.

Morning Sickness

Funnily enough, morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning, you can be sick at any time of the day. This is one of the most uncommon early pregnancy symptoms.
Basically the hormones in your body are changing, so your body is trying to adapt and it can really send your body into a bit of shock, so... you get sick!
It's normal, so don't worry about it, but if you are violently ill and can't even keep food or fluids down, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor.
Check out these excellent morning sickness cures.

Breast Changes

Your breasts can be one of the first early pregnancy symptoms.
There can be changes in the appearance of your nipples and aureola (surrounding the nipples).
You might get little white goose bumps on the aureola, and your skin pigment may darken over time as pregnancy hormones take over your body! Also, your breasts may become very tender and sore.
Got sore boobs? Find out more information about it here!

Fatigue

You may feel that you can never get enough sleep, and when you are awake, everything might be an effort! Your body is working overtime to create and grow a baby, so it can be quite a tiring process!

Increased Cervical Mucus

You may not notice any change, but for some women the pure surge of progesterone can result in an increase in your cervical mucus.
Find out more about Cervical Mucus here.

Frequently Urinating

As your growing embryo starts secreting h Cg it sends blood to the pelvis area which can irritate your bladder making you go for more regular pit stops!
Unfortunately, you'll probably notice you only have to go for a little bit each time, as your bladder won't be full! It's very annoying, but another early tell-tale sign of pregnancy.

Cramps And Pains

Early on you may get cramps and pains. It can be very worrying for some mothers-to-be, with the worry of miscarriage in the back of their minds, but alot of the time cramping can be normal.
It's just all the changes happening in your uterus. Sometimes you may have a little bit of bleeding, and this can be associated with the embryo burrowing into the side of your uterus. If you have significant bleeding, or if you are unsure and concerned, see your doctor.

Constipation Or Gas

Constipation is another annoying part of being pregnant, this is because your body is trying to make as much room for the baby as possible so your intestines will relax so they can flatten out more. You may be alot more gassy too.
There's so much to look forward to!! If you are experiencing constipation that has become really uncomfortable, don't panic, there are things you can take while you're pregnant, just discuss which ones are right for you with your pharmacist.

Sense of Smell

Your sense of smell will be heightened when pregnant, so you might notice everything! and for some, it's enough to literally make them feel sick! Alot of women will find there are just some things they can't be around without feeling nauseous, again, welcome to pregnancy!

Changes In Taste/Onset of Cravings

Got a craving for chalk, dirt or clay? You could be pregnant! This strange urge makes it into the one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms!
Your desire for certain foods can change as hormones will alter your saliva perhaps even leaving you with a metallic taste in your mouth.
Some women will even find the food they loved before pregnancy just won't taste the same now. It won't give them the same satisfaction! Cravings whilst pregnant are normal, just try to make good nutritional choices where possible.

Spotting

If you are in the two week wait stage of pregnancy (that is from ovulation to when your next period typically comes), you may find from about 7 to 10 days after ovulation that you have some very light pinkish bleeding.
This is usually a result of the embryo implanting itself in your uterus and is normal. The embryo is just trying to burrow into the lining (that normally sheds each month in your period) to get comfortable for developing into a baby!

Acne or Breakouts

Just when you thought early pregnancy symptoms couldn't be any worse along comes outbreaks and acne to add to the mix!
Unfortunately for some women in the early stages of pregnancy you may get some pimples or a flare up acne. Your body is raging with pregnancy hormones, so it's just a side-effect of your body adjusting.
Once your body settles into a pattern any break-outs should die down. Just try not to pick or pop them, you don't want scarring left behind as a permanent reminder!

Colds And Sickness

Early pregnancy symptoms can also be getting a cold. Yes, you read right! Because of all the hormonal changes going on in your body, you are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Vaginal Color

Your vagina might look purplish. This is because there is alot more blood flow going into your pelvic region to nourish the pregnancy.

Need a sperm test kit?
Find out about checking sperm for pregnancy

If you have been trying to conceive for a while now, a sperm test kit could provide you with some answers as to why you are having so much trouble.It's not always the female who has the infertility problem when a couple isn't having luck with conception.
Infact, 30% of the time the infertility problem stems from the male. That's why, if you have been trying to conceive for atleast 12 months and have had no luck - than testing the sperm could be a resourceful way to see if there are any underlying problems with the male.
If it turns out there isn't a problem, GREAT! Than you can rule out sperm problems as a possiblity for why you haven't been able to have a baby yet.
If after using a sperm test kit you find there IS a problem, it's still great news, because than you can address the problem and see how you can overcome the problem at hand.

Why you shouldn't delay getting a sperm test kit

Most underlying problems can be sorted to make pregnancy possible, so don't be afraid to get some not-so-good results back.
Don't feel embarrassed if you have to get a sperm test, it could be the thing that helps you work out what your problems are so that you can conceive.
By holding off on testing, you could be delaying precious time in conceiving. And unfortunately for women, they don't have the luxury of time. As women get older their fertility declines, particularly from the age of 35 onward.
You can actually use a sperm test kit at home now, or you can go into the doctors and get a sperm test conducted.
If you are too embarrassed to go to a clinic or hospital to get a sperm test, ordering one here over the internet to arrive at your home where you can do it in privacy could be a better option.

Test Sperm at Home or at the Doctors?

Whether you decide to do a test at home or at a laboratory, either way you will need to abstain from ejaculating 3 days beforehand.
This is so you can get the most accurate test possible and also because sperm begins to die inside the man.
If doing an at-home sperm test, all the instructions will come with it, but it's always important to ensure testing is done immediately after ejaculation, as sperm doesn't survive very long after being ejaculated. Do not leave it more than 30 minutes, or you are wasting the test because your results won't be accurate.
The sperm test will check for things like volume (how many mls come out), count (how many sperm are present in the ejaculation), motility (if it swims forward and fast), viscosity (to see if the semen has the right consistency), ph levels, morphology (the shape of the sperm to see if it is abnormally shaped), and the mobility of the sperm.
Dependant upon your test results it will indicate to you where the problem may be and than give you the information you need to work out what you need to do to overcome your infertility problem.

Goodluck if you are trying to get pregnant, I hope you find answers soon!

Vitamins For Women:
What should you be taking for improved health?

The best vitamins for women are those that are essential in helping the body function at its best.There are different types of vitamins to assist you perform better, this can include functions that can help with fertility, serious health problems, health boosting, preventing diseases, and for feeling better, balancing your hormones and helping to increase your energy levels.
You can get vitamins naturally from eating a variety of healthy foods and following a balanced diet. It also helps if you exercise, get some sunshine and stay within your ideal weight range.

So what are some of the best vitamins?

The vitamins you will need depend on where you are at in your life and what you are trying to achieve. Essential vitamins for women include the following:

Vitamin C & E:

At any stage of your life it's good to make sure you have a good antioxidant intake. You can get this from Vitamin C and E.
Antioxidants help to protect the cells in your bodies from being destroyed and damaged. They can repair quicker which means your body won't suffer from prolonged sickness and therefore you will have a stronger immune system. It could even help you to slow down the aging process.

A Short video about Vitamin C Benefits:

Vitamin B:

Vitamin B is another important one for you to take. It has many benefits. For this vitamin, check out the following video to see who it can help improve your overall well-being.

A short video about Vitamin B Benefits:

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is great for helping your eye site and giving you better immune system support.

A short video about Vitamin A Benefits:

Vitamin D3:

Vitamin D3 is necessary to help with tissue repair in the body and growth. It is great for vascular and immune system support.
See the video below for more information on this vital vitamin.

Here's a short video about Vitamin D3 Benefits:

Calcium:

Calcium is vital for you to have a good skeletal system. Check out the following video that shows you the importance of calcium, and also vitamin D.

Here's a short video about Calcium Benefits:

Adoption Parent Search:
Looking for your birth parent?

An adoption parent search can usually be done on-line these days, and thanks to technology it is becoming easier to track birth parents.
There are worldwide adoptee and birth parent search registeries you can view like www.adopteeconnect.com where you can reach out to find your birth parent, or your the child you gave birth to.

Why Would You Want To Seek Out Your Birth Parent?

People decide to track down their birth parents for various reasons. If you were adopted as a child you may have questions, or be curious to know where you came from?
You may have an illness that could be genetic and perhaps you need to know more information that your birth parent may have answers to.
Perhaps you want to discover more about your identity? Part of who you are stems from knowing your family and their history. This can help you get a backgrounder on why you may be the way 'you' are.

Should you seek out your birth parent?

The decision to finally go ahead with a search for a birth parent can be one that is loaded with alot of mixed emotions. You may even feel a little bit guilty because you may wonder how your adoptive parents will feel about your decision to track down your birth parent.
The best thing you can do is actually talk to your adoptive parents about your thoughts, and why you might be thinking of looking for your birth parent.
It's also a great chance for you to find out how they feel too, and to address any issues that you both may have.
If you're not sure how to approach your parents, talk to a councellor or level-headed friend or family member and see what they may suggest.


Here's a link to an online resource for councelling that may be able to help you.


Even after feeling comfortable and happy with your talk you might have with your adoptive parents chances are you will still either be nervous or anxious about the thought of finding your birth parent.

Doing an adoption parent search?
Where can you search to find your birth parent?

There are many online resources that can help you now, so that you can comfortably search from your own home.
Not only can you use popular social networks like facebook, twitter and myspace - but there are adoption registry's online too.


Here are some adoption registry's you can look through:


World-wide Adoption Register
Australian Adoption Register
USA Adoption Register
New Zealand Adoption Register


Also, here is a video that goes into much greater details about tips on finding a birth mother or father:

Ovulation Kits:
Find out about or buy an OPK here!

Ovulation kits are an easy way for you to be able to identify when you ovulate.
Why would you want to know when you ovulate though?
Basically, if you are trying to have a baby, when you ovulate is when you are most fertile during your entire cycle.
Infact you are most fertile usually the few days leading up to ovulation, and the day of ovulation.
Knowing when you ovulate means you can plan intercourse or IVF or other reproductive technologies around your most fertile time of the month for better odds of conceiving.
You can purchase your own ovulation kit here.

How Do You Use An Ovulation Kit?

There are two different types of ovulation kits:
- Urine Based
- Saliva Based

Using Urine Based OPK's

A urine based ovulation predictor kit detects the surge of your luteinising hormone (LH). This hormone usually surges two days before you ovulate, so it's a great way for you to know that you are approaching your most fertile time.
Luteinising hormone exists in your blood and in your urine with a sharp increase in the hormone from 36 hours before ovulation to about 12 hours before ovulation. Once your egg releases, the hormone drops again.

Using Saliva Based OPK's

A saliva based ovulation predictor kit actually detects something different. It detects your oestrogen levels which like the luteinising hormone, also rises before ovulation.
It is detectable because the salt in your saliva increases creating a distinct ferning pattern on the glass slide. You see this pattern once the saliva dries, if you are near ovulation.
This pattern can occur a few days before ovulation.

Obviously if you are having ovulation problems, you might not get detectable results, which means you might need to investigate if there are any underlying ovulation problems.
Don't panic if you're not ovulating, most problems are fixable, as long as you know what the problem is, so you can address it.

How Else Can You Predict When You Ovulate?

You can predict ovulation a few different ways that don't cost as much as an ovulation predictor kit.

Other ways you can find out when you ovulate include:

- Using our menstruation calculator
- Checking your cervix
- Using a basal body thermometer (bbt)
- Check your cervical mucus
- Use our ovulation calculator

Benefits of Castor Oil:
Find out how to use Caster Oil For Conception

The benefits of castor oil are endless if you are having trouble trying to get pregnant.The principle behind using castor oil is that the oil will help to stimulate your lymph system and also will have an anti-inflammatory effect because of the main component, ricinoleic acid, in the castor oil.
The castor oil also helps to get blood flowing to the uterus and into your ovaries. This can be especially good for women who have blockages or lead sedentary lifestyles, or who have congestion, inflammation and poor circulation to their reproductive organs.
If you are experiencing problems like ovarian cysts or uterine cysts, of if you have blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis problems or polycystic ovaries - than using castor oil could be beneficial for you if you are trying for a baby.
Castor oil can be good to use if you are trying to detox and cleanse your body in the lead-up to conceiving a baby. It's great for dissolving scar tissue and can help oxygen to flow through your organs much more easily.
It's an easy routine to follow with many benefits to be had, and what's more the beautiful warmth radiating through your lower abdomen feels so nice!

The benefits of castor oil:
How To Use Castor Oil For Fertility

You can buy a kit, or you can put one together yourself. Castor oil is very sticky and it will stain bedding and clothing, so please keep this in mind before attempting your first try. Wear some old clothes that you are okay if stained.
Make sure you have the following:

- bottle of castor oil

- hot water bottle

- piece of wool flannel

- plastic shopping bag OR large washer (washcloth)

Put about a tablespoon of the oil onto your lower abdomen, smoothing it across all of the area.
Use your washcloth or plastic bag to place across the lower abdomen, than place your hot water bottle on top.
Now for the easy bit lie down and read a book or sit at your computer whilst you let the castor oil do its magic for a minimum of 45 minutes, up to 90 minutes.
Try to do this routine at least 3 times a week, up to a maximum of 5 times weekly to really get the full benefits of castor oil.

PLEASE NOTE:
Do not apply the castor oil whilst you are on your period.
If you are trying to conceive, do not apply after ovulation each cycle.
If you have cuts or broken skin or a rash on your lower abdomen, hold off using the castor oil until better.

It's not just beneficial for infertility, check out what else they can help with and see how to use a castor oil pack:

Infertility Update 2: STILL trying (this was written years ago)

Infertility Update 2:
STILL trying

(this was written years ago)

It is with sadness I present you with infertility update 2. Yes... we are STILL trying... well actually, we're kinda not trying anymore. It's just too much heartache and sadness.
It's funny, but I saw an old email I had sent to my sister-in-law back in 2009 (we are now in March 2012 at the time of writing this update), and it said something along the lines of us really wanting to get serious about having children, but that we were going to not worry too much for a while... which makes me think that we have actually been trying a lot longer than we have been willing to admit, not only to ourselves, but to others.

Infertility Update 2:
How do I feel this far into my lack-of-conception-journey?

Well, I've been through hope, sadness, hope, longing, hope, bitterness, anger, giving up, denial, depression, and finally to where I am now - which is numb with all hope gone verging upon the border of acceptance of my fate. I've tried hiding from people who have babies, and been sad that it is just something that happens so naturally for others, I've felt angry at the world that it's something I can't control, like others seem to be able to do. Am I exaggerating? I don't think so, and I'm more than happy to back up my thesis with some solid evidence.

Let me give you some examples:

Example One:

The most recent example is when we booked a holiday about 9 months ago. We decided to go with 2 other couples and my husbands best friend on a cruise (which I just got back from 3 days ago - it was awesome by the way and our first real holiday in 5 years).
One of the couples said they were booking the best room possible on the cruise, because they planned to be pregnant by then (hmm that would be nice to 'plan').
So... guess what text I received the night before our cruise from this couple? You already know the answer right! They were pregnant. Oh to be able to predict and say how and when things are going to happen like that.
My plan to escape all pregnant people whilst on my cruise was kind of thwarted at this point. But you know what, I handled it all quite well I feel, considering we sat with them, ate with them, snorkeled with them, and were left to party alone at night because they had to look after a baby in the tummy.
Thankfully I had reached the 'numb' stage before going on this cruise. It helps you digest things better.
I remember my husband delicately trying to tell me when he got the text first that they were pregnant... it was almost as if he was too scared to tell me in-case I would break. But I don't see breaking as an option anyway.
A few of my friends have had their baby showers and are on to baby and toddler birthday parties. I just can't bring myself to go. I'm happy for them, don't get me wrong on that... but it's just too much for me - knowing what I am missing out on. So I ignore Facebook invitations and just pretend these things aren't happening.

Example 2:

Another friend had only been trying a year and a half and was acting like the world was ending, she got pregnant and miscarried three times, but after a couple of doctor appointments, is now halfway through her pregnancy which is going great guns now.
We shared a lot of our pain together whilst trying for a baby - even though she was only on the journey with me for a very short time. We talked about how friends would post all over facebook about their babies and how it was hard to deal with. And now she is doing the same thing, but more than that is the sad feeling I have of being discarded. I've been forgotten. And because I'm not in the 'having a baby club' or the 'we've had babies club', I guess I'm not needed from her any more.

FOR THE RECORD:

I want anyone out there to know that if I make it to 'the other side' I won't leave you behind and forget your pain. I won't become part of an exclusive club that you aren't allowed into anymore. I will always have my heart open regardless of the circumstances.

Infertility Update 2:
Here's some things that come to mind:

- People say having kids puts a strain on the relationship - try not being able to have kids and see how that strains a relationship! - Shit IVF is expensive. But there's no price on failing IVF after spending every penny you DON'T have on it... kind of makes me scared to want to try it.
- Surrogacy seems like a good option, but again very expensive and emotionally draining.
- Adoption also seems like a great option, but I would have to travel overseas for that and it's not only an expensive process, but one that could drag out for years... would I have the strength to endure that?
So as you can probably tell by my thought patterns, I have a lot to weigh up. A lot is on my mind, and I seem to be caught in a crossroad. Crossroads was a great album by Bon Jovi.
Does it sound like I've given up on the option of naturally conceiving?
Well that's debatable. My heart tells me it's not going to happen. My mind tells me it can. Trouble is, I've always been ruled by my heart.
It has been 8 months since I had my operation to remove a polyp which was supposed to make things all rosy. It's been 5 months since I got excited and saw 2 nice forming follicles, only to be disappointed again by nothing.
Well if you have just read my depressing horror story, thanks for making it to the end. I wanted to wait until I felt in a more positive mind frame before posting my next update... but sadly it never came, so here I am writing this now!
Sorry to be such a downer, but I'm just trying to keep as honest as possible.
That's all for infertility update 2.
If you are caught in this nightmare too, I wish you all the best and am sprinkling baby dust from here to where you are sitting right now! Kristy xo


Read the next part of my journey here.

Symptoms of Conception:
Find out if you might be pregnant

The symptoms of conception will vary from woman to woman. Some people may experience many symptoms, and some may not even realize they are pregnant.
If you are wondering if you have conceived, find out below by assessing all the most common signs and symptoms. Just remember you could have one or many of the symptoms, always check with your doctor to confirm:

Symptoms of Conception:

Missed Period

This is one of the most obvious signs you could be pregnant. Especially if your cycle is quite regular.
Some women have thought they are pregnant before when a period has come late, but sometimes this can also happen if you have had a very stressful month too.
Find out what the most common reasons for having a missed period are.

High Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Your body temperature elevates after ovulation each month as your progesterone levels rise in a bid to make your uterus a comfortable and inviting place for an embryo to grow.
This is one of the common symptoms of conception and will happen to any woman who is pregnant.
If you don't get your period, and are indeed pregnant, your temperature will remain elevated, and maybe even peak at a third elevated level.
You can learn more about using a Basal Body Thermometer (BBT) to monitor your cycle here.

Morning Sickness

Funnily enough, morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning, you can be sick at any time of the day.
This is one of the symptoms of conception you will be hoping and praying to avoid! Not everyone experiences morning sickness, but only time will tell if you do!
Basically the hormones in your body are changing, so your body is trying to adapt and it can really send your body into a bit of shock, so... you get sick!
It's normal, so don't worry about it, but if you are violently ill and can't even keep food or fluids down, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor.
Read more about morning sickness symptoms in depth here.

Breast Changes

Your breasts can be one of the first signs that show you may be pregnant. There can be changes in the appearance of your nipples and aureola (surrounding the nipples).
As one of the more common symptoms of conception, you might get little white goose bumps on the aureola, and your skin pigment may darken over time as pregnancy hormones take over your body! Also, your breasts may become very tender and sore.
Get more of an in-depth insight about sore breasts here.

Fatigue

You may feel that you can never get enough sleep, and when you are awake, everything might be an effort! Your body is working overtime to create and grow a baby, so it can be quite a tiring process!
Find out more about fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Increased Cervical Mucus

You may not notice any change, but for some women the pure surge of progesterone can result in an increase in your cervical mucus.
Find out more about Cervical Mucus here.

Frequently Urinating

As your growing embryo starts secreting hCG it sends blood to the pelvis area which can irritate your bladder making you go for more regular pit stops!
Unfortunately, you'll probably notice you only have to go for a little bit each time, as your bladder won't be full! It's very annoying, but another early tell-tale sign of pregnancy.

Cramps And Pains

Early on you may get cramps and pains. It can be very worrying for some mothers-to-be, with the worry of miscarriage in the back of their minds, but a lot of the time cramping can be normal.
It's just all the changes happening in your uterus. Sometimes you may have a little bit of bleeding, and this can be associated with the embryo burrowing into the side of your uterus. If you have significant bleeding, or if you are unsure and concerned, see your doctor.
Find out more about implantation & cramping pain here.

Constipation Or Gas

Constipation is another annoying part of being pregnant and one of the not so enjoyable symptoms of conception.
Your body is trying to make as much room for the baby as possible so your intestines will relax so they can flatten out more. You may be a lot more gassy too.
There's so much to look forward to!! If you are experiencing constipation that has become really uncomfortable, don't panic, there are things you can take while you're pregnant, just discuss which ones are right for you with your pharmacist.

Sense of Smell

Your sense of smell will be heightened when pregnant, so you might notice everything! Are there some things setting you off? This is one of the most common symptoms of conception.
For some their sense of smell is so heightened that it's enough to literally make them feel sick! A lot of women will find there are just some things they can't be around without feeling nauseous, again, welcome to pregnancy!

Changes In Taste/Onset of Cravings

Got a craving for chalk, dirt or clay? You could be pregnant! Your desire for certain foods can change as hormones will alter your saliva perhaps even leaving you with a metallic taste in your mouth.
Some women will even find the food they loved before pregnancy just won't taste the same now. It won't give them the same satisfaction! Cravings whilst pregnant are normal, just try to make good nutritional choices where possible.
Find out more about making the best nutritional choices here.

Spotting

If you are in the two week wait stage of pregnancy (that is from ovulation to when your next period typically comes), you may find from about 7 to 10 days after ovulation that you have some very light pinkish bleeding.
This is usually a result of the embryo implanting itself in your uterus and is one of the most normal symptoms of conception. The embryo is just trying to burrow into the lining (that normally sheds each month in your period) to get comfortable for developing into a baby!

Acne or Breakouts

Just when you thought the symptoms of conception couldn't be any worse along comes outbreaks and acne to add to the mix!
Unfortunately for some women in the early stages of pregnancy you may get some pimples or a flare up acne. Your body is raging with pregnancy hormones, so it's just a side-effect of your body adjusting.
Once your body settles into a pattern any break-outs should die down. Just try not to pick or pop them, you don't want scarring left behind as a permanent reminder!

Colds And Sickness

One of the other fun signs of pregnancy can be getting a cold. Yes, you read right! Because of all the hormonal changes going on in your body, you are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Vaginal Color

Your vagina might look purplish. This is because there is alot more blood flow going into your pelvic region to nourish the pregnancy.

So if you aren't pregnant yet, you now know what signs of pregnancy to look out for! And if you are, good-luck! I hope you only experience mild symptoms and that pregnancy is an enjoyable and wonderful experience for you.I'm sure everything else will far outweigh some of the less desirable signs of pregnancy you may experience.

Conceiving A Girl - Learn all the best techniques to make it happen!

Conceiving a girl is technically a 1 in 2 chance.
But for those who have been trying for a girl and keep having boys, or for those who only want one child, but really yearn for a girl, it's not a gamble you want to take.

So how can you really turn the odds of conceiving a girl in your favor.

So what methods can you try to have a girl?

Some have tried the Shettles method and had success. The Shettles Method actually has a 75% success rate, with some saying the successes recorded are as high as 90%.

Find out When You Ovulate

Learning when you ovulate is a critical step in being able to time conception of a girl. According to this method you should time intercourse 2 to 3 days before you ovulate.
If you aren't sure when you ovulate, check out our page here which will show you all the ways you can find out when you are going to ovulate.
If you have intercourse the day before or the day of ovulation, you decrease your chances of having a girl dramatically.

Monitor your Cervical Mucus

Your cervical mucus is one of the best ways you can tell when you are highly fertile, and best of all this way of predicting ovulation is completely FREE.

Use a Basal Body Thermometer

A Basal Body Thermometer is one way for you to see when your temperature level spikes after ovulation - a clear indication of when you ovulate each month.

Use An Ovulation Predictor Kit

An ovulation predictor kit is a really easy way for you to tell when ovulation is impending. It will indicate to you a couple of days before ovulation that you are about to hit the most fertile time of your cycle, so that you can plan intercourse.

Further Tips

Other things you can do to ensure or increase your likelihood of having a baby girl are to:

- make sure you have intercourse everyday from the day after your period right through till 2 to 3 days before ovulation- the best suggested intercourse position is the missionary position because it is better for shallow penetration and for the sperm to therefore be deposited shallowly, the 'male' sperm doesn't survive as well in an acidic environment, and the entrance of the vagina is more acidic where the 'female' sperm has a better chance of survival.
- you can also eat certain types of foods to increase your odds too.

Endometrial Polyp

An endometrial polyp is small mass of growth in the inner lining of the uterus, the organ where a baby usually grows. Endometrial polyps are usually benign, but can interfere with fertility problems for some, causing problems with miscarrying too along with menstruation problems.
These types of polyps usually arise as an overgrowth of the endometrial tissue. The polyps are attached by a stalk or broad base to the uterus and are round or oval in shape and can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a golf ball. You can have more than one polyp and they can grow back, but once removed rarely do.
In rare instances a polyp can cause a lot of pain if it protrudes into the vagina. In other rare instances, they can become cancerous over time.

Check out this video of hysteroscopy for a endometrial polyp

How do you get a endometrial polyp?

Most polyps actually occur in older women who are at-least 40 years old. Some women will find them in their child bearing years if they are having trouble conceiving, or staying pregnant (and having miscarriages). After testing they may find out a polyp could be playing a part in their fertility problems. It is rare to have a polyp in the late teens or early 20's.
There is no exact known reason as to why polyps occur in some people but don't in others. There has been a link to hormones though. Some say estrogen is a big factor in the likelihood of having a polyp. That's because estrogen plays a main part in the endometrium thickening each cycle.

What Are The Symptoms of Polyps?

If you have any of the following symptoms, and especially if you are having trouble conceiving, you might want to ask to get checked for having a polyp:
- Irregular cycles and menstruating (the most common symptom) If your periods come sooner than 21 days or later than 35 days - your cycle is considered to be irregular
- Very heavy menstrual flow, or abnormal bleeding which is excessive, prolonged or even occurs after intercourse when you aren't having a period
- Bleeding and spotting mid-cycle or in-between periods, or after menopause
- Infertility, the inability to get pregnant, difficulty getting pregnant, or unable to carry a pregnancy to term

How Do You Diagnose Having A Polyp?

The best place to start is with a doctor or fertility specialist. You can discuss with them any symptoms you are having, along with talking about the length of your cycle, the frequency of your periods and how heavy or light they are, along with the duration or each period.
The doctor may be perform a gynecological inspection along with further testing and procedures like a trans-vaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, or curettage.

How Can you treat a polyp if you have one?

Firstly because there isn't an outright answer to how you get a polyp, there is no outright way to prevent getting one. But if in the event you do get one, there are ways to get rid of them.
Usually if you suspect you have a polyp there will be a process to go through.
If the polyp isn't interfering too much, or if it is very small medications may be used to treat the polyp, by way of regulating your hormones so they are better in balance.
The medications work to relieve symptoms - but are usually only a temporary fix to the problem, because as soon as you stop taking them, the polyp will usually come back.
If requiring removal the doctor will usually order a hysteroscopy or curettage. These methods will inspect the inside of the uterus and if required be removed by scraping the lining (curette).
In rarer cases a hysterectomy can be performed, but this isn't recommended if you are still in your child bearing years or wanting children because the entire uterus will be removed.

What Is Infertility?
Having trouble becoming pregnant? See if you might be infertile

What is infertility? Well... if you've been trying to conceive for a long time you may wonder if you are infertile.Being infertile doesn't mean you can NEVER have children in most cases, it simply means that you've been trying for at-least a year, unsuccessfully.
If you suspect you are infertile, it can be a matter of simply working out what your problem is preventing you from being able to conceive.
Just remember it may not always be YOU who has the underlying infertility problem, it can be your partner, or even a combination of problems between the two of you.
For some women, they can get pregnant, but they can't MAINTAIN a pregnancy, and have miscarriage problems.
So let's look at what infertility is, and than let's explore what the most common infertility problems are that couples have.

What is infertility?

The definition of infertility according to wikipedia.org describes infertility as being when:

"the couple has not conceived after months of contraceptive-free intercourse if the female is under the age of 34. There are also similar terms, e.g. sub-fertility for a more benign condition and fecundity for the natural improbability to conceive after 12 months of trying. Infertility in a couple can be due to either the woman or the man, not necessarily both."

What are some of the most common infertility problems couples have?

Knowing the most common infertility problems might help fast-track your infertility journey, because perhaps you may just have one of the common problems people experience. If you can identify a problem, you can seek a solution by addressing it with proper treatment, care or routine.

Trying To Conceive Tips

There are plenty trying to conceive tips that will help you get pregnant, infact we have a whole section dedicated to it.
Find out the best tips to conceive here.
If you have been trying relentlessly, and you are over 35 and have been for 6 months, or under 35 and have been for 12 months it could be time to visit your doctor to see that there aren't any underlying fertility problems that may need addressing.
When trying to get pregnant, it might not just be tips you need to try to make it happen, it could be more than that. You might have something underlying, like a common infertility problem.
Find out the the most common reasons for infertility, that prevent couples from falling pregnant here.
If you are finding that you have tried every trick and tip in the book and still can't get pregnant, than it might be time to see a fertility doctor, who may even refer you to a fertility clinic to see if you might benefit from assisted fertility treatment.
There's nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about if you need help getting pregnant. It's not easy for everyone to do and infact once upon a time 1 in 10 couples found it difficult to conceive, but now those figures have risen to 1 in 6 couples have infertility problems.
Find out how to increase your fertility through assisted fertility treatment options like IVF here.