5 things that can affect your fertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Many a times we didn’t realize that there are very basic things that causes hindrance in getting pregnant. Let’s get to know what are all these factors that can affect one’s fertility 

1.     Being obese   

Women who are overweight or obese have less chance overall of getting pregnant than women of a healthy weight (with ‘healthy’ defined as having a body mass index – or BMI – of between 20 and 25). Overweight and obese women are also more likely to take longer than a year to conceive. Being obese (BMI of more than 30) can cause pregnancy and birth complications, such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia. 

Overweight and obese men have worse sperm quality than men of healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can also cause hormonal changes that reduce fertility and make men less interested in sex. Men who are very overweight are also more likely to have problems getting an erection. 

Being overweight or obese in pregnancy also has implications for your baby’s health later on, as children born to overweight or obese mothers are more likely to become obese children and adults – with associated health problems (including fertility issues). 

The good news is that if you’re overweight or obese and planning to try for a baby, losing even a few kilos can increase your chances of getting pregnant. 

2.     Drinking too much caffeine  

Although there is not absolute evidence to suggest caffeine having a negative effect on your fertility, studies are constantly indicating that it can disrupt ovulation and hormone levels, as well as the efficiency of the fallopian tubes. 

3.     Alcohol and Smoking  

Everybody knows that smoking and drink alcohol are big NOs when pregnant but did you also know that excessive alcohol consumption over long periods of time and constant inhalation of cigarette fumes can affect your future fertility; Smoking can affect your hormone production and the environment in the uterus. It can also

5 reasons why your period may have stopped

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Missing out on your period doesn’t mean that you're pregnant. Also, people take it for granted that we'll have periods from puberty until middle age. But what happens when your periods suddenly stop? It's fairly common to experience irregular periods from time to time – lifestyle changes and environmental factors such as shift work can make you late but absent periods (amenorrhea) especially at the early age should always be checked out. 

If you are a young woman and has regular periods but you missed out one for three months, but you are not pregnant then you should see your gynecologist as it could be more serious. Below, we look at some of the most common reasons your periods might have stopped. 

1. You're stressed Severe stress can have a major affect on your periods. High levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in your body interfere with menstrual hormones surges, resulting in a cycle that's delayed or that just stops.

Tips for breastfeeding after an IVF delivery

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Breastfeeding is a natural process and it comes to mothers naturally. In many cases after delivery the mother’s body undergoes a lot of changes that makes breastfeeding little difficult especially if you had cesarean delivery. But this not at all means that you should give up on breastfeeding. Stress, hormonal imbalances and fatigue are very normal for a new mother and some mothers even face post partum depression that can interfere with breast milk production.

Please consider the following tip that helps in overcoming issues with breastfeeding: 

1. Address stress from your life – First of all stop feeling too much stressed. Though it is very normal to feel stressed out after delivery especially if it’s your first baby. But stress at this time could hamper breastfeeding. Remember, a stressful mother will often find it difficult to lactate or even help the baby latch on correctly. Practice deep breathing or take bath in your tub feel the water and try to do everything that keeps you calm and relaxed. 

2. Eat right foods - It is very important for you to eat right and good foods whatever you eat directly influences your breast milk production so try to have a balanced diet, stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids. All these things help to boost milk production and help a mother get on with breastfeeding. 

3. Take small breaks from breastfeeding - . If your child keeps on suckling frequently, production of milk could be hampered though suckling helps to