For some, getting pregnant is easy and for some, it could be a frustrating journey. If you are one of those who are still trying to get pregnant, you may have been gone through some ways to improve fertility. Aside from monitoring your basal body temperature or checking your fertility period, you may also want to check some other factors that could help in increasing your chances of getting pregnant.

Below are other natural methods that may work for you as effective ways to improve fertility.

* Lifestyle. If you have been trying to get pregnant and haven’t yet succeeded, you may want to check your lifestyle. If you love partying and alcoholic drinks, you may be decreasing your chances of getting pregnant. If you are on a chronic diet, you may also be making it more difficult. A simple change in your lifestyle may be one of the ways to improve fertility and you have to start now.

* Environmental hazards. If you are exposed to chemical hazards or toxic substances at work, you may also be decreasing your chances of conception, especially if you are exposed to these substances regularly. Find out ways to deal with your work environment and check with your doctor about how these hazards are affecting your fertility.

* Positive thinking. Sometimes the longer you wait to get pregnant, the more you develop feelings of frustration, sadness, depression and negative thoughts. These negative emotions and thoughts will most likely give you more difficulty in getting pregnant. Getting yourself into so much emotional stress can greatly affect your reproductive cycle and eventually give you fertility problems. Practicing positive thinking, although it may not directly give you that boost of fertility, could be a good way to free yourself from the emotional stress that your situation is causing you.

* Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy has been an option for some as one of the natural ways to improve fertility with the use of hot and cold water. This is an ancient practice which is used in treating many diseases and illnesses and has now become an alternative treatment for infertility. The process is said to reduce stress and depression, increase blood circulation as well as help in the proper functioning of the reproductive system.

* Fertility yoga. Fertility yoga is a yoga session but is designed to energize and improve your reproductive health as well as you partner’s. The session will also help promote your overall health while improving your blood circulation that is important in improving your fertility.

* Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is also used for some in assisting the body to perform better - like promoting a better reproductive cycle as well as eliminating stress and depression from the body

* Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. It is very important that you quit smoking or get away from too much exposure to secondhand smoke if you want to get pregnant. Not only will this decrease your fertility, it is also responsible for many miscarriages and birth defects in a baby.

Indeed, many other natural ways to improve fertility are available as options in increasing chances to get pregnant. If all else fails, still think positive. Most of these techniques are not just for improving fertility, it also promotes your overall health.

Carolyn Anderson loves to share useful resources for women. For natural techniques to get pregnant, check out this guide to getting pregnant. Also check out this guide on losing weight gained in pregnancy, for easy instructions to get your body back to shape after pregnancy.

[tags]Ways to improve fertility,natural ways to get pregnant,how to get pregnant naturally[/tags]

In order to make the first few days after your baby is born into the most positive, happy and relaxed time where you get to spend the maximum amount of time with your beautiful brand-new tiny baby, these are the things that you should allow yourself to do no matter what.

Breastfeed
Try to breastfeed your baby. It is what your body is built to do and it also promotes the love hormone oxytocin to help you bond with your baby. There is nothing on earth that will create a bond as strong as breastfeeding your newborn baby.

Skin to skin contact
Have as much skin to skin contact with your newborn as possible. Have your newborn lying on your chest with just a nappy on and a blanket draped around them to keep them warm. That skin on skin contact will give you a surge of hormones that brings you and your baby ever more closer and strengthens the unique mother-child connection between you.

Love your pyjamas
If you Want to stay in your pyjamas until it’s time to go bed again at night, then you do just that! All that matters is that you and your baby get to spend as much time with each
other as possible in those first few days and weeks, so love your pyjamas! Heck, why not get a few extra pairs!

Bath with your baby
A lovely, relaxing, positive thing to do is to get into a warm bath. Then lower your baby slowly and, of course, very carefully into the water on his back.Then bring him to your chest for
a cuddle. Not only are you both relaxing in this warm cocoon of water, but you are also having skin to skin contact as well. This can only promote confidence happiness and positivity
in your newborn.

Never say no to extra help
If your mom offers to do the laundry or your neighbour or friend offers to collect the other children from school, just say yes! This gives you more time to relax and settle into
the routine of a new baby. It also gives you more time to play with and get to know your beautiful little newborn so accept as much help as possible.

Fill that freezer
Make sure that in the week or two run up to the birth, you get friends, family and yourself to cook lots of meals which you can freeze. Then once baby has arrived you can just pull out
pre cooked delicious meals, shove them in the oven and not have to worry about preparing food in the evenings. Therefore you can enjoy more time with your baby.

Catnap, catnap, catnap
Try to get as many snatches of extra sleep as possible, so when baby sleeps you can have a sleep too. Grab as many catnaps as you can during the day and this will help compensate for
all the broken, sleepless nights that you’re bound to experience.

Ignore the house work
The house work can wait. The housework doesn’t care. House work is irrelevant when it comes to the birth of a new baby. So don’t panic, you can be sure lots of people will be happy to chip in with a bit of tidying! You just focus on getting some rest and being with your beautiful bouncing baby.

Fern Joseph is a mother of three who is passionate about pregnancy and general nutrition. For your FREE Pregnancy Diary visit her website at Fit Healthy Pregnancy

[tags]newborn,baby,pregnancy,health,birth,newborn baby,sleepless nights[/tags]

There is not many things for a couple or even a single parent, that can top bringing home a new baby. It is one of the proudest and most exciting times of life. It is wonderful when the parents are totally prepared for the event and have the means and mind set to be able to deal with having a baby. It is sometimes a little surprising even for the most prepared parent to find out just how much is involved with caring for a newborn. If you are under the impression that they just lie around and sleep, that is far from the truth. While newborn babies do sleep quite a bit, when they are awake, they can be a handful.

There are sleep times that often need to be adjusted because not that many newborn babies will sleep through the night. They usually want to be fed every few hours or so and this means at all hours of the day and night. Many times they can have colic in the early months where their digestive system is not working just right. This can be painful for the baby and the parent. Besides the sleeping issue, there are the constant diaper changes and the responsibility of someone being with the baby at all times. You can no longer drop everything and run to the store or go out to dinner with friends. You must have someone to watch the baby or take the baby with you.

Some people have one or two babies and decide that is plenty for them. This is because children are such a big responsibility. They require your time and attention constantly and it is also expensive to raise a child from birth to college with many trials and troubles along the way. Other people want to have as many children as they are blessed with and if you have the means to care for them and can spend the time with each child that is needed, that is perfectly fine.

What is not so good in this day and time is the fact that normally both parents work and much of the time it is outside the home. This means that the babies you have might largely end up being taken care of by someone else. This is a necessary thing, but something you might want to consider before you have more than two or three children. Even if you can afford to have them, being able to spend quality time with every baby is so important to them and you.

Aydan Corkern is a writer an you can visit his sites for more information:
diaper cakes and diaper cakes for baby showers.

[tags]babies,couple,single parent,newborn,sleep,attention,quality timecollege[/tags]

If you’ve ever had a new baby, you know what a whirlwind it can be. Learning new things daily, sleep deprivation, along with the helpful or not-so-helpful advice from family friends and even strangers, it’s no wonder new moms are so exhausted.

If you’re planning on having a baby, or are pregnant right now, hold on. It will be the greatest ride of your life, but also the most tiring and bewildering. Every new mom has a moment (or a thousand) where they wonder if they are doing it right. Breathe. Here is some great new mother advice for you to take on this journey of new motherhood. And unlike with advice from your mother-in-law, you don’t have to pretend to listen.

Slow down! When you have a new baby, you’re also inviting a whirlwind of events that happen along with it. Relatives want to come visit, friends want to throw baby showers, you may be hosting a christening or baptism, or you probably have some serious shopping to do. Know that all of these things can wait. Your baby is only a newborn for so long, and you’ll want to soak up every minute of his sounds, smiles, and smells. The baby shower can wait. It’ll save you the stress of trying to clean your house while making an elaborate lunch and then passing your baby off when all you want to do is cuddle him on your own. Schedule events far enough away from the birth of your baby so you’re not feeling frazzled and stressed.

Learn to say NO! As soon as that baby comes home, everyone will want to be the first to come take a peek at your new bundle of joy, But with sicknesses like RSV, as well as the germs that can come into your house through visitors, it’s best to wait a few weeks before you invite over the masses. Even if you’re itching to show your baby off, take time to think about his or her health. It’s okay to tell them to hold off for a week or two until you feel comfortable.

Sleep! This piece of advice is much easier said than done. But that old adage about “sleeping when the baby sleeps” is completely true. Remember that the time after having a baby doesn’t run on the same time as the rest of the world. You’ll feel completely out of sync for a while, and that only gets worse with the sleep deprivation.

Leave the dishes and the laundry for someone else, and simply take the time to curl up and have a nap with your beautiful new baby, sans the guilt. And when you do need to pick up the house or run errands, invest in a baby sling. Baby slings are a great way to wear your baby who loves to be held, and still get things done.

Kat Hafen writes and contributes to many baby, child, family, and parent online publications including HugaMonkey. Kat is an avid baby carriers slings supporter because of the positive impact it can have on families. For more information regarding baby carrier slings, visit HugaMonkey.

[tags]baby carriers slings, baby carriers slings, baby carrier, baby carriers[/tags]

There are a variety of contraceptives on the market that can be obtained through a medical professional or over the counter. The most easily available contraceptive is the condom. We take a look at the history of major brands such as Trojan and Durex condoms to find out how the product became so popular and identify what changes have occurred over the years.

Durex condoms are probably the best known brand in the UK and were the first to offer non latex varieties made from polyurethane. This was to address the fact that some people suffer from an allergy to latex. Founded in London in 1915, Durex has now cornered around a quarter of the global market in condom sales. This equates to the production of one billion units per annum.

As well as offering an alternative to latex condoms, Durex has also launched products that are said to improve blood flow, creating a firmer erection. In addition to this they released a vibrating ring that is worn around the base of the penis for greater stimulation. Among their many varieties, Durex have introduced flavoured and ribbed condoms, all available in varying thicknesses for increased or decreased sensation, depending on the needs of the wearer.

In the US, the Trojan brand was declared the most successfully selling condom. Established in 1927, Trojan initially used a material derived from rubber before turning to latex in the 1930s. This was to produce a more comfortable experience through a more natural feeling. Part of their popularity was based on a spoof website called Trojan Games which parodied the Olympics but with adult content.

As a brand, Trojan has been successful in promoting safe sex campaigns and in launching merchandised products such as a clothing range. This has helped promote the safe sex message to protect people from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Trojan also have a varied range of condoms to suit each individual, but the marketing campaign that really promoted the brand was the introduction of the extra large condom, which is fifteen per cent larger than regular varieties.

Conversely, the female condom has not received any recognisable or specific branding strategies. As such, this type of condom has remained a less popular option for protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases even though it provides an even safer form of contraception by providing extra protection through increased genital coverage.
Female condoms were originally made from polyurethane and then nitrile rubber. This led to a reputation of having a distinctive crinkling sound during intercourse, which some people felt was off putting.

Despite this, manufacturers have continued to improve the design, recently turning to latex varieties. Without high profile branding however, the female condom is mostly promoted in communities where it is difficult to persuade men to wear protection rather than in communities where safe sex is achieved through mutual agreement.

There is no doubt that creating a marketing image has helped the success of major brands and helped tackle the often sensitive issue of safe sex. Branding helps get a product noticed, and done correctly it can encourage often image conscious young people to practice a healthier sexual lifestyle. Combined with ever more refined manufacturing techniques to improve the quality and sensation, condoms look set to stay as one of the preferred contraceptives for sexually active people of all ages.

Dom Donaldson is a family planning advisor.
Find out more about Durex Condoms and the many types of condoms available at Condom Care.

[tags]Durex Condoms, condom, contraception[/tags]

New babies are used to being close to their mother. For the first nine months of their existence, they were swaddled beneath mommy’s heart in a safe, warm environment. Every time mommy talked they heard her voice, every time she moved they were rocked to sleep. There was no lights, no harsh noises, just the gentle swaying of her body and the soothing sounds of her voice.

And then the baby is born. Suddenly he’s thrust into a room with bright lights glaring down on him, unfamiliar voices and people poking and prodding - all he really wants is to be next to mom. This desire lasts for a very long time. Mom is a safe haven, somewhere he can go when he’s frightened or tired.

Of course, for mom this attachment can get frustrating because it’s very difficult to do anything - cleaning, cooking, shopping - when you have a baby attached to your hip. Thankfully, there are solutions to this problem.

The first solution is to invest in a bouncer. There are a couple different styles, but the best kind is the one that baby can lie on his back in. Usually there are toys going across the top to keep him occupied. These are great for mom because they are lightweight and not too big. They can be moved anywhere in the house so baby can come with mom wherever. He simply rests in them while Mom does what she needs to do.

Another great solution is to get some sort of snuggli or newborn sling. If you’re going to go the snuggli route, buy the nicest one you can find. You want one that will support baby’s back and neck while at the same time being comfortable for you to wear strapped to your body. Snuggli’s can sometimes be confusing to get on, so keep that in mind when shopping for one.

Newborn slings are another great option for keeping baby close. These slings simply wrap around your body and you slide baby in them. He stays cradled close to your heart, and you have the complete use of your hands. Also, since they are made of material they are very comfortable. And they don’t affect your balance too much because baby is kept so close to your body.

Of course, if you have to put baby down once in a while, he will be fine. It’s actually a good idea to let him play on his own, as long as he knows you’re still there for him. Just make sure he has a safe environment to play in and he’ll be fine without you holding him.

For those occasions when you simply can’t stand having him away from you, invest in a newborn sling or bouncer. You’ll both be glad you did.

Kat Hafen has written many baby and parent themed articles and blog posts. Newborns are a special interest area and Kat has become a fantastic resource for newborn topics including newborn slings. Visit HugaMonkey for a $25 newborn sling.

[tags]newborn sling, newborn slings[/tags]

During the first seven months of pregnancy, you can spend the time enjoying being pregnant, looking forward to motherhood, and bonding and connecting with your unborn baby. At least the last two months, however, should be spent on preparation.

This is the time to get your hospital bag ready, your baby’s dresser full of clothes, and any of the smaller items you may need. As a soon-to-be mother it can be frustrating trying to decide what you need and how much you need as far as clothing goes. Here is a breakdown for you.

First off, you’ll need to look at two different sizes: newborn and 0-3 months. For those first couple of weeks you’ll mainly be using newborn onesies (undershirts), nightgowns with elastic or a drawstring around the bottom, hats, and socks. When he is this small you shouldn’t need more than four onesies and two or three nightgowns. Newborn outfits are fun to have, but the nightgowns make diaper changing a breeze.

Make sure you have two or three hats and four or five pairs of socks as well. Also, blankets are essential. Receiving blankets are the best to work with cause it’s easy to bundle baby in them, but you’ll find uses for a nice blanket as well.

After a couple weeks you’ll find that your baby simply doesn’t fit into the newborn stuff anymore. You’ll need to get some 0-3 items before he’s born, so you’re ready for it when he grows. Because he’ll be wearing the onesies for a longer time period, you’re going to want more of them. Get at least eight because your baby is guaranteed to repeatedly make messes on them. Four or five footed pajamas are also very nice. They’re easy to get baby in and out of which makes diaper changing much easier.

As your baby gets older you won’t need the hats quite as much, but a couple in a bigger size will still be nice. The socks your baby wore as a newborn may still fit. If not, get another package in a bigger size. Socks have a tendency to get lost so you’re going to want at least eight pairs.

There are a few items you should get that will work for any age. For baby’s bath get a baby hooded towel, or even two baby hooded towels, six baby washcloths, and baby soap. You’ll be able to use these for at least six months (not the soap, you may run out of that). And last but not least, get six receiving blankets (or more) and six burp cloths. You are guaranteed to need them.

This list is by no means in depth, but it is a good place to start. After baby comes and you get to know his patterns, you’ll be able to figure out more of what you’ll need, but for the beginning these items will work just fine.

Kat Hafen writes and contributes for many baby and parent online publications including HugaMonkey. Always on a quest for the best baby bath gear, Kat can point out a great hooded towel. For more information regarding hooded towels, visit HugaMonkey.

[tags]hooded towel,hooded towels, baby clothes[/tags]

Being pregnant is simultaneously exciting and nerve-wracking. The joy of knowing a new life grows within you is tempered by nervousness and thoughts of your unborn child’s health. Add to that the characteristic bouts of insomnia, discomfort, and exhaustion along the way and it’s easy to see how bring pregnant can take a toll.

Too often, mothers-to-be neglect their own health, spirit, and mood during their pregnancy. But, a little pampering goes a long way. Today’s article will provide a few ideas for indulging yourself when you’re expecting.

Relaxation And Meditation

You may not realize the mounting stress, but it’s there under the surface. Sometimes, that stress can build due to a variety of things that happen throughout the day. Missing a doctor’s appointment, carrying a long “to do” list, and having an argument with a friend can add up. Soothe your mind by taking a warm, relaxing bath. Add a little sandalwood, light a few candles, and put on your favorite CD to let the stress dissipate.

You can also pursue a hobby in order to relax. For example, keep a private journal that you plan to show your child in the future. Or, maintain a “mom blog” to share your experiences and connect with other mothers and moms-to-be. Anything that lets you put your feet up and relax can improve your mood and relieve pent up frustration.

Change Your Environment

Leave your house once in awhile. If you stay in around the clock, you’ll begin to feel bored and isolated. Take the opportunity to visit a nearby park with a book or have a picnic with friends. Afternoon coffee dates with friends are ideal occasions to connect and catch up while still maintaining your busy schedule. If you enjoy seeing films, go to the movies. It’s a good excuse for getting out of the house and indulging in a pastime that you may lack time for once your baby arrives.

Spruce Up Your Image

During your pregnancy, your hair may lose some of its luster. Don’t be alarmed; dry and brittle hair is common among mothers-to-be. Visit your stylist for a quick image makeover. A deep conditioner, new color, or change of style can make your hair look healthy while adding some zip to your image. This is also a good time to indulge in a manicure and pedicure. Keeping your hands and feet in great shape can do wonders for your mood.

Pampering yourself is important, especially when you’re pregnant. When your baby finally arrives, you may not have the time to indulge yourself properly. So, now’s the time to do it. Find ways to relieve your daily stress, get out of the house on a regular basis, and give your image a little sprucing now and again. It will improve your mood and spirit.

Find quality Maternity Swimsuits and Maternity Pajamas from http://www.appleseedboutique.com

[tags]Maternity, Pregnant, Pregnancy, Moms, Expecting Mothers[/tags]

Determining the sex of our children has always been a desire of mankind. For this, just think of the royal houses that always looked forward to the arrival of a male.

The influence on the sex of the baby is based on the relationship between ovulation and time of intercourse.

The U.S. scientists Lendran B. Shettls and David M. Rorwik of Harvard University conducted a study on the method of sex selection. They investigated that the sperms with one X chromosome, responsible for conceiving a girl, live much longer than those with a Y chromosome (crucial to the conception of a boy). While the latter are faster, they cannot survive more than a day.

The research observed that in the ejaculate, sperm cells with Y chromosomes are more in number on an average, than cells with chromosome X. This excess is diminished when sperms enter the acidic environment of the vagina during sex. X sperms that manage to survive in this environment longer than sperm Y.

The closer is ovulation, more alkaline the vaginal secretions become, thus increasing the chances of fertilization by a sperm Y. It follows that the most important role in the “method of sex selection” is the relationship between ovulation and the day of intercourse.

When you have sex in 2 or 3 days prior to ovulation, the environment of the vagina is acidic, which is very favorable for the sperm X. If you do it just before ovulation, the chances of conceiving a boy are increased.

In addition, there are number of other factors that influence the sex of the baby: for instance, if the woman reaches orgasm before the man, a hormone is released that makes the environment more alkaline and is more likely to conceive a male child. If you want to have a boy, it is important to abstain sexually between 4 and 7 days before ovulation. During this time, the concentration of sperm increases, and therefore there are more chances of conceiving a child. Higher temperatures are not favorable to the Y sperm, which are mostly smaller and less resistant. Therefore, it is advisable for men not to have bath with hot water and not to wear tight clothes.Shettls recommended that parents should aim for deep penetration during intercourse to conceive a male child, because this would produce ejaculation near the cervix.

If you want a girl, it is recommended to maintain relations between 2 and 4 days before ovulation. In this case, the sperm with X chromosomes that live longer and produce a female baby. They can wait in the fallopian tubes for the egg to be fertilized. If you are planning to have a girl, have sex daily starting from the last day of menstruation until 2-4 days before ovulation. This will cut the number of sperm in the semen. In this case the missionary position is most favorable, because the semen will not stop directly at the cervix and the acidic environment is more conducive to sperm X. Women should not reach orgasm during sex.

In summary it can be said that both the conception of a baby as well as the prediction of sex of the baby depend crucially on the determination of the date of ovulation. In most cases, women do not notice their ovulation. Only 10-15% of cases, women feel a slight pain in the abdomen when the follicle ruptures.

Fertility monitors help determine the fertile days and predict ovulation. If you also want to plan the sex of your baby, it is best to use a fertility monitor in order to determine the date of ovulation, and proceed as described above on the theory of sex selection.

We would note that the conception of one sex in particular depends on several factors and that the recommendations above simply increase the chances of achieving the desired sex but nothing is guaranteed hundred percent.

The author loves to write useful articles on the internet to help people understand their medical conditions. His current projects are Conceiving a Girl and Removal Skin Tag.

[tags]conceiving a girl,conceiving a boy,how to conceive a girl,how to conceive a boy[/tags]

Zinc is the most important mineral and antioxidant in pregnancy and preconception. It is required for foetal growth and development of muscles and bones. It reduces the risk of stretch marks, perineal tears, cracked nipples and it is necessary for immune function and brain formation.

82% of pregnant women world wide are deficient in zinc

A study found that 82% of pregnant women world wide are deficient in zinc. Low zinc levels in pregnancy have been linked to labour complications, low birth weight and premature delivery.

Fertility in men

Zinc is very important nutrient for male fertility and deficiency has been linked to low testosterone and low sperm count and motility. Sperm contains up to 5 mg of zinc per ejaculation, so it is very important for men to keep up their zinc levels. Studies have shown that zinc has been implicated in testicular development, sperm maturation, and testosterone synthesis.

Fertility in women

In women zinc plays a role in sexual development, ovulation, and menstrual cycle. Concentrations of zinc and folate may have substantial effects on reproduction. Zinc is also required for production of healthy eggs in women. Deficiency during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and retarded development due to abnormalities in the chromosomes (DNA).

Longevity and Beauty

It is an anti aging mineral and is required for proper tissue repair and hormonal balance. When you are deficient in zinc, your body will go get some from your own reserves. It will start with tissues which cant hold onto it very well. They are the skin and hair. The result is flaky skin, stretch marks and hair loss. It is not surprising that many women develop stretch marks and report hair loss in pregnancy. Hair loss can be influenced by hormonal changes in the body but it is also a definite sign of zinc deficiency.

Multitasking Mineral

Zincs other roles include;

- Co factor of hundreds of enzymes, including enzymes involved in food digestion and absorption.
- Proper DNA replication and function.
- Regulates the pH of the cells (if cells are too acidic they are more prone to disease).
- Essential for vitamin A and folic acid metabolism and transportation
- Required for activation of T-lymphocytes (white blood cells required for cell mediated immunity) and making the natural killer cells more lethal then they already are.
- Controls release of insulin (hormone required for absorption of glucose, imbalance can lead to diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS and infertility).
- Makes up one of the most potent antioxidants produced by the human body: Superoxide dismutase (SOD).
- Plays an important role in the health and flexibility of the connective tissue, skin and blood vessels.

Absorption

Zinc absorption can be impaired if you are taking antacids and proton pump inhibitors. It requires acidic environment for optimal absorption and is therefore best taken away from food on an empty stomach.

As it competes for absorption with other nutrients dont have it at the same time as your multivitamin. Zinc absorption is adversely affected by so many chemicals commonly found in natural food and it fights for absorption with so many other nutrients, not much of it ends up getting absorbed! Therefore zinc should be taken on an empty stomach last thing at night.

Deficiencies and Excesses

Vegans and vegetarians can be deficient in zinc as vegetables, fruits and grains are not optimal source of zinc. Phytic acid found in legumes will also block zinc and other mineral absorption. In addition smoking, drinking coffee, tea and alcohol increases your need for zinc.

Signs of zinc deficiency are loss of appetite, hair loss, white bands and spots on the nails, frequent colds and infections, slow healing wounds, stretch marks, dermatitis, diminished sense of smell and taste and premenstrual pimples and many more.

Excessive zinc consumption of 40mg/day may compete with copper and impair immune function.

How much to have?

Recommended daily intake of zinc is 8 mg/day for women, 11mg/day for men, 11 mg/day during pregnancy, 12 mg/day during lactation.

In men with sperm abnormalities 25-50 mg of zinc have been shown to increase sperm count and boost testosterone levels.

Where to get if from?

Lean meat, oysters, whole grains, nuts, pumpkin seeds, egg yolks, supplemental form: look for zinc acetate, the best tolerated and bioavailable form of zinc in a supplement. Stay clear from zinc oxide as its the least absorbent form of zinc!

Sources:

Ebisch IM, et al. The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants in the pathogenesis and prevention of subfertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2007 Mar-Apr;13(2):163-74.

Groper S, Smith J, Groff J. 4th Ed. 2005. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Thomson, USA

Keene, I. Natural Fertility Prescription, Australian Natural Therapeutics, Switzerland.

copyright 2009 Iva Keene and Natural Fertility Prescription

Leading Fertility Naturopath Iva Keene publishes the ‘Ultimate Fertility’ ezine with tips to get you pregnant ASAP.
Get your Free Fertility Advice

[tags]natural fertility, can’t get pregant, infertility, ivf, icsi, miscarriage, sperm abnormalities[/tags]