Common Myths About Getting Pregnant

Trying to get pregnant can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time. You may have many questions about your fertility and what you can do to increase your chances of conceiving. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about fertility. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are answers to some common myths about getting pregnant:

Myth 1: You’re Most Fertile in Your 20s

Fact: Your 20s are a great time to start trying for a baby, but your fertility actually starts to decline in your early 30s. By age 35, your chances of getting pregnant each month are only about 20 percent. So, if you’re in your mid-30s or older and hoping to conceive, don’t wait too long to start trying.

Myth 2: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You’re Overweight

Fact: It’s true that being overweight can make it more difficult to get pregnant, but it’s not impossible. In fact, many overweight women are able to conceive with no problem. The key is to maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. If you’re having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely.

Myth 3: Stress Can Affect Your Fertility

Fact: There’s no evidence that stress can directly impact your fertility. However, stress can indirectly affect fertility by causing you to adopt unhealthy behaviors, like smoking or drinking alcohol. If you’re feeling stressed about getting pregnant, try to find healthy ways to cope, such as exercise or relaxation techniques.

Myth 4: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have PCOS

Fact: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that can make it difficult to get pregnant. However, it’s not impossible. With treatment, many women with PCOS are able to conceive. If you have PCOS and are having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

Myth 5: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Endometriosis

Fact: Endometriosis is a condition that can cause pain and Infertility. However, it’s important to note that not all women with endometriosis are infertile. In fact, many women with mild endometriosis are able to get pregnant with no problem. If you have endometriosis and are having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

Myth 6: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Fibroids

Fact: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. They are very common, and most women who have them will never experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, fibroids can cause Infertility. If you have fibroids and are having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

Myth 7: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have a History of Miscarriage

Fact: A history of miscarriage can be heartbreaking, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to have a baby. In fact, most women who have had a miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy. If you’ve had a miscarriage and are hoping to conceive again, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of miscarrying.

Myth 8: Infertility is Reversible in Every Case

Fact: While there are some cases of infertility that can be reversed, such as blocked fallopian tubes, many other causes of infertility are not reversible. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to have a baby. There are many fertility treatments available that can help you conceive, even if you have a condition that is not reversible.

Myth 9: Overall Health Doesn’t Connect with Your Fertility

Fact: Your overall health does play a role in your fertility. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure can all impact your ability to get pregnant. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you’re hoping to conceive. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all help improve your fertility.

Myth 10: IVF is Too Expensive to Consider

Fact: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most expensive fertility treatments available. However, it’s also one of the most successful. If you’re struggling to conceive, IVF may be an option worth considering. There are many financing options available that can make IVF more affordable. Talk to your doctor about whether IVF is right for you.

If you are considering fertility help, you may want to consider The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida. Our center is known for providing high-quality care and services to patients who are seeking help with their fertility. Our staff at The Center for Vasectomy Reversal is highly trained and experienced in helping patients achieve successful pregnancies. In addition, we offer a variety of services that can help you become pregnant. Contact us today to learn more!

Baby Safety Month

Baby Safety Month is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the importance of child safety. The campaign runs throughout the month of September and offers parents and caregivers tips and resources on how to keep their children safe.

Some of the topics that are covered during Baby Safety Month include: car safety, home safety, water safety, and general safety tips.

The History of Baby Safety Month

The history of Baby Safety Month actually dates back to the early 20th century. In 1913, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) held its first meeting in New York City. At this meeting, the AAP decided to create a committee on infant care. This committee was tasked with creating guidelines for the care of infants and young children.

One of the first topics that the AAP addressed was infant mortality. In 1916, the AAP released a report that showed that over 6,000 infants died each year from crib death. This was a shocking number and the AAP realized that something needed to be done to prevent these deaths.

To raise awareness about infant safety, the AAP decided to designate September as Baby Safety Month. During this month, the AAP would release information and tips on how to keep babies safe. The goal was to educate parents and caregivers about the dangers that infants faced and how to prevent them.

Over the years, Baby Safety Month has continued to grow. Today, it is celebrated in countries all over the world. In the United States, many organizations participate in Baby Safety Month by sharing information and resources with parents and caregivers. These organizations include the AAP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and many others.

During Baby Safety Month, take time to think about how to keep your little one safe. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Always Use a Safe Sleep Surface for Your Baby

This means using a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. Don’t use a pillow, quilt, or soft mattress, as these can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Use a Proper Car Safety Seat

Car safety seats are chosen based on your baby’s age, weight, and height. Make sure the seat is installed correctly and that your baby is buckled in properly.

Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach of Your Baby

This includes items like medicines, cleaning products, and small objects that your baby could choke on.

Supervise Your Baby at All Times

Even if you’re just stepping away for a moment, never leave your baby unsupervised.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Learn CPR and First Aid and keep the phone number of your local poison control center handy.

Following these tips will help you keep your baby safe during Baby Safety Month and all year long. For more information on child safety, visit the website of the National Child Safety Council.

As a parent, you play a vital role in keeping your child safe. Take this opportunity to learn more about how you can protect your little one from harm. And don’t forget to share what you’ve learned with other parents and caregivers! Together, we can help keep all kids safe.

Get more tips and information by visiting our blog! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is happy to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your fertility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Healthy Baby Food to Make at Home

There are many healthy baby food recipes that you can make at home, and they don’t have to be boring or bland. You can make nutrient-rich, flavorful, and fun foods for your little one to enjoy. Read on to learn more about the benefits of homemade baby food and to get some tips on how to get started.

The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food

The benefits of making your own baby food at home have prompted many parents to do so. Homemade baby food is:

• More Nutritious: When you make your own baby food, you have complete control over what goes into it. This means that you can choose to use fresh, organic ingredients that are high in nutrients. Commercial baby foods often contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to your child’s health.

• More Affordable: Making your own baby food is typically more affordable than purchasing commercial varieties. This is especially true if you purchase ingredients in bulk or grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Tailored Flavor and Texture: You can tailor the flavor and texture of homemade baby food to better suit your child’s preferences. For example, if your baby is still getting used to solid foods, you can make a puree that is easy to eat and digest. As your child gets older, you can start to add in more textured foods such as chunks of fruit or vegetables.

• Quality bonding time: One of the best parts about making your own baby food is the quality bonding time it provides. During mealtimes, you can sit down with your little one and chat while they enjoy their food. This is a great way to create lasting memories together.

Ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients they need by making your own baby food. That way, you can control what goes into it and how it is prepared. Plus, homemade baby food often tastes better than store-bought varieties.

Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re interested in trying your hand at making homemade baby food, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, invest in a good quality blender or food processor. You’ll also need some basic kitchen supplies like measuring cups and spoons, as well as storage containers for freezing any leftover baby food. Finally, it’s helpful to have a recipe book on hand for ideas and inspiration. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to start whipping up healthy, delicious meals for your little one!

Healthy Baby Food Recipes

When it comes to healthy baby food recipes, there are endless possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pureed fruits and vegetables: These are great for starting solids or for older babies who are ready for more textured foods. Try pureeing carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, bananas, and other fruits and veggies. You can also mix and match different flavors to create new taste combinations.

• Fruit and veggie pouches: These are convenient and easy to take on the go. Simply fill reusable pouches with your baby’s favorite pureed fruits or vegetables.

• Homemade baby cereals: Start with a simple rice cereal and then add in pureed fruits or vegetables for additional nutrition and flavor. Oats and barley are other great options for homemade baby cereals.

• Finger foods: As your baby starts to develop their pincer grasp, they will be ready for finger foods. Offer them soft fruits and vegetables that they can easily pick up and eat, such as ripe bananas, cooked sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli florets.

• Healthy snacks: There are plenty of healthy snack options for babies and toddlers. Try making your own fruit bars or energy bites using pureed fruits, oats, nuts, and seeds. You can also offer air-popped popcorn, whole grain crackers, and yogurt dips.

Making your own baby food is a great way to ensure that your little one is getting the nutrients they need. And it’s also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen! Try out some of these healthy baby food recipes and see what your little one enjoys the most.

Visit our blog to stay up-to-date with information and tips for healthy parenting and more! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is helping families across the country reach their fertility goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How To Teach Your Kids To Compromise

The art of compromise is essential in business, politics, and marriage. It’s also a crucial life skill for your child. The ability to be flexible, to take into account the wants and needs of others, and to solve problems creatively makes our children better friends, siblings, teammates and students. Of course, we’re not born with those skills. They must be learned.

MommyBase.com offers many tips for teaching children compromise skills:

• Discuss a Variety of Issues with Your Kids. “Many children’s books, movies and tv shows, including cartoons, include some sort of conflict. This gives you a perfect opportunity to ask your child for his or her thoughts about which character was right or how a conflict might be resolved so that both characters are happy. If that is too much for your child, you can discuss the ending, explaining more thoroughly how the characters acted to make a compromise.”
• Address the Issue of Control. “Many times, children do not like to compromise because it means they are not in control.” They suggest working through this problem with simple methods:
  • Offer easy choices like “Would you like to wear this outfit or this dress?” or “Would you like pizza or pasta for dinner tonight?”
  • Explain how you and your spouse compromise.
  • Observe how your children interact and suggest ways for them to figure out compromises on their own. If they fight over a toy, stop them and pose questions that help them reflect: “Why do you want this toy? Why does your friend want it? Is there a way you can each get at least some of what you want?” Praise them when they compromise.

Family Times has additional advice:

1) Create situations of positive interdependence – Competitive play is fine, but teamwork is more important.

2) Teach “Win-Win” – Seek solutions where all parties are successful.

3) Agree to Disagree – Sometimes a solution where everyone is satisfied is not possible. If your child knows it’s okay to not always agree with someone, they’ll be more able to find alternative solutions that avoid conflict.

4) Debate Skills – In debates, one must understand multiple sides of an issue and respond to arguments in a logical, non-emotional way. This requires self-control and can help children learn to resolve disputes peacefully.

5) Discuss Empathy and Compassion – When children understand how to view a situation from the other party’s emotional perspective, compromise is more likely.

6) Don’t Compromise Values or Safety – Let your children know when a compromise might not be the right decision.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-210-6649.

Why It’s Important For Parents To Get Enough Sleep

Most parents have heard that it’s vital for them to get a good night’s sleep, but when we don’t know the details of why something is so important, it’s easy for us to shrug off this advice. Here are some useful facts that underscore why maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is a crucial habit for parents.

Problems Caused by Lack of Sleep

SleepFoundation.org lists the following complications of sleep loss:

• Irritability: With insufficient sleep, people are more irritable, anxious, and likely to lash out at children, spouses, friends and co-workers.
• Anxiety and Depression: Without proper sleep, people have higher risks for negative moods, anxiety and depression. If you experience these symptoms, reach out to your health care provider.
• Accidents and Injuries: Sleep-deprived people tend to have longer reaction times, which increases the risk of accidents such as motor vehicle crashes. Avoid driving or operating other machinery when you are sleep-deprived.

All these complications affect our ability to parent our children.

Can I Catch Up On Sleep Over the Weekend?

Many parents think they can catch up on sleep during the weekend, but a 2019 study indicates this is a bad practice. It found that weekday sleep loss had negative effects on metabolism, and extra sleep on the weekend didn’t help fix it. The sleep-deprived people in the study lost some sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. They ate more at night and gained weight. This decreased insulin sensitivity is a common precursor to type 2 diabetes. A number of studies have linked long-term sleep deprivation to high risks of diabetes and obesity. According to sleep specialist Dr. Phyllis Zee, who is also a professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, other results of chronic sleep loss — including impaired alertness and mental performance — cannot be compensated for with a couple of nights of extra sleep. “Regularity in both timing and duration of sleep is key to brain and body health.”

Good Habits

This article from Harvard Business Review reinforces the negative effects that sleep deprivation has on parents but also gives advice on fixing this problem:

• Prioritize sleep.
• Maintain a consistent sleep routine.
• Limit exposure to blue light at night.
• Keep devices out of your bedroom.
• Don’t bring up serious topics before bedtime.
• Buy time if you can by having meals or groceries delivered.

SleepFoundation.org has other tips:

• Nap when baby naps.
• Be comfortable declining requests to come see the baby when you don’t have time.
• A good sleep environment is cool, quiet and dark.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Start sleep-training baby at six months.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-210-6649.

Fun Facts About Semen

Here’s a well-known fact that we rarely mention: None of us would exist without semen. Why stop there? Let’s learn more about this fluid vital for human life.

Semen vs Sperm

People use these terms interchangeably, but they mean different things. Stated simply, semen is the bodily fluid that contains sperm.

What Else Is In Semen?

In addition to sperm, semen also contains other ingredients. According to WebMD, “the fluid is made mostly of water, plasma, and mucus (a lubricating substance). It also contains 5 to 25 calories, and is made up of small amounts of essential nutrients including: calcium, citrate, fructose, glucose, lactic acid, magnesium, potassium, protein and zinc.” These ingredients serve an important purpose. Sperm “need nutrients because they must travel a great distance and withstand the harsh environment of the vagina. The nutrients found in semen will keep the sperm alive and provide energy while they race to the egg. Their main energy source is fructose, a type of sugar.”

Sperm Count / Density

When men ejaculate they release an average of 2-6 milliliters (mL) of semen, or approximately a 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon. Each milliliter contains an average of 15 million sperm. Sperm count can be affected by lifestyle, environment and age, though healthy men over age 70 still have the potential to have children.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is “the percentage of sperm in a sample that are moving, as well as an assessment of how they move,” according to WebMD. “One hour after ejaculation, at least 32% of sperm should be moving forward in a straight line.” And according to Sarah Vij, MD, director of the Center for Male Fertility at Cleveland Clinic, “The optimal timing between ejaculations in a man trying to cause a pregnancy is 24-48 hours to allow for a release of a high number of motile sperm.”

Sperm Life

According to a post from Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D. of Mayo Clinic, “The life span of sperm after ejaculation depends on the circumstances. Ejaculated sperm remain viable for several days within the female reproductive tract. Fertilization is possible as long as the sperm remain alive — up to five days. Sperm can also be preserved for decades when semen is frozen.” One thing keeping sperm alive inside the cervix is cervical mucus.

Healthy Sperm

WebMD gives the following advice for healthy sperm:

• Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs, especially anabolic steroids.
• Avoid toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Keep your scrotum cool, because heat slows sperm production. Avoid hot baths and tight pants. Wear boxers instead of briefs.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are committed to helping men overcome reproductive issues and start healthy families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-210-6649.

What Causes Premature Birth?

According to the CDC, about ten percent of babies were born prematurely in 2020. Let’s look at the causes of this phenomenon, and how to prevent premature births.

What Qualifies as Premature Birth?

According to Mayo Clinic, “A premature birth is a birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby’s estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy.” They also define more particular preterm stages:

• Late preterm stage – babies born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy
• Moderately preterm – babies born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy
• Very preterm stage – babies born at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy
• Extremely preterm stage -babies born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy

Complications of Premature Births

Cleveland Clinic describes many health problems that can afflict preemies, including:

• Apnea of prematurity, or temporary pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or underdeveloped lungs.
• Intraventricular hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis, or inflammation of the intestines.
• Neonatal sepsis, or blood infection.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or abnormal blood flow in the heart.
• Retinopathy of prematurity, or underdeveloped blood vessels in the eye.

They note that preemies are also at a higher risk of developmental challenges later in life, including cerebral palsy, hearing and vision problems, learning disabilities, and poor growth. Mothers of preemies are at elevated risk of anxiety, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and problems bonding with their baby.

Who Is At Risk?

Johns Hopkins Medicine lists the following risk factors for premature births:

1. Having previously given birth prematurely.
2. Pregnancies with multiples (twins, triplets, et cetera).
3. Any history of uterus or cervix problems.

Additional risk factors listed by Johns Hopkins include: smoking, infections, and not getting prenatal care. They advise pregnant women to “learn about all the risk factors and talk to your obstetrics provider about what you can do to help reduce your risk for preterm labor.”

Prevention Tactics

The CDC lists several ways to help prevent premature births:

• Assuring access to health care before and between pregnancies.
• Identifying women at risk for preterm delivery and offering effective treatments to prevent preterm birth.
• Preventing unintended pregnancies.
• Waiting 18 months or more between pregnancies.
• Choosing single embryo transfer as appropriate when undergoing in-vitro fertilization because pregnancies with multiples has higher risk of preterm delivery.

Additionally, Cleveland Clinic recommends a surgical procedure called cervical cerclage, which uses a single stitch to keep the cervix closed until delivery.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-210-6649.

Why it’s Important for Men to Talk About Mental Health

Mental health issues have become a common topic of discussion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s not always part of the discussion, though, is the risk mental health issues pose to men. Men are often reluctant to discuss depression and other mental health issues, yet research indicates that men are up to four times more likely than women to die from suicide. In fact, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men make up about 70 percent of suicide deaths annually. What can be done to stem this tide? The first step is more open communication.

While over 6 million men in the United States experience symptoms of depression each year, and more than 3 million suffer from anxiety, men are less likely than women to seek mental health support. The reason for this has to do with cultural stigmas. Outdated ideas about gender and mental health can discourage men from seeking treatment, and men are more likely than women to buy into some of these detrimental and destructive points of view. Ideas about men with depression being dangerous or unreliable are among these viewpoints, as is the perception that men should be able to “snap out of” depression and “man up.” It’s no wonder that men who have heard and internalized these thoughts would be reluctant or embarrassed to seek formal treatment for depression.

Men are also less likely to talk to their peers about issues that are troubling them. While a man may be feeling financial pressure and the stress of supporting a family and balancing home and work life, he’s unlikely to talk about these stressors. This can lead to symptoms of depression that include bad moods, apathy, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, or feelings of anxiousness, restlessness, or racing thoughts. While women often seem sad or down when they’re depressed, men are more likely to display anger or aggression, or self-medicate through substance abuse. It’s important to notice these signs in the men in your life, so that you can encourage them to talk about what’s going on.

Talking about mental health is important and beneficial. Opening up about stressors can bring a sense of relief and make a person feel less isolated. What’s more, the more people talk about their mental health, the more the topic is normalized, allowing other people to feel they can talk about it too. Talking about mental health can bring out compassion and understanding, not just for others but also for yourself. It also can make a person feel more in control of the situation, once it’s finally out in the open. By beginning to talk, first to close friends and loved ones, then to a health professional, a person can find strategies for coping with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, leading to a healthier life.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we care about all aspects of men’s health. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Children’s Health Symptoms You Should Be Concerned About

Children often have aches, pains, and other minor symptoms that aren’t really a cause for concern. Parents don’t want to run to the doctor for ever sniffle or tummy ache, but which symptoms are really a cause for concern? It’s good to trust your gut as a parent and seek medical attention if something seems “off.” More specifically, if any of the following symptoms are present, call your pediatrician.

• A high fever warrants medical care. The definition of “high fever” varies with age, and in a baby younger than three months, anything 100.4°F or higher requires immediate medical care. However, in a child between three and six months old, the threshold for alarm rises to 101°F and in children six months to two years it’s 103° In a child over two years old, acting normal, and seems to be well-hydrated, it’s probably not an urgent matter, but it’s worth calling your pediatrician’s office for advice. Note: a fever that lasts more than five days or doesn’t respond to treatment always warrants a doctor’s appointment.
• Sometimes a headache is more than “just a headache.” If your child has a headache and a fever, call the doctor. If he or she also has a stiff neck and a rash, seek immediate medical care, because these can be signs of meningitis. A headache in the morning or middle of the night, or a headache with vomiting, may be a migraine or something more serious, so see a doctor right away.
• Pay attention to rashes and moles. A ring-shaped rash could be Lyme disease, and pinpoint-size spots under the skin could signal a serious condition. Widespread, unexplained bruising may indicate a blood disorder, and other rashes can be signs of allergies. Especially if the child is also having trouble breathing, has a swollen face, is itchy or vomiting, or is agitated or lethargic, see a doctor immediately. Keep an eye on moles, too, doing a monthly check at bath time. Irregularly shaped moles that are different colors, raised, or have ragged borders could be signs of skin cancer. A mole that’s been there since birth has a higher risk of becoming malignant than other moles.
• Don’t dismiss a stomachache. While some tummy aches are minor complaints, a sudden pain on the lower right side could be a sign of appendicitis. Other symptoms include diarrhea, then abdominal pain, then vomiting, increasing pain, and fever. Another serious condition for children under four is intussusception, a disorder in which one part of the intestine slides into the other. This causes pain in 20 to 60 minute spells, and may be accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, or bowel movements with a “currant jelly” appearance. Both illnesses require immediate medical care.
• Address breathing issues immediately. Did you know that 8 percent of children in the U.S. have asthma? If your child has trouble breathing when exercising, whistles when exhaling, has shortness of breath, or has trouble recovering after a respiratory infection, talk to your pediatrician about asthma. On the other hand, if your child has blue lips or discoloration around the mouth, has trouble breathing and is sucking in the chest and abdomen, or has troublesome sounds coming from the chest and lungs, seek help right away or call 911.
• Keep an eye on the eyes and ears. If your baby doesn’t respond to loud sounds, schedule a hearing test. With older children, take precautions about noise exposure, keeping devices at half volume or below and limiting time around loud noises, to prevent permanent hearing damage. As to the eyes, notice whether your baby doesn’t seem to focus on objects or your school-aged child is squinting, having trouble reading, or sitting too close to the TV. If you notice these things, schedule a vision screening.
• Extreme fatigue can signal a problem. Talk to your pediatrician, because it could indicate anemia, malabsorption syndrome, or depression.
• Urinating frequently or infrequently can each signal a problem. Decreased urination, especially with excessive vomiting or diarrhea, dry mouth and lips, or skin that’s dry or stays bunched when you pinch it, could signal serious dehydration. Increased urination, especially with excessive thirst, extreme hunger, weight loss, or fatigue, could signal type 1 diabetes.
• Recognize serious injuries. Kids often fall and hurt themselves, but how do you know if an injury requires medical attention? If your child is less than 6 months old, always see a doctor. If there’s confusion, loss of consciousness, or other neurological changes, vomits after falling, or seems to have damage to the body, like a broken bone, it’s a medical emergency. The same holds true for a cut that gapes open as wide as a cotton swab or doesn’t stop bleeding when you apply pressure.

A healthy life for your child begins in the womb, and at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

If you follow the British royal family, you may recall that Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, experienced hyperemesis gravidarum during all three of her pregnancies. In fact, during her first pregnancy the problem was so severe that she was briefly hospitalized! Reading this news a few years back, you may not have paid much attention. If your pregnant partner is suddenly throwing up more than seems normal, though, you may be getting nervous. Is it morning sickness, or could it be hyperemesis gravidarum?

It’s important to note that nausea is very common during pregnancy, and typically harmless. It’s uncomfortable, to be sure, but fortunately, it usually resolves by the end of the first trimester, although some people experience it for up to 20 weeks. Nausea during the first trimester, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, is known as morning sickness. It doesn’t usually cause dehydration, though it can leave a woman fatigued, with appetite loss, and it can cause her to have trouble with her normal daily activities.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is not nearly as common. In fact, it only happens in .5 to 2 percent of pregnancies. With this condition, the nausea won’t go away, and the vomiting is so severe that the person can’t keep any foods or fluids down and becomes dehydrated. These symptoms can be debilitating, typically start in the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, and can cause fatigue that lasts for weeks or months. It’s a major concern not just because of the dehydration, but because it prevents proper weight gain during pregnancy. A woman with hyperemesis gravidarum can lose more than 5 percent of her body weight because of the nausea and vomiting.

A woman is more at risk for HG if she has a family history of the condition, is pregnant for the first time, or is carrying multiples. Trophoblastic disease, a condition that occurs when there’s abnormal cell growth in the uterus, can also cause HG. There’s no way to prevent hyperemesis gravidarum, but it can be treated. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatments vary. Mild cases might be treated with natural nausea treatment, dietary changes, rest, or antacids. In some cases, acupressure or homeopathic treatments can be helpful, but it’s important for anyone with HG to talk to a doctor and refrain from self-medicating. More serious cases of HG require hospitalization. In the hospital, treatments include intravenous (IV) fluids, tube feeding, and medication. If you have any concerns during pregnancy, calling your doctor for advice is always a good choice to promote a healthy pregnancy.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping to start families by facilitating healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.