There are questions I wished I had asked concerning my reproductive health when we first began trying to have a baby, especially since I fell into that category of “advanced maternal age”—35 years or older. Once I finally became pregnant, I began taking prenatal vitamins. Sadly, my pregnancy ended in a stillbirth, and that devasting loss was followed by multiple miscarriages. Notwithstanding those losses, I continued preparing my body for the future baby for which I was praying.
One of my best friends suggested I ask my OB if she would prescribe a prenatal vitamin. I must admit, I had not thought about the possible differences between over-the-counter and prescription prenatal vitamins at the time, but trusted her recommendation since she holds a Doctor of Pharmacy and was also trying to get pregnant. So, I took her advice and talked to my OB, and she prescribed the vitamins. I did not stop taking those prescription prenatal vitamins after my losses. I wanted to do everything I could to optimize the health of my future baby. There are many reports about the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy. For example, the vitamins typically contain higher levels of folic acid and iron, which are essential for a baby’s development. And I have read that most vital organs in a developing embryo are formed by 10 weeks of pregnancy, making it important to have these essential vitamins in your body weeks or months before conceiving. Of course, consult your health care professional, as I did, to evaluate the pros of taking prenatal vitamins before becoming pregnant.
After our stillbirth, I saw a reproductive endocrinologist infertility specialist and he recommended yoga to support my fertility. He explained how yoga increases the blood and energy flow to your reproductive organs and helps combat hormonal imbalances in your endocrine system. Personally, yoga helped me those few months after losing our first pregnancy, at 20 weeks, to battle the mental and physical stress I was under. That stress was real! I still had such a deep desire to become a mother and was trying to do all I could to prepare my body and mind for a future, healthy pregnancy.
I also discovered the benefits of acupuncture, which, like yoga, include helping to reduce stress and anxiety and improve circulation to the reproductive organs. Still trying to manage my stress as I pressed forward to prepare my body for pregnancy, I found one of the leading integrative medical centers where I live that has a physician-led medical acupuncturist practice. The physicians and healthcare practitioners work with patients for a variety of ailments. I saw a wonderful OB-GYN who had studied alternative medicine and was practicing acupuncture there. Most of her patients were women suffering from infertility. I had acupuncture treatments for many months, and they were amazingly relaxing. I always left those appointments deeply rested, replenished, and in a good mental space. If you are interested in acupuncture treatments, I think it is important to find a certified and licensed professional familiar with infertility care. If you need help, seek out a referral from a reproductive endocrinologist.
Whether you have suffered a loss, you are considered “advance maternal age”, or you have been on your journey to motherhood for some time (or if you have faced all three scenarios like I did!), consider exploring the benefits of prescription prenatal vitamins, fertility yoga, and acupuncture to prepare your body for pregnancy. And as a woman of faith, I also prayed and found hope and encouragement from many promises in the Bible, including the verses I shared last month.
For hope and inspiration to fight for your fertility, in faith, read SEVEN YEARS TO SYMONE: Finding Faith to Overcome Infertility and Have a Baby After 40.
