Fertility

The Basics of Babies After 35

If you are in the process of trying to conceive, age might play a role in your plans for family building. My blog and online community are called “Babies After 35” because I specifically focus on those who are trying to conceive or pregnant after age 35. Let's discuss!

Fertility Q & A with an REI specialist

For some, conceiving a baby comes easily, for others the road to conception is a path with many twists and turns. If you have heard my story, then you know I was one of the people in the latter camp. I underwent fertility treatments, and though I am an OBGYN and professor of maternal-fetal medicine, the process was mentally and physically exhausting.

Fertility Preservation Via Egg and Embryo Freezing

For most people the question is not whether they will have a child, but when they will have a child. Fortunately, this goal is achieved spontaneously for most, but for others, personal circumstances, career choices or medical conditions can pose limitations to becoming a parent.

Infertility Grief and Trauma

Infertility grief and trauma is not a topic often discussed. However, when we don’t discuss topics like this, especially ones that affect our mental health and well-being, we risk never being able to offer healing to those who need it. Learn more!

An MFM and REI Discuss Fertility and Pregnancy After 35

I was studying medicine and pursuing my training during those “fertile” years. In addition, I didn’t meet my husband until I was 38. So I’ve definitely heard similar stories from many people over the years who have been told that waiting was no ideal!

When Are You Gonna Have Kids?

I was recently interviewed by Lindsay & Matt of "Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back On The Table" podcast. They share their experiences of fertility treatments and having a miscarriage, and we also discuss the expectations of making babies & the stigma of infertility.

IVF with Embryo Banking for Fertility Preservation

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that US fertility rates fell in every reproductive age group, except in people age 40-44. This reflects a new generation of people who are delaying marriage and childbirth.

Early and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Early pregnancy loss occurs in about 10% of known pregnancies. However, that does not mean it is unimportant or insignificant. Though it is common in the larger population of all pregnancies, it is not necessarily common to the individual who experiences it.

New and Emerging IVF Options!

‍Invocell is the first and only FDA-cleared option of its kind used in fertility treatment” and it uses the woman’s body as an incubator for fertilization. This helps with cost reduction and also allows the woman to be an even greater part of the entire process.

Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Finding the Right Doctor for You

Finding the right doctor for evaluation for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) can be quite the process. I am often not the first doctor patients have seen for a consult about miscarriages, and they tell me stories of leaving visits with providers with more questions than answers.

In Vitro Fertilization 101

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the union of the egg and the sperm outside the body. Over several days, the fertilized egg becomes an embryo and is nourished in an incubator before being transferred back into the uterus. If the embryo implants in the uterus, then pregnancy can be achieved.

What Is Your Number?...An Intro To Ovarian Reserve Testing

Anti-mullerian hormone, or AMH, is a hormone that does many different things and has important functions. As a fertility specialist, AMH helps me every day because it gives me a small snapshot of ovarian health.

Secondary Infertility

When most people think about infertility, they usually imagine a childless couple anxiously trying to conceive their first baby. In reality, fertility problems can affect anyone at any time. Secondary infertility can be caused by many of the same conditions that contribute to primary infertility.

Part 2: Dads Need To Get Ready For Conception, Too!

Women are not the only ones who need to get their body ready for conception. Men face their own challenges in both becoming fathers and in maintaining their health throughout the early years of parenthood, especially if they are older at the time of conception.

Part 1: Get Your Body Ready for Conception!

For those planning to conceive after age 35 or having difficulty conceiving, a basic medical check up is recommended. The initial history and physical examination should include a blood pressure check, body max index, and indicated laboratory testing.

When Do I Need a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Embryos attach to the inside (also known as the uterine cavity) of the uterus and grow. A pelvic ultrasound may tell you if you have a growth inside your cavity that is affecting the ability of a pregnancy to either attach and/or grow.

Healing from Infertility, Pregnancy and Birth Trauma

As Parijat Deshpande, a leading mind-body health specialist, says, “Trauma is not about WHAT happened, but HOW your body experienced it. Trauma is when too much happened too soon and too fast. Trauma does not heal with time.”

All About Endometriosis and Ovarian Cysts

In a discussion with Dr. Brooke Winner, we define what ovarian cysts are, as well as talk about the different types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and when surgery might be recommended. We also cover several of the same topics as they relate to endometriosis.

Gay, Lesbian & Trans Family Building!

Families come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and those who once could only dream of being parents are often able to experience the deep joy of parenthood. Today we are going to take a look at family building for gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals and couples.

Taking Care of Yourself While Trying to Conceive

Stress may even be the leading factor in many cases of infertility. Making a plan and following through will help you manage the stress and anxiety and feel your best while you try to attain your dream. Here are a few tips...

The Business of Delayed Child-Bearing in the Career Woman

Unfortunately, for many career women who delay child-bearing, it is a hard slap in the face when receiving a diagnosis of infertility after they cannot conceive naturally later in life; I was one of those women.

Egg Freezing and Me!

The most important thing I have learned during my egg freezing journey and wisdom I have gained by interviewing countless other women about their journeys to motherhood, is that everyone has a different path to get there—and that is okay.

This New Mom Did An Amazing Photo Shoot With Her Egg Donor

I knew that trying to become a first-time mom at 40 would be tough. My fears were realized when my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Although that loss was devastating, I had no idea just how much more disappointment I was about to experience.

How Much of an Impact Does a Man’s Age Have on a Couple’s Ability to get Pregnant?

When it comes to infertility, the woman is most often considered to be the source of the problem. However, not only are men just as likely to be the source, but the work-up is much easier and less expensive. Listen as Dr. Clark explains!

Black Women and Infertility

Many women, especially black women, have a similar experience of shame, depression, and anxiety around infertility. Infertility is not something to be ashamed of though. If it is your dream to be a mother, then I assure you that you have a right to that opportunity.

The Leading Questions On Being Over 40 and Trying to Conceive

Although advances in assisted reproductive technology have changed the landscape of reproduction for older women, it has also led to confusion about when having a baby is no longer possible and exactly what limitations in vitro fertilization can overcome.

The “F” Word: My Personal Journey With Fibroids

I waited way too long to have my fibroids taken care of. If I had seen a doctor sooner, I may have benefited from non-surgical treatments like birth control pills or Lupron (a medicine that reduces estrogen and stops your period).

Information on Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)

Oocyte cryopreservation, commonly referred to as “egg freezing”, is the process by which eggs are harvested and frozen for later use. Once harvested eggs are frozen, they are presumably good indefinitely, suspended in time until the individual chooses to thaw them in order to start a family.

Understanding and Managing Endometriosis

As is the mission of Babies After 35 to be a source of reliable information on topics related to fertility and pregnancy for women after age 35, today we are going to explore more about endometriosis.

Accepting Using an Egg Donor

These days in vitro fertilization (IVF) is so common that the stigma has virtually vanished; many people feel comfortable sharing that they went through IVF. But donor-egg IVF is a different story.