MEMORIALIZE YOUR BABY LOST

A Memory Box May Be A Way To Remember Your Baby

In honor of memorial day, I wanted to do a post on how to remember your baby or babies lost through misarriage.
Here is site that suggests other ways to honor your baby including a memory box. Read more:

One thing that is very helpful is making a memory box for your baby.

You may have many things to go inside: pictures from the birth, a hospital ID bracelet, the outfit your baby wore, the blanket he/she was wrapped in, and the many mementos from your pregnancy. You may have only a few: a positive pregnancy test, a journal tracing your attempts to get pregnant and hearing the good news, sympathy cards, dried flowers from sympathy bouquets, or a sonogram printout or videotape. You may have nothing yet.
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For more miscarriage resources, click here (getpregnantover40.com)

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Things to add to your memory box, even if it was years ago:
A letter to your baby describing your love
A dried leaf or branch from a tree you planted in your baby's honor
An outfit or stuffed animal you bought especially to remind you of him/her
A small journal detailing your feelings
Printouts of messages from women you talk to on the Internet about your baby (I did this!)
A birth or name certificate that you make with scrapbooking supplies or on a computer
A poem you read that reminded you of the baby

excerpted from: www.pregnancyloss.info

LACK OF STEM CELLS AND MISARRIAGE

Here is an interesting article about how recurrent miscarriage may be caused by a problem within the uterine lining:  lack of stem cells.   The good news is they found a way to treat the condition and they are starting to research a new treatment for the condition.  Read more:

SEE ALSO: HOW FISH OILS CAN REDUCE MISCARRIAGE AN INFLAMMATION (getpregnantover40.com)

 

Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jan Brosens led the team said: “We have discovered that the lining of the womb in the recurrent miscarriage patients we studied is already defective before pregnancy.  He added that treating the defects before patients try to become pregnancy again "may be the only way to really prevent miscarriages in these cases."

 

To make their findings published in the journal ‘Stem Cells’, researchers analysed tissue samples from the womb lining of 183 women who were being treated at the Implantation Research Clinic, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
The team could not find an epigenetic signature characteristic of stem cells in the womb biopsies of women who had miscarried repeatedly. 
When compared with women who had healthy wombs, those who had multiple miscarriages also had fewer stems cells overall.  The womb needs sufficient stem cells in order to renew itself. When cells age, it triggers an inflammatory response which may enable the embryo to be implanted but not develop.
from: independent.co.uk

MISCARRIAGE STORIES BY REAL WOMEN

 Mother magazine did a feature on 10 women and their miscarriage stories.  Miscarriage is devastating no matter what, but sometimes healthcare professionals in Emergency Rooms and elsewhere aren't really trained on how to tend to the emotional aspects for the woman going through it.  Here are some true miscarriage stories written by real women:

 

SEE ALSO: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MISCARRIAGE (getpregnantover40.com) 

I remember about that time was how insensitive the emergency room staff at the hospital was. I told them I was miscarrying (because I was bleeding) and they sent me home. They did not explain what was happening. Then after I passed the baby in the toilet, I scooped it out with my hands. It was no bigger than a shrimp, but you could definitely tell it was a fetus. When I brought it into the hospital they didn’t believe me and took the fetus (which I brought to them in a Ziploc bag) and sent it to pathology for testing. When the test came back that indeed I had brought them a fetus, they continued the exam to ensure everything came out, of which I remember the doctor saying, “I’m going to insert this speculum, which, shouldn’t hurt since you’ve been pregnant, and had bigger things in there.” I was young and felt terrible about the whole experience, I don’t know where “personhood” starts, but I definitely felt connected to that little shrimp that lived inside me, and was devastated when I lost him or her. In addition to that loss, the experience at the hospital was horrifying.
from mothermag.com 

PREECLAMPSIA AS A PREGNANCY COMPLICATION

Since I did so much research before I got pregnant, I knew about all of the possible complications. I was very worried about preeclampsia. One of the first indications of preeclampsia is rising blood pressure. I would check my blood pressure 2-3 times per week and keep a log. Fortunately, everything was fine, however it never hurts to be informed about this possible complication in pregnancy. Read more:


From the article:

How does preeclampsia affect the baby?

Prematurity

Preeclampsia is responsible for 15% of premature births in the US each year. It is the leading known cause of preterm birth. According to the March of Dimes, in 2001, 476,250 infants were born prematurely…over half from unknown causes. Preeclampsia represents 30% of the known causes of prematurely--or approximately 70,000 premature births.

SEE ALSO: BIRTH DEFECTS AND PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS OVER AGE 40 (Getpregnantover40.com)

A baby is considered premature prior to 36 weeks gestation (one month early) but most severe prematurity issues occur to babies born before approximately 32 weeks in developed countries, and somewhat later in developing countries. (As developing countries often lack the standard of critical care that preemies require). The impact of prematurity is not fully known, even in infants who were only slightly premature.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

Reduced blood flow to the placenta restricts the supply of food to the baby and can result in a shortage of food and subsequent starvation. As a result, they may be smaller for their gestational age. Ultrasounds can help identify IUGR. The good news is many babies who suffer from IUGR can catch up on their growth within a few months.
It is important to note that many women blame themselves or poor nutrition for IUGR. Such problems are caused by a failing placenta and not the mother’s diet. A woman could be eating all of the right things but if the placenta is not capable of passing such nutrients along--the baby will suffer.

Acidosis

The baby survives by receiving nutrients and oxygen through the placenta. In preeclampsia, the placenta becomes compromised and the baby’s body begins to restrict blood flow to the limbs, kidney and stomach in an effort to preserve the vital supply to the brain and heart. If the baby reaches the point where there is no further reserve of oxygen (as the placenta detaches or dies) the baby’s body can extract energy from its fuel supplies without oxygen. This process generates a poisonous waste product--lactic acid. If too much lactic acid builds up the baby will develop “acidosis” and become unconscious and stop moving. Delivery is essential at this point. (thanks to: Pre-Eclampsia: The Facts, by Redman, Walker, 92).

Death

Infant death is one of the most devastating consequences of preeclampsia. It is impossible to say how many infants die each year, however, we estimate that at least 1200 babies die due to preeclampsia in the US alone. Many countries do not have the means to keep a premature baby alive. In these countries--the death toll is significant.

At the Preeclampsia Foundation a full 20% of our members have lost at least one baby or suffered a miscarriage. Because this disease can manifest in a very short time--a woman can have a normal prenatal appointment in the morning and lose her baby by the afternoon. We encourage our women to err on the side of caution."


Preeclampsia Foundation

CHLAMYDIA AND ECTOPIC

Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy May Be Related To Chlamydia

We've all heard about how infections can cause scarring which can contribute to infertility and possibly ectopic or tubal pregnancies.
 however this article talks about how chlamydia can contribute to ectopic pregnancies because of a protein which may make fallopian tube implantation more likely. Read more:

From the article:

University researchers found that women who had had the sexually transmitted infection were more likely to produce a particular protein in their Fallopian tubes.

Increased production of this protein – known as PROKR2 – makes a pregnancy more likely to implant in the Fallopian tube.

The infection is known to cause infertility as it can lead to scarring and blockages in the Fallopian tube. (excerpted from flashnewstoday.com)

Read More About Ectopic Pregnancy Here (getpregnantover40.com)

CAN CHLORINE IN WATER CONTRIBUTE TO MISCARRIAGE?

The Rippling Effects of Chlorinated Water

Guest By Leigh Erin Connealy
The water that comes out of your kitchen faucet carries with it a steady stream of chemical by-products that are known to cause cancer, heart disease and reproductive harm. Since the turn of the century chlorine has been used to treat the nation's drinking water, virtually eliminating disease causing bacteria and viruses. When first used in 1908, it was viewed as the perfect treatment, one that kept us free of waterborne illnesses while creating no ill effects on our health. So much more is known about chlorine these days, and the error of our ways is beginning to become apparent with the increase in heart disease and cancer related deaths.
The problem with chlorine is actually in the by-products, called organochlorines, created when it mixes with organic materials, such as leaves, algae or even human skin. There are thousands of different chlorine by-products, and very few of them have been studied for safety or are being tracked in our water reserves. While these by-products don't cause immediate illness, such as typhoid or dysentery, they have long term effects that are not as easy to study or link to any one health ailment.
There are several classes of by-products, the most studied being trihalomethanes (THMs), which occur when chlorine combines with methane. A common THM found in water is chloroform, a known carcinogen. As a matter of fact, a large number of THMs are known or suspected carcinogens, but they are allowed to remain in our water at minimal levels, even though research has shown those "minimal" levels are capable of causing cancer.
Chlorine and its' by-products enter the body through ingestion, inhalation and absorption of the skin. It is theorized that 2/3 of the body's chlorine by-product intake occurs in the shower. When the water is heated up, the by-products become vaporized and are thereby easily inhaled. The hot water also serves to enlarge the skin's pores and allows for easier absorption through the skin.
Chlorine by-products do not break down quickly and are generally stored within the fatty tissues of the body, where they can alter DNA, suppress immune function and interfere with natural cell growth. The by-products also destroy the intestinal flora ("good" bacteria) that protects the body from pathogens and generate free radicals that can cause cancer.
Evidence of this was displayed in a study conducted in Hartford, Connecticut finding that, "women with breast cancer have 50% to 60% higher levels of organochlorines in their breast tissue than women without breast cancer."

SEE ALSO: HOW ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS CAN CAUSE INFERTILITY AND MISCARRIAGE (getpregnantover40.com) 

Chlorine by-products have been attributed to causing several types of cancer including, cancer of the bladder, liver, rectum, and colon. A study at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland concluded that, "people living in areas served by chlorinated water have twice the risk of contracting cancer," than those who do not.
Free radical damage caused by chlorinated by-products have been linked to heart disease and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In his book Mega Nutrition, Richard A. Kunin, M.D. explains, "...even in minute quantities sufficient to kill germs, chlorine can undermine the body's defenses against atherosclerosis. Chlorine in drinking water creates electrically charged molecules called free radicals... that can damage the blood vessels and create the environment for plaque formation."
A growing number of studies have also linked chlorine and chlorine by-products to reproductive harm. In 1998, the California Department of Health conducted a study that established a link between chlorinated drinking water and miscarriage. They found that pregnant women with high exposures to chlorinated drinking water nearly doubled their risk of miscarriage from a rate of 9.5% to 16%. Other studies have linked chlorinated drinking water to serious birth defects and low birth weight.
In spite of the overwhelming amount of evidence that chlorine is not as safe as once thought, the EPA continues to deny that there is a causative link between chlorinated water and health effects. Opponents of chlorine's use in treating drinking water suspect that the EPA's denial stems from the sheer cost that it would have to undertake to implement a safer treatment system.
In 2002, England began using Ozonation to treat the country's drinking water. The process works by adding the same kind of ozone that is found in the atmosphere to the country's drinking water supply. Once the ozone has been added, an electric charge is sent through the water, effectively killing all disease causing microbes. Ozonation is actually twice as effective as chlorine at eliminating bacteria and is chemical free, creating no harmful by-products.
While a few cities across the US have begun using Ozonation, most are still relying on chlorine to treat their drinking water. Individual ozone water treatment units can be purchased for your home and are relatively inexpensive. Reverse osmosis, micro filtration and distillation filters are not effective because they do not eliminate the harmful by-products of chlorine.
________________________________________________________________________
LEIGH ERIN CONNEALY, M.D., M.P.H. received a Master�s in Public Health from the University of Texas and her M.D. from the University of Chicago. She did her postgraduate training in family practice at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Connealy began practicing medicine in 1986. More and more of her patients started asking about alternative treatments and this prompted her to learn everything she could about nontoxic protocols. In 1992, she founded the South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine in Tustin, California, where she serves as Medical Director. Her practice is firmly based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness. Her goal is to empower and educate individuals and their families through her treatment plans, lectures, newsletters and articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Leigh_Erin_Connealy/18180
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rippling-Effects-of-Chlorinated-Water&id=90029

FOOD AND HERBS TO AVOID IN PREGNANCY

This article has moved
SEE ALSO FOODS FOR FERTILITY (getpregnantover40.com)

ONE WOMAN'S MISCARRIAGE STORY

Here is one woman's story of how she handled her miscarriage and her faith:

How I Handled Losing My Baby

Guest Post By Avis Ward

I did not handle the loss of my baby at all. It handled me. I thought my faith was strong and I could handle anything. Actually, I never thought I would not be a Mom. I knew the Lord answered prayers and mine would be answered.
Becoming pregnant for many is very easy. I have friends who have said if their hubby looked at them with that "you know" look, they'd conceive. After many tests, countless doctor visits and thousands of dollars later, it was determined there should not be a problem. So, I could get pregnant but there were complications.
My youngest sister and I did not know we were pregnant at the time of our Dad's heart attack and hospital stay. It would end his life. Not until after the funeral services for him did we learn of our pregnancies. She had two daughters that were seven years apart and they were hopeful for a healthy son. He would be born seven years after his youngest sister. We enjoyed our pregnancy together although we lived a little less than two hours apart.

 

SEE ALSO: MISCARRIAGE OVER 40 (OR ANY AGE) AND TEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW (getpregnantover40.com) 

Our family felt blessed to have two babies coming after losing our last parent. Mother had died many years ago. Our grieving ended almost suddenly when we learned of the pregnancies. Perhaps it is best to say, our grief was replaced with joy. Our hearts were not as heavy.
Twelve years have passed and now that I can see through the glass clearly, I know God was at work. At that time, I saw dimly through the glass and became withdrawn. Making it into the third trimester was very encouraging and promising although bed rest was required. In case you're wondering, I was not alone. I was married and happily so. It was a blessing to have someone to help bear the loss of my dad. I had been there for him when his father passed away.
I have wondered if my faith then were as strong as I thought. I have wondered what I may have done to cause the wrath of God to strike me as it did. My water broke in my third trimester but I did not immediately go into labor. My doctor told me, "Avis, I was praying you had just peed in your pants!"
I was in the hospital for a week and sent home because no changes took place. I remember praying to God and letting Him know, if He desired to use a sponge the size and thickness of a one dollar bill, He could dry up Niagara Falls. If He wanted to fill the Grand Canyon with the sand in an hourglass, I believed and knew He could. I only wanted the hole no doubt smaller than a pin prick in my embryonic sac to be sealed. I asked Him to do this for me, for us, for my baby girl. I expected and believed He'd do it.
I was discharged from the hospital after a week's stay but the next day, labor pains began. I thought if I ignored them, they would stop but the contractions came closer and closer together. My husband called the doctor and we were told to meet him at the hospital.
Our baby girl was born but she did not survive. She was too young and major organs had not developed to sustain her life. I prayed my youngest sister would not go into depression because of our loss. I prayed for everyone except myself.
My happy marriage fell apart. I became someone I did not recognize or wanted to know. My home became my hideout from the world. I did not receive visitors, calls or condolences. It was not until years later that I realize what happened to me.
All of the advice I had given others during their losses and hardships was not received by me. I turned away from everyone. The loss of my dad rebounded and was combined with losing my daughter and a failing marriage. I found strength within myself to bring an end to what had not been the best years of my life for some time. I filed for divorce and moved out of the home I had built as a single woman.
We're told not to make major decisions during turbulent times or a crisis. I felt God did what He thought was best and I was obligated to accept it. I did not understand but I was taught not to question God. I didn't.
This story is being told to help others. I misunderstood so many things in the name of "religion." I knew of God but did not have a relationship with Him. I have made gigantic strides after enduring horrific emotional times. Several miscarriages in the first trimester and hope after making it to the third were a miracle. I knew the biggest miracle would be holding my baby, taking her home, nursing her and being her mom for the rest of my life. I was wrong.
The biggest miracle is sharing with others the power of God to completely heal us. I know firsthand that He is always working for our good and we only need to trust Him. He is a God of not only restoration but also restitution. His promises are many and we can count on Him if we do our part.
My sister has a twelve year old son named after his grandfather, George. My daughter, Chelsea, would also be twelve if she had lived. I do not know if she'd be with me and her father. I do not think so but I know she is where she was meant to be. Her grandparents got to spend more time with her than I. It may have been they were to raise her and not us.
God works in mysterious ways. I trust Him implicitly and so can you.
© 2007 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life
Avis E. Ward is a visonary called to unite the personal, spiritual and political through Love. She is an Ambassador of Love, Inspirational Speaker, Certified Seminar Leader and Action Coach.  Avis is also an Orthodontic Management Consultant. Avis invites you to view her blog and participate in her forum. http://aviswardconsulting.com/ [http://www.aviswardconsulting.com/] or Avis Ward
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Avis_Ward/40026

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-I-Handled-Losing-My-Baby&id=830243

HOW MEN'S DRINKING CAN CAUSE MISCARRIAGE

We all know that women shouldn't drink if they are pregnant or if they are planning to conceive in the near future. But, men are not off the hook either. It may sound odd, but men can contribute to miscarriage as well if they drink near the conception period.
Here is an article that ties a link between men drinking alcohol and how it may have an impact on their partner having a miscarriage:

SEE ALSO: INCREASING SPERM COUNT NATURALLY (getpregnantover40.com)

 

The partners of men who consume 10 or more alcoholic drinks per week at the time of conception are more likely to miscarry than women whose partners did not drink alcohol at all, according to a study published in the Oct. 1 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, Reuters Health reports. Dr. Tine Brink Henriksen of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark and colleagues studied 430 couples ages 20 to 35 who were attempting a first pregnancy. The researchers studied each couple until a clinically recognized pregnancy occurred or for six menstrual cycles. During the study period, there were 186 pregnancies, 55 of which ended in miscarriage, according to Reuters Health. Women who reported consuming 10 or more drinks per week at the time of conception were almost three times as likely to experience a miscarriage as women who had not consumed any alcoholic beverages during the conception period. The partners of men who consumed 10 or more alcoholic drinks per week at the time of conception were five times as likely to miscarry as women whose partners did not drink any alcohol, according to the researchers
from: 
christianliferesources.com

MOLECULE PREDICTS MISCARRIAGE

Miscarriage May Be Predicted

Until I read this article, I had never hear of anandamide.

  Of course, some miscarriages are suspected after ultrasounds can't find heartbeats or they find problems with the heart rate  Apparently high levels of this substance "anandamide" may predict miscarriage risk as well. Read more:

Researchers at Leicester University carried out a study, which found that women who had a particular, naturally-occurring molecule in their body were likely to suffer a miscarriage.

The study involved 45 women who were bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy and showed signs of threatened miscarriage.

 See also www.getpregnantover40.com for natural ways to prevent and deal with miscarriage

  The women who had higher levels of anandamide went on to lose their baby, while 94% of the women that scientists predicted would go on to have a living baby, did not have a miscarriage.

Professor Justin Konje from the university said that he was excited by the results of the study. He said: "If the results are replicated, we would eventually be able to reassure women who present with bleeding in early pregnancy about the outcome of their pregnancies."
from: www.4ni.co.uk

MISCARRIAGE AND HANDLING MOTHER'S DAY

 This article has moved

SEE ALSO: MISCARRIAGE (getpregnantover40.com)

MISCARRIAGE AND POLYCYSTIC OVARIES

I've read that women with PCOS may have up to a 50% higher rate of miscarriage.  I did not have PCOS, but I've known a number of women with the condition who went on to have children both naturally and with assisted reproduction.  This article talks about some of the symptoms of the condition and some natural and medical treatments.

From the article:

PCOS is best approached in a holistic way, covering diet, exercise, herbs, nutrients, stress relief, proper sleep and relaxation although there are many conventional treatments for the disorder. Listed below are the conventional treatments for the most common symptoms:

1 Oligomenorrhea (irregular periods) and Amenorrhea (no periods)

The conventional treatments for this are the birth-control pill - the Pill - (the dangers of which are covered below) and Provera. Provera is a synthetic progestin that matures the womb lining, so that when it is withdrawn a period occurs. There are several side effects to both the Pill and Provera, however. The lists of side effects from the Pill are too numerous to list and taking Provera can result in severe PMS.

It is imperative that women have a period at least every three months. If women go longer than this without bleeding, their risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer increases greatly.

See Also: Alternative Medicine and Home Remedies For Miscarriage (www.getpregnantover40.com)

I do not favour the use of the Pill for treating PCOS. Mainly, this is due to the evidence that taking the Pill can worsen insulin resistance (7), especially if the Pill used is Dian 35 (Dianette, in Europe) which contains the steroid-like component cyperterone acetate (8). There is much debate about this issue, however, especially with a recent study stating that the Pill does not contribute to insulin resistance, and in fact keeps insulin levels steady (9). The fact that this study was conducted on women without PCOS may preclude these results being generalised to the PCOS population, however. More information on the pros and cons of taking the Pill can be found at http://nichollsvi.tripod.com/qbcp.html. Another reason I am against the use of the Pill is that many doctors will prescribe the Pill and then not bother treating I.R. or other symptoms, in effect masking them. This is not a good strategy as many women with PCOS find their symptoms worsen after coming off the Pill since it does not treat the root cause of the problem in any real way. Finally, the Pill has numerous side effects which women with PCOS do not need to contend with on top of symptoms they already have.

2. Hirsutism

Anti­ androgens such as Spiroctalene and Flutamide are used. They are useful for relieving both the symptoms of hirsutism and also of acne. However, they cause serious birth defects so the Pill must be taken with them. Since the Pill can be used to help treat both these conditions and this medicine is stronger, it may make sense to try the Pill on its own first. A new prescription cream Vaniqua can also be used on the face. This cream slows the rate of facial hair regrowth greatly.

Laser treatment and electrolysis have also been successfully used. These treatments may be painful and are costly, however.

3. Acne

Acne sufferers may first be offered pills such as Yasmin or Dian 35 to help with their acne. Yasmin seems to work quite well for PCOS suffers, but as already described Dian 35 (Dianette, in Europe) is not a good choice. Other acne treatments offered are antibiotics that can cause gastrointestinal side effects, and topical agents such as benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid and Tretinoin and Roaccutane for severe cases.

4. Obesity

If one is referred to a dietician she may be lucky or unlucky in terms of what diet tshe is prescribed. Nutritionists educated about PCOS will prescribe a diabetic diet complete with natural fats, adequate protein, large amounts of vegetables and small amounts of fruit and whole grains. However, often patients will simply receive outdated information from their doctors telling them to eat less or if referred to a nutritionist will be told to eat a low calorie, low fat diet. The patient may lose weight but they will not improve their health and will most likely feel miserable.

5. Infertility

This is a vast topic. However, I will delineate the basic treatments offered. Usually women are offered Clomid to force their body to ovulate. However, this can cause severe PMS and can only be used for six cycles. Women will then be offered gonadotropin injections to stimulate their eggs. If this is unsuccessful more invasive procedures such as GIFT and IVF follow. Detailed comprehensive information can be found at www.inciid.org or www.resolve.org .

Holistic Treatment

Nutrition: I am of the opinion that since PCOS is a chronic illness it is best treated holistically. A patient should concentrate on good nutrition first and foremost. There are several excellent books on nutrition available, but the best for those that suffer from PCOS are; "The Schwartzbein Principle" by Diana Schwartzbein, "The Diet Cure" by Julia Ross and "The PCOS Diet Book" by Colette Harris and Theresa Francis-Cheung. These books concentrate on improving health rather than weight loss and as such are much better approaches to weight loss for women with PCOS.

In essence the PCOS sufferer should ensure her diet is comprised of good quality protein such as meat, fish, (an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are so important for those with PCOS), poultry, nuts, seeds, eggs and cheeses. Good vegetarian protein sources are quorn, dairy, nuts, seeds and a small amount of beans and the less fermented soy products such as miso or tempeh. Soy is not the miracle food it is purported to be. In fact there are several health problems associated with the over consumption of soy (http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/avoid_soy.htm and http://www.holdthetoast.com/archive/010411.html).

The diet should also include good quality fats such as cold pressed oils. It is imperative that trans fatty acids and hydrogenated fats be avoided since they raise cholesterol and are carcinogenic. Finally, the right amount of carbohydrates according to activity level, health, insulin status and weight should be consumed in the form of vegetables, whole grains and a small amount of fruit.

Refined carbohydrates, white flour, sugar and caffeine should be greatly reduced and if possible eliminated from the diet. Also, if possible, choose organic foods.

Exercise: There is abundant evidence that exercise improves the body's use of insulin. Those with PCOS should try to concentrate on resistance rather than cardiovascular exercise. This is because resistance exercise (i.e., weight training, swimming, yoga, pilates) builds muscle and thus increases the body's insulin sensitivity. According to Schwartzbein (10), too much cardiovascular exercise raises adrenaline and cortisol levels and consequently raises insulin levels.

Even a simple walk most nights may be of help. Exercises such as yoga are particularly recommended because they relieve stress and work the muscles as well as targeting health problems.
from: 
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Picture: The Medical Journal of Australia

MY EXPERIENCE WITH RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE

My Experience With Miscarriage and Recurrent Miscarriage

Most of the time, we can't really figure out why it happens...we finally get pregnant, then, BAM, it's gone. 

Miscarriage seems like a cruel trick that the universe plays on you. You are so elated to finally become pregnant only to have all your hopes, dreams, and plans for the future end in miscarriage. You ask yourself, was it something I did? Did I exercise too much? Did I eat or take something I shouldn't have? And for many women, things get even worse when this happens over and over again.

SEE ALSO PREGNANCY LOSS AND 10 THINGS TO KNOW (getpregnantover40.com)

 

I had multiple miscarriages (including 2 ectopic pregnancies) until I joyously carried my last pregnancy to term. While all of this was going on, I went through every feeling in the book.

Not only was I jealous of most of the pregnant women I saw, I was also angry and down on myself for not being able to have a baby. That's why women are here on this earth, right? To procreate? I felt hopeless and alone. Nobody could tell me why this was happening.

All of these emotions are normal and my best advice is to feel every one of them. I screamed, shouted and got these emotions out of my system. The more you hold it inside, the more toxic these emotions become. Now that I have the benefit of hindsight I can share my insights:

Give yourself time to grieve. Acknowledge that this was a child you lost, not just a cluster of cells. You might want to have a private funeral or memorial. Light a candle and say a prayer for your baby. You may feel like you need to start trying to get pregnant again, but it may do you good to feel your pain before moving on. It really is a relief to just get mad, to not be strong, and to fall apart - even if for just a short time.

Recurrent miscarriage can be overcome. Don't think pregnancy is impossible. Miscarriage is a common occurance. Most women who have miscarriages go on to have one or more children.

I was able to regain control of my body and have a perfectly normal pregnancy without medical intervention - even after six miscarriages. This proved to me that I can create my own reality. I'm a firm believer that you attract what you think and if you're in a constant state of expecting failure, it's hard to make room for success.

Once you've moved through the grief and pain, dare to dream again. I know it's hard to imagine success when you've dealt with so much disappoinment, but you have to know that this can happen, you can get pregnant. Make an inviting environment for your baby to come into. Think good thoughts, this will attract what you want in your life.

Most of the time, we can't really figure out why it happens...we finally get pregnant, then, BAM, it's gone. Miscarriage seems like a cruel trick that the universe plays on you. You are so elated to finally become pregnant only to have all your hopes, dreams, and plans for the future end in miscarriage. You ask yourself, was it something I did? Did I exercise too much? Did I eat or take something I shouldn't have? And for many women, things get even worse when this happens over and over again.

I had multiple miscarriages (including 2 ectopic pregnancies) until I joyously carried my last pregnancy to term. While all of this was going on, I went through every feeling in the book.

Not only was I jealous of most of the pregnant women I saw, I was also angry and down on myself for not being able to have a baby. That's why women are here on this earth, right? To procreate? I felt hopeless and alone. Nobody could tell me why this was happening.

All of these emotions are normal and my best advice is to feel every one of them. I screamed, shouted and got these emotions out of my system. The more you hold it inside, the more toxic these emotions become. Now that I have the benefit of hindsight I can share my insights:

Give yourself time to grieve. Acknowledge that this was a child you lost, not just a cluster of cells. You might want to have a private funeral or memorial. Light a candle and say a prayer for your baby. You may feel like you need to start trying to get pregnant again, but it may do you good to feel your pain before moving on. It really is a relief to just get mad, to not be strong, and to fall apart - even if for just a short time.

Recurrent miscarriage can be overcome. Don't think pregnancy is impossible. Miscarriage is a common occurrence. Most women who have miscarriages go on to have one or more children.

I was able to regain control of my body and have a perfectly normal pregnancy without medical intervention - even after six miscarriages. This proved to me that I can create my own reality. I'm a firm believer that you attract what you think and if you're in a constant state of expecting failure, it's hard to make room for success.

Once you've moved through the grief and pain, dare to dream again. I know it's hard to imagine success when you've dealt with so much disappointment, but you have to know that this can happen, you can get pregnant. Make an inviting environment for your baby to come into. Think good thoughts, this will attract what you want in your life.