Pregnancy

I’m pursuing pregnancy. Can an obstetrician help?

While many people think they have to go directly to dedicated fertility practitioners if they are finding it difficult to become pregnant, a skilled obstetrician and gynecologist can offer you the testing and advice you need to figure out your next step.

Many of the root causes of infertility are treatable. Your provider can use blood tests to assess your hormone levels, perform ovulation tests using ultrasound, and examine your reproductive organs to check for scarring or other issues. 

The team takes care to listen to your concerns and tailors your treatment plan to meet your unique needs.

What conditions can make pregnancy harder to achieve?

You may naturally find it a bit harder to conceive if you have certain gynecological conditions or if you’re over the age of 35. Common fertility issues in couples include:

• Ovulation disorders, which impact egg release
• Abnormal sperm function or production in male partners
• Damage or blockage in a Fallopian tube
• Diabetes
• Abnormalities, such as uterine fibroids, in the uterus or cervix
• Cancer
• Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
• Being underweight
• Pelvic scarring

If sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a concern for you and your partner, your provider can offer effective and compassionate STD treatment to alleviate symptoms.

Once they determine the underlying challenge, they can design a personalized treatment plan.

What steps can I take to improve my chances of pregnancy?

As counterintuitive as it may feel, avoid placing too much stress on yourself or your partner as you pursue pregnancy. Follow your provider’s individualized treatment plan, and make simple, healthy lifestyle choices, such as:

• Take supplements, such as calcium and folic acid, as directed
• Maintain a healthy weight, neither underweight or overweight
• Enjoy regular sex, especially near the time you are ovulating
• Reduce your daily caffeine intake to the equivalent of one or two cups of coffee
• Steer clear of tobacco and alcohol
• Keep activities to moderate levels of intensity—ideally less than five hours of strenuous weekly exercise
• Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of lean meats, vegetables, and fruits

Expert guidance can ease your mind and improve your odds of achieving a healthy pregnancy. To learn more about how the providers at Miguel Albert, MD, can help you, call the office today or book an appointment online.