New Year New ME!

It’s that time of the year! A new start a new beginning and a New you 🙂

The beginning of a new year comes with new goals and plans to work towards a better you. Making New Year’s resolutions marks a new start and a new beginning.

Resolution does sound clichéd but then don’t skip this clichéd New Year’s resolutions, because this is no ordinary year! This year will probably be the most important year for the rest of your life, this is the year you will be responsible for bringing in a new life into your wonderful world, and realize that dream of a perfect family you always envisioned

So let’s get started with our small but important resolutions.

• Resolution to pay attention on your mental and physical health:

Have a resolution to workout at least half an hour everyday or at least every alternate day. Do it for fun rather than making it sound boring. Take your partner along with you. Instead of getting together for food or coffee make  get together plans with your partner and friends for some outdoor activities like sports, running or anything fun which includes physical activities.

• Pay little attention on your food habits- yes you heard it right! 

Promise yourself, not going for any “YO YO “diets, just make your usual diet a little healthier by reading and researching about it. You need to do something which you can follow lifelong and “YO YO” diets don’t live very long! Moderate exercise and a balanced diet are go-to resolutions for a reason; not only do they improve overall health, but they can also benefit a person’s fertility. Obesity is a real factor in successful fertility conception. A healthy body is much more likely to get pregnant than one affected by habits that hurt your health. If you’re under weight, try to gain a little.  Put together a good diet and exercise routine that keeps your weight in the healthy range. Women have a higher chance of conception when they have a normal body mass index (BMI) between 18.5– 24.9. Research has shown approximately a third of couples struggling to conceive will get pregnant even if they lose 5-10 per cent of their body weight. So please look after yourself. Stop smoking, if you are a smoker, don’t overindulge in alcohol, and don’t use drugs. Partying and getting pregnant really don’t mix and yes pay attention on your sleep timings too, aim for a Healthy Sex Life — Particularly During Ovulation, remember to take time and enjoy.

• Resolution to see your Fertility Doctor on time instead of waiting for Mr. Google to answer everything:

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But get to a fertility doctor if you’ve been trying for a year and you’re under 35, or you’ve been trying for six months and you’re over 35 and have not yet achieved a pregnancy.  Knowledge is power. A consultation and basic fertility evaluation is an affordable way to get a snapshot of your fertility potential. Couples can do a fertility awareness checkup for the cost of a nice dinner for two. Please Ignore Dr Google (and probably your friends and family). Remember that your friends and even your mother are not necessarily fertility experts – despite their personal experiences. If you’re becoming stressed about not conceiving ask for help rather than waiting and worrying. Fertility can be a confusing part of life, often we think we know more than we really do. Waiting for years to pass before considering fertility testing isn’t the answer, especially if your individual fertility issue can be treated effectively.

• Resolution to be happy for other pregnant women:

Fertility treatment is an emotional roller-coaster ride.  Even before you start treatment, you may suffer from depression, jealousy, anger, and even grief.  It’s very hard to see your friends and family members get pregnant easily while you struggle.  It’s only natural to feel upset and unhappy.  Try to let the bad feelings go.  If you need help, don’t hesitate to see a counselor or therapist.  Emotional support is very important through this difficult time. Acknowledge Your Partner’s Feelings

Remember you’re not in this alone. Your partner may be feeling some of the same emotions you feel, and may not share them to keep from hurting you or because it’s hard for him or her to talk about it. Please be kind to each other. Try to be patient and supportive. Again, don’t hesitate to find a counselor or a support group if you find your relationship is suffering from your struggle with infertility. But remember that if you stick with the fertility treatment plan, the odds are good that you will someday enjoy celebrating your own wonderful news! Till then be happy for others 🙂

• Resolution to never lose hope:

Trying to get pregnant can produce overwhelming sadness and stress. Sometimes, you may feel like the easiest path to take is to stop infertility treatments and walk away. Resolve to rise above those emotions. End goal should be, not to give up, even in the face of disappointment. No matter the situation, there’s always hope!

“Thoughts are an important part of your inner wisdom and they are very powerful. A thought held long enough and repeated often becomes a belief. A belief then becomes your biology. Beliefs are energetic forces that create the physical basis for your individual life and your health.” — Christiane Northrup

 Wishing you a Happy New Year! May all your resolutions come to fruition 🙂

By Dr. Varsha Anand

Specialist OB/GYN