Fertility and Age – a direct link

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

There is no denying that the delay in pregnancy has become a trend especially in urban states. Women delays pregnancy to pursue careers, doing business etc. And, it is unlikely that this trend of delaying parenthood is not going to change anytime soon. But what can you do to assess your fertility health, what really are your chances of having a baby in your late 30s and is there anything you can do to preserve your fertility?

The key to fertility is a woman’s ovarian reserve i.e. the availability of healthy eggs. A decline in ovarian reserve means that not only do the ovaries have fewer eggs to offer, but the eggs they do have are of poorer quality. The challenge for many women choosing to have their first child mid-30s or later is that as part of the body’s natural aging process, a woman’s eggs age too. This can lead to infertility and/or miscarriage.

Achieving a natural pregnancy after 40 years of age is a challenge for many women, but getting pregnant is only half the journey. Miscarriage rates over 40 are 50% and rise quickly with each advancing year.

Hormone testing to assess egg quality and number:

Three simple blood tests can check hormone levels and reveal more information about egg quality and number. These tests may also help diagnose infertility in a younger woman, who ordinarily would not be experiencing diminished ovarian reserve or poor quality, but may be living with an undiagnosed condition:

1. Basic FSH Test: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) is the main hormone involved in producing mature eggs in the ovaries. If this test reveals excessive

Reboot your fertility in this New Year 2016

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Everyone makes resolutions every year but few only stick to it. But let’s begin this year with a healthy lifestyle. Researches has proven that if you are trying to conceive then it is very important for a woman to maintain a healthy lifestyle and being physically fit is of utmost importance as it helps in regaining stamina and rejuvenating the energy level. Go by the following tips that you should maintain and sustain whole this year:

1. First of all start eating right: It is very important for a woman to have a balanced diet which is full of multi vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is very important to women for those who are planning a baby as it significantly increases the pregnancy rate; Tomatoes provide an excellent amount of Vitamin C and E, They are also rich in anti-oxidants; Protein in your diet is very important for your fertility as it helps to maintain blood sugar balance also. Include more salads and fruits in your diet. 
2. Go out and walk:  Walking is an ideal pre-conception exercise. It is a great cardiovascular exercise especially if you step to a reasonable pace and it also helps to tone your legs, back and tummy. All these are very important in treating infertility as being fit is the most integral part of your conception plan. So, go for a regular walk in the morning and evening. 
3. Find out your mental peace: Find a quiet place away from distractions. Clear your mind and focus on your breathing between 10 and 20 minutes. Try to do

Be aware about the right age for your parenthood

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

There is a growing trend for child bearing at a later age not only in abroad but this trend has been catching up in India also for a while now. The reason why parenthood is being postpone are many; but the most common reasons for delaying it are: availability of safe and effective contraception, to pursue education and build career, to achieve financial independence and occasionally to maintain gap between babies. However, biologically the optimum period for child bearing is between the age of 20-35 years. After this age there might be difficulty in conceiving and the risks of miscarriage also rises up.  

Risk of miscarriage under 35 years is around 15% which increases to 20-35% at the age of 35-45 years and 50% in women of more than 45 years of age. If a woman of 30 years of age tries for pregnancy, then 75% of them will conceive naturally. While women aged around 35 years or more tries for pregnancy, then 66% of them might have chances of getting