Using eggs supplied by a donor allows women who lack healthy and viable eggs of their own to become pregnant at a high overall success rate. This treatment option is used most often in women who have already undergone several cycles of in vitro fertilization, who have premature ovarian failure, or elevated FSH levels.

If you are considering undergoing treatment using donated eggs, it is crucial that you understand the process that goes into this specific course of treatment. This process is made up of 7 steps, from the initial consultation to embryo transfer and hormonal supplementation.

The initial consultation is the very first step in the process of seeking IVF using donated eggs. This is the time the woman undergoing the treatment, commonly referred to as the “intended mother,” will have various fertility screenings. The intended parents will also have the opportunity to speak with and be counseled by a fertility specialist on treatment using a donor egg.

The second step of the process is what is called a Mock Cycle, where the health of the intended mother is ensured and she can begin taking hormones to prepare her womb for a mock embryo transfer. This is done so that when she proceeds with receiving a donor egg, it is confirmed that the procedure will go as smoothly as possible. Then it is time for the intended parents to work with an egg donation agency and select a donor.

When a suitable donor is chosen and begins working with the intended parents, the donor and the intended mother’s menstrual cycles are synchronized through the use of hormone therapy. The donor undergoes an egg stimulation cycle for egg retrieval, and if that goes smoothly, the donor’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with the intended father’s sperm. Within the next 24 hours of the fifth step of this process, fertilized eggs within the batch can be identified.

The sixth step of the process is when the embryo transfer takes place. After developing for three-to-five days in an IVF dish, the fertilized embryo is transferred to the intended mother’s uterus. Pregnancy can be confirmed within one week of the transfer. If successful, the intended mother will then receive supplemental hormones for the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy.

Many fertility specialists and treatment centers have developed an extensive list of helpful resources for those who are interested in learning more about fertility issues and treatment. Santa Monica Fertility has their own Santa Monica fertility blog that discusses a myriad of fertility issues, from miscarriage and how it can be prevented, legal aspects of egg donation, and even videos of the IVF process, and more.

The decision to begin the process of fertility treatment is an important and deeply personal one. When gathering information about the process and what it entails, be sure to get your information from a variety of different resources and your counseling directly from trusted and respected fertility specialists.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Santa Monica Fertility. Incentive was provided to me, and opinions are my own.

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There was a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine which shows that at least 1/3 of cesarean sections are carried out before 39 weeks, which is too early. This will put a newborn at a higher risk for health issues.

While there are several C-sections performed for medically sound reasons, this same study found that at least half of them are elective, or optional surgical births. At the very least, some C-sections can be prevented, with a little effort during pregnancy and labor.

So, let’s take a look at what you can do to increase your chances of a natural child birth.

1. Choose your physician with care.

   The doctor you choose to guide you through the pregnancy and delivery of your baby will be a key factor in how your delivery goes. Interview doctors and ask important questions, such as their percentage of natural births compared to C-sections. Anything below 10% is considered a low rate.

   Another area of consideration when choosing a provider is where they have privileges at and where you would be delivering the baby. The hospital should also be checked out, as their policies for labor and birth will also affect your experience.

   Do some diligent research on the provider, as well as the hospital before making your choice on who you want to trust for the best possible care for both you and your baby.

2. Utilize various treatments for back pain.

   Treating the back pain that often comes with pregnancy can actually increase your chances of having a natural child birth, according to Dr. Elliot Berlin of Berlin Wellness Group. He states that back, hip, and pelvic pain can be a result of tight muscles, or restrictive bone that is not properly adjusting to the pregnancy, which can lead to problems on the day of delivery.

   Dr. Berlin goes on to say that various available treatments can open up pelvic bones and relax the pelvic musculature, which can maximize your chance of a natural and safe delivery.

   Some of those treatments are:

   • Chiropractic Treatments — This can include therapeutic exercises.
   • Yoga — Yoga helps to stretch muscles that tighten due to hormonal changes.
   • Therapeutic Massage — Massage can help with anxiety, muscle restriction, and circulation.
   • Acupuncture — Prenatal acupuncture can help to ease back pain.

   When you can ease the pains and tensions that can be associated with pregnancy, it will also help your chances in delivering your new baby naturally. In fact, I am currently working with a chiropractor in Phoenix Arizona on a series of articles on back pain in pregnancy.

3. Knowledge is power.

   Learn as much as you can about pregnancy and child birth, as the “education” you get will be the most powerful tool you have. I personally research everything on the internet, and love the ability to learn so much at my fingertips.

   However, there are also classes available, which will place you in touch with others going through the same process, and you just may learn more from their questions. The more you learn, the more armed you will be in making the right choice for you and your baby.

4. Avoid inducing if possible.

   Inducing increases your chances of a C-section, especially if it’s your first delivery. Talk to your physician about avoiding induction to see what your options are, if they are promoting it. Just keep in mind, sometimes it is the best option.

   Elective inductions to fit your schedule or your doctor’s schedule should be avoided, especially if you do not want a C-section. You might as well get used to the idea that your schedule won’t ever be your own again and it might as well start with the birth.

5. Have help during labor.

   Having someone in the room with you helping you through the labor process can help relieve some of the anxiety that goes along with labor and delivery. If that can be diminished at all, it will help the entire process to go more smoothly. This could be a loved one or someone professionally trained in labor coaching.

All of the above information can help increase your odds for a natural delivery. However, it is best to consult your physician with any decision or question you might have. They are accustomed to new moms-to-be asking questions and a good doctor should be prepared to answer them all.

In closing, it’s a common belief that natural child birth, in a relatively healthy pregnancy, is less risky than a C-section, both for mom and baby. It’s also an easier recovery period for most women. Of course, there will be exceptions, just as with anything else. However, the steps above might help you deliver in the manner of your choice.

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One of the more recent issues facing expecting parents today that has received a ton of press and attention is the option of banking umbilical cord blood. This decision can become a difficult one to make when you begin doing research on the topic, and also must be made well before the child is born.

Umbilical cord blood banking is the preservation of the blood and stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord at the time of birth. It is then stored in a bank for potential future use to treat a variety of different illnesses and diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and metabolic disorders.

Usually when we hear about stem cells being used to treat illnesses, they are debates laced in controversy. We know for a fact that stem cells work in treatment, but just like most other medical advances, it has its critics. However, stem cells that are found in cord blood are considered to be free of controversy since the act of preserving them does not hurt, harm, or pose any threat to the child whatsoever and would in fact be discarded anyway. Many expecting parents have become in-favor of banking their baby’s cord blood, and the reason as to why is really quite simple: anyone would undoubtedly do whatever they could to protect the health of their child.

When a friend of mine was pregnant with her first son, as part of her baby shower registry, she included an option for people to donate to her family’s fund for private cord blood banking. If you plan on banking your baby’s cord blood for future personal or family use, I think it’s really smart to reach out to friends and family as part of your baby shower registry in order to realistically be able to make this investment. The reason for this is because private banks cost money, and it may be more than you’re planning on spending. Typically, private cord blood banks charge a large initial processing fee, which can range from $595 to nearly $2,000. In addition to that fee, you are then charged an annual storage fee which runs around $95 a year.

When you choose to privately bank your baby’s cord blood, you pay an annual fee in order to keep it stored and available for you and your family if your child or a sibling should ever need it to help treat an illness.

Alternatively, you may choose to donate your baby’s cord blood to a public bank where anyone in need of a transplant could use it, or it may be used for research purposes. That isn’t to say that there wouldn’t be compatible cord blood available to your child if they did at some point need a transplant because they would also have access to the public bank.

Cord blood banking and donation is an intensely important and personal decision that every family must carefully weigh the pros and cons of with the help of their team of doctors before the birth of their child. Whether it’s public donation or private banking, we are certainly making tremendous medical strides in using stem cells to eradicate illness and disease in our children.

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The good news is that you can sit back and relax. It’s time to cut to the chase with the top three tips that you can use today to have a healthy, safe, and happy pregnancy before you welcome your bundle of joy into the world:

1. Consider your dental hygiene.

   When you’re pregnant, the last thing on your list may be making a dental appointment. But due to higher levels of progesterone and hormone changes during pregnancy, it can promote increased bacterial growth on your teeth. Basically, your gums will be much more susceptible to infection and inflammation, which leads to gingivitis. And when you add to that strange cravings for brownies, lemons, and pickles, your teeth may be pretty out of whack. Do yourself a favor and check in with your dentist several times during pregnancy to prevent any unnecessary infection that could spread to your baby.

2. Think before you eat.

   FYI, the whole “eating for two” concept is actually a myth. For many pregnant women, this may be terrible news. But when you think more about what you eat, you’ll feel better and improve your energy levels day by day. All you really need are 300 extra calories a day to compensate for your baby. According to MSNBC, your baby requires 55,000 calories from conception to birth–that’s it! And contrary to popular belief, there’s no reason to load up on calories in your first trimester. Begin to eat more healthy foods and proteins in your second and third trimester to compensate.

3. Have a glass of wine.

   Yes, you read that correctly! Drinking wine on occasion won’t pose any risk to your baby, and it may even have the opposite effect, according to research from the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The study showed that pregnant women who drank one to two glasses of wine a week actually had better behaved children than women who abstained from alcohol altogether. Of course, heavy drinking poses behavioral and emotional risks to your baby, but sticking to a few drinks a week under the supervision of your doctor is perfectly fine.

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If you find yourself in the same predicament, or even if you’re just a little bit curious about how to induce labor naturally, superstitions surrounding labor and delivery are worth exploring. More and more expectant mothers are considering these alternative methods, according to a recent study from Ohio State University. Roughly 50% of mamas who are 37 weeks pregnant have tried different superstitious methods to stimulate labor, including masturbation, sex, and eating spicy food.

The good news is that none of the above methods are harmful, so many pregnant ladies think why not? To break it down for you, here’s the 411 on the most common old wives tales used to induce labor:

1. Castor Oil: One of the most famous old wives tales surrounding labor is drinking castor oil to get that baby moving. Castor oil releases prostaglandins, a chemical known to stimulate contractions. Still, castor oil isn’t the most pleasant remedy. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or both, which may put unnecessary stress on your body before labor.
2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a fairly successful method used to induce labor, potentially within only 48 hours of treatment. The good news is that acupuncture is safe and relaxing and will only stimulate labor if your body is ready. Acupuncture works to cleanse energy blockages in your body to prepare your body for labor at the right time.
3. Spicy Food: If only it were that easy… Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that eating spicy food will trigger labor, but if you can handle a little extra salsa on your tacos, then go for it. But keep in mind that overdoing it on spicy foods could actually cause heartburn instead of triggering labor.

For many women, they believe that Murphy’s Law is the best method to induce labor. Meaning, don’t shave your legs–or your lady parts–and that will be the time that you’re bound to go into labor. Whatever method you decide to use to induce labor and get that baby moving, remember to stay relaxed (as much as you can) and try to enjoy the ride!

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Prenatal massage is an excellent way for a pregnant woman to relax, unwind, and relieve stress safely and naturally.

Here are some of the top reasons to enjoy a prenatal massage today:

• Reduce Anxiety: Studies have confirmed that regular massage treatments throughout pregnancy can help to reduce anxiety and even alleviate depression. Most prenatal massage is done through the lighter therapy of Swedish massage, which helps to relax tension in the muscles and improve circulation using mild pressure applied to the muscles. Swedish massage is the recommended form of prenatal massage since it will help to alleviate discomfort without causing any harm to the baby.
• Relieve Muscle Cramps: For any pregnant women suffering from muscle cramps, spasms, and lower back pain as a result of carrying around extra weight, prenatal massage may be the answer. Prenatal massage is safer and much more effective than taking over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain. This will help a pregnant mom to feel more balanced and serene to improve her overall health. The act of relieving physical stress during pregnancy is a powerful tool to relieve emotional stress at the same time. This pain relief can work hand-in-hand to reduce even more stress and anxiety that a pregnant mom may be carrying around without knowing it.
• Reduce Swelling: If a pregnant mom is struggling with swelling of her joints later on in pregnancy, this is often a result of reduced circulation that occurs when the uterus places pressure on major blood vessels. Regular prenatal massage will help to stimulate soft tissue and reduce accumulated fluid to ease swelling. This will help to flush toxic waste from the body and aid in hydration.

Women who enjoy prenatal massage can greatly improve their circulation to relieve minor aches and pains, like headaches. If a woman is having difficulty sleeping at night, a prenatal massage can often help to put her body back into balance so that she sleeps more deeply to get the rest that she and her baby need.

Prior to considering prenatal massage, make sure that you work with a licensed prenatal massage therapist. It’s also important to discuss with your doctor beforehand to ensure that you are a candidate for prenatal massage.

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Don’t let the baby naming blues get you down! Whether you are totally stumped or just can’t come to a compromise with your spouse, here are a few tips that you can use to pick out the perfect name for your bundle of joy well before he or she born:

• What is your baby naming style? This could be where you and your spouse fall into a disagreement. Perhaps you are a traditional namer who likes Michael or Jessica. Your spouse, on the other hand, maybe a trendy namer who prefers newly popular names like Leonardo or Harper. Try to come to a compromise between the two by choosing a unique, classic name that you both can agree upon.
• Consider a gender-neutral name. If you are waiting to find out the sex of your baby until it’s born, why not consider a gender-neutral name for either sex? A gender-neutral name can be strong and unique and work for a boy or a girl. Examples include Robin, Evan, Ashley, or Reese.
• Think about your inspiration. Many people are happy to name their baby after a beloved family member, like a grandmother who has passed away. Or perhaps your religion can inspire you to name your child after a saint or after a character in the Bible. Baby names are often much more meaningful if they have inspiration behind them.
• Think twice about nicknames. Today, there are no rules when it comes to baby names. Many people choose a longer name specifically for its nickname, like Ben for Benjamin. But who says you have to name your baby a longer name first? More and more couples today are naming their baby a nickname instead of a longer name that will be shortened later. Examples include Bo, Jess, Jodi, or Katy. Think outside of the box and don’t be constrained to a longer, traditional name when you could use a shorter version instead.
• Consider an unconventional name. If you keep going back and forth between old favorites like Jennifer and Alexander, consider an unconventional name instead. It may be difficult for people to pronounce or understand an unusual name at first, but unusual names are easier to remember. Why not name your baby Ireland, Althea, Griffin, or even Selma?

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In the United States today, the cost of in vitro fertilization starts at around $12,400 per cycle. Most often, it takes multiple cycles of IVF in order for it to prove to be effective and still, at the end of your treatment, there is no guarantee that you will come out with the success you had hoped for.

Infertility is recognized by the World Health Organization as a legitimate disease and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has publicly stated that infertility is an “emerging public health priority.” Regardless, it is extremely rare to find IVF, as well as any other assisted reproductive technology services, listed on insurance policies. In fact, only 15 states have passed laws to date that require insurance companies to offer some level of treatment for infertility. That isn’t to say that you will find IVF listed as a covered course of treatment within all 15 of these states, but you will find some form of treatment that will be made available to infertile couples.

Considering that an extremely limited group of people are likely to ever find in vitro fertilization, or most other services like it, listed as a covered course of treatment on their insurance policies, the only other option those seeking this procedure is to pay for it out of pocket. This does not look too great for, well, most people who are diagnosed with infertility. This is especially true since while we have seen a subtle rise in our national economy, we are still very much dealing with the aftermath of a historic financial crisis.

There are obvious considerable cost barriers that infertile couples are faced with. This bill would help to alleviate some of this well-known struggle by making tax credits available to taxpayers who earn an adjusted gross income of less than $182,500. This bill would also make these tax credits unavailable for those who earn $222,520 or more per year.

While the introduction of this bill is light at the end of the tunnel for many who hope to undergo fertility treatments but cannot afford to do so, spreading the word about this bill also raises awareness about the importance of egg donation.

We don’t hear about the option for healthy women to donate their eggs very often. The term “in vitro fertilization” has quickly become quite common and has reached the point where most everyone knows what it is and how it is done, but we usually have a very one-sided thought process when it comes to the procedure. We think about the women undergoing IVF, but not about if she will use donor eggs or who they come from.

In most cases, there is a six to nine month matching wait associated with IVF when a woman is using eggs that are donated. This is merely more time that women undergoing IVF must wait in order to attempt to conceive, not even counting the amount of time one cycle takes to complete. This can become an understandably hard time. The key to more women wanting to donate their eggs is letting them know that it is an option and what qualifies them in order to start the process.

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Eating well, keeping stress at bay, and exercising regularly are all important for everybody, but perhaps even more-so for expectant moms. Women who work out or are otherwise physically active might heave easier and more enjoyable pregnancies. Prenatal workouts and fresh air can even help reduce pregnancy signs like morning sickness, fatigue, and mood swings. But how do you stay active?

Prenatal exercises and an active lifestyle are suitable for almost every woman. Only if you are on bed rest for a threatened miscarriage or pre-term labor should you shun physical activities, as they can trigger contractions in women who are already at risk. For everyone else, even women who were mainly sedentary when they were wondering how to get pregnant, an active pregnancy should be encouraged.

If you were not working out before you got pregnant, it is best to start slowly and discuss your exercise plan with your doctor or midwife. Gentle cardio is a great place to begin–walking and Pilates are both wonderful options, and swimming is especially beneficial because it supports your body while also exercising your muscles. Do make sure to stay hydrated during your workout, listen to your body and take a break when you start getting sore or tired.

Do you have a busy schedule or work full-time? I know from experience that it can be hard to know where to fit in time for exercising. The good news is that everything that gets you busy and makes your heart beats faster is physical exercise, even if you never step into a gym. Gardening, decorating your baby’s nursery, and walking up and down stairs all contribute to your physical health. Don’t feel the need to take it easy and avoid these activities just because you are expecting a baby, as they are hugely beneficial for you.

Some types of exercise are not suitable for pregnancy. At the risk of stating the obvious, I’ll say the bungee jumping and white-water rafting are not a great idea while you are expecting a baby. Horseback riding, skiing, or any other sport that carries a large risk of physical injury should wait until after you give birth. And as you enter the third trimester, lying on your back for prolonged periods of time can reduce blood flow to your baby’s placenta. As long as you stay away from obvious risks and listen when your body tells you to stop, an active pregnancy is healthy, enjoyable, and might even help you have an easier labor and delivery.

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Infertility is a huge hurdle for a lot of women. In fact, 1-in-8 couples of childbearing age experience fertility issues, making up about 7.3 million people in the United States alone. Regardless of the number of people infertility affects, it remains a reproductive health issue that still has a good amount of stigma attached to it, and some of that stigma is in fact internalized self-critique by the women affected by it. It is not uncommon for women to believe that there must be something “wrong” with them on a deeper level than just having a health issue when they are having trouble getting pregnant or when they experience a miscarriage. That is why it is so important for more people who are and have been affected by fertility issues to speak up about them and create a safe and encouraging dialog for others.

Giuliana and Bill Rancic are a couple who are very familiar with fertility issues. Giuliana, a news anchor for E! and Bill, an entrepreneur and The Apprentice season one winner, have been sharing their story of trying to get pregnant in intimate and explicit detail on their reality television show, Giuliana & Bill, which airs on Mondays at 8PM ET on the Style Network. The couple has also recently joined RESOLVE and the National Infertility Association, a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health, and Fertility LifeLines, a free and confidential educational resource that provides information and support to people with fertility health concerns. With these organizations, Giuliana and Bill Rancic have been speaking up about fertility issues, their own issues, and how to go about getting help, support, and treatment options.

If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year or more, or if you are over the age of 35 and have been trying for six months or more, it is important to see a fertility specialist as soon as possible. By seeing a fertility specialist now, you can potentially reduce the chance of more frustration later. You will also have the opportunity to get educated about fertility, get answers to your questions about fertility from a professional who knows what they’re talking about, and with your specialist, you can determine potential treatment options that have the best chance of working for you.

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Marisol Rodriguez’s Skin clothing collection has sent me through a wave of mixed reactions ever since I first stumbled upon it.

Her green Transform dress, which transforms with your body as you go through your pregnancy, is very innovative. It’s something I have never seen done before, especially not in such a literal way, and it certainly racks up bonus points as taking an idea and bringing it to its execution in a very different way. It’s also a little ugly and not something I think I would be crazy about wearing out of the house.

The green dress, which is said to explore traditional Asian origami and simple methods of cutting and folding, begins as a very boring dress that hangs loosely on the body with its four slices in the material at the belly being very apparent. As your belly begins to get bigger, the center of the dress unfolds, showing light green stripes of color.

The Transform dress from the Skin collection is definitely a piece that will either be loved or hated by those who experience it. What do you think? Would you wear this origami-inspired, conceptual maternity dress?

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One of the puzzles teaches boys and girls about their bodies, from the skull and outward to what they see when they look in the mirror, and more interestingly, a mother’s body puzzle ($22.50) that makes it easy to teach small children about their mother’s new pregnancy, showing them the various stages of their new sibling’s development. The puzzle is directed towards children ages 4 and up, but I would think could be used for children as young as 3. It contains 29 wooden pieces in all and made of birch plywood, German water-based paint and lacquer.

I think this puzzle is a great idea; it’s always a good idea to back up any close-to serious conversation you need to have with your small child with some fun games and toys and it can definitely be a tremendous feat to portray exactly what is going on that they should be aware of during a pregnancy and an impending new sibling. However, of course concepts like this are novelty items that aren’t always “in season” when it comes to the various toys children accumulate, so this puzzle is a bit on the pricier side.

Would you use a puzzle like this to help explain pregnancy and a new sibling entering the household to your child or is it a waste of money?

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Women feel their best when they’re wearing clothes that they feel comfortable in and know that if they were famous and walked out of the house, they would feel good about seeing fans and signing autographs in whatever they were wearing. These feelings do not simply diminish as soon as a woman becomes pregnant; in fact, as time goes by and their outside gets bigger and bigger, women would absolutely love to have a few blouses or dresses that make them feel their best. While there are few maternity lines currently on the market, not many even come close to offering the amount of styles or even the amount of different products that Belly Dance Maternity offers.

Belly Dance Maternity stocks clothing and accessories for stylish moms-to-be. They opened their first store in 2002 in Chicago’s fashion forward Bucktown neighborhood and another in 2003 in Highland Park, Illinois. Belly Dance Maternity has received a great deal of press due to their unique and undeniably in-demand fashion. They stock everything a hip mama will need in terms of fashion from several different designers and outlets including Bravado Nursing, Maternal America and Ripe Maternity. They understand that all women deserve to feel sexy and fashionable in the clothing they wear, especially pregnant women. Their fashions have been seen on several different celebrity mamas and not only do they cater to mothers, but they also carry fashion and accessories for baby.

Carrying fashion and accessory lines for both mother and child in two stores as well as an online boutique working with several different retailers and fashion designers, Belly Dance Maternity is the go-to resource for everything you crave in maternity fashion.

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