Despite the advances of modern medicine, recent research shows that an increasing percentage of women are unable to get pregnant or carry a baby full-term to delivery without extra effort. Stress, careers, and hectic schedules are among possible causes cited by experts as delaying or interfering with the childbearing process.
If you're having trouble getting pregnant, when should you consult a doctor? And should it be a general practitioner or an ob-gyn specialist? Here are some general guidelines to consider:
If you are between the ages of 20 and 35 and are trying to become pregnant, many doctors recommend giving it a year or so before seeking medical intervention. However, you may wish to consult your doctor after six months if you have not become pregnant. The doctor may recommend an ovulation chart or test, along with providing a physical exam and health advice or supplements, if needed, to manage your general health and any possible underlying conditions. Your first contact should be with the family doctor or general practitioner. He or she will refer you to a specialist if conditions seem to warrant.
You can prepare for the first visit by organizing information about your menstrual cycle and general health. Bring a chart or dates of your menstrual cycle over the past year, including type and duration of flow. For example, if your periods are heavier than before, the doctor may want to check for fibroid tumors, which are benign but may impact your efforts to become pregnant. He or she also may test for endometriosis, an overgrowth of the uterine lining. Hormone levels also may be checked, along with other conditions related to your reproductive health.
Also bring information about your history, such as the age when you began having periods, number of pregnancies, miscarriages, or abortions to date, and other health conditions and their treatments, such as previous surgeries, diabetes, thyroid, genetic factors, etc. All of this information can provide a helpful profile to assist the doctor in evaluating your readiness for pregnancy.
Before consulting your doctor, you also may want to chart your ovulation each month. That is the phase when your ovary releases an egg follicle into the Fallopian tube in anticipation of possible fertilization. Many women know when they ovulate, since symptoms may include slight abdominal tenderness or swelling each month, often in one side or another. Your body temperature may rise slightly. If you do not know when you ovulate, you can get an over the counter test at the pharmacy that will indicate when this occurs. You may ovulate regularly or sporadically, or the egg may not be ready to be fertilized. Your doctor can explore factors like these and prescribe treatment, if needed.
After meeting with your doctor, follow prescribed guidelines carefully, taking all medications as outlined. Keep track of bodily functions or changes if you are asked to do so. In general, protect your health to provide a wholesome environment for a strong, healthy pregnancy.
While having a baby can be one of the most natural processes that women can experience, sometimes a little extra help may be needed. Take notes, keep records, and cooperate with your doctor as you work toward a successful pregnancy.
