Cloth Nappies

Your Questions Answered on cloth nappies

What are cloth nappies?

What are cloth nappies

People expecting their first child may do a lot of research when deciding what baby equipment to buy, such as which high chair or which pram. Very few expectant parents will do much research on the most used piece of baby equipment, their baby’s nappies.

Over the last decade the vast majority of parents have been using disposable nappies for their baby. There is a growing minority that are now rediscovering the alternative to disposable nappies, modern cloth nappies or real nappies.

Why are parents increasingly choosing modern cloth nappies. There are many reasons, such as:

*Economical
*Easy to use
*Environmentally friendly
*Good for your baby

Why use cloth nappies?

People decide on which nappies to use, based on a combination of the following common five factors:

1.    Convenience: It needs to be easy to use
2.    Price: It needs to be economical
3.    Environmental : What happens to it when you dispose of it
4.    Healthy: It needs to be good for your baby
5.    Washing: It needs to be simple and organised

Convenience

Nappies have to be easy to use. There are three types of nappies available.

• Standard disposable which are made with layers of plastic and paper and contain gels for absorbing the wee and poo.
• Biodegradable disposables - these can be flushed in a toilet and do not fill our landfill with untreated sewage, and will break down in 90-150 days.
• Fitted cloth nappies- are the response to the parents demands for a easy to use cloth nappy, that is reusable, and look like disposable nappies with gathered elastic at the legs and velcro tabs, so no folding or pins are required. Some brands are one size fits all, while other brands come in different sizes.

Baby Massage

More information on baby massage

Baby Massage More Information

Sources of Additional Information on Baby Massage

Books

• INFANT MASSAGE, A Handbook for Loving Parents by Vimala McClure ISBM 0-285-63617-0 - is recommended reading BY IAIM UK
• SLEEP: The Secret of Problem-free Nights by Beatrice Hollyer & Lucy Smith. ISBN 1-84188-185-6 - this book helps explain how to avoid those dreaded sleep problems - wish I had read this when I had my twin daughters as they didn’t sleep through the night for the first two years!
• SOLVE YOUR CHILD’S SLEEP PROBLEMS By Dr Richard Ferber. ISBN 0-86318-122-8. Dr Richard Ferber one of America’s leading authorites in the field of children’s sleep problems. He explains how to avoid the common problems associated with children going to sleep in the early years

Websites

International Association of Infant Massage

Infant Massage - USA

Baby Massage

Baby Massage Basic Steps

Baby Massage Basic Steps

There is a lot of information available on baby massage as there are different infant massage movements used. To find out more about recommended books and websites on baby massage << click here >>

As we have mentioned there are many techniques for baby massage, here is our favourite movements, you can experiment to find the ones that you and your baby enjoy the most.

Infant Massage caution

If you have any concerns about doing a baby massage, then you should seek expert help or attend a baby massage training class. Here are a list of some of the associations that might be helpful. << More information>> on baby massage associations. Be gentle with your baby. Don’t give the baby a massage if the baby is fidgety.

If your baby is under 5 months of age, do not massage at bath time as this can be over stimulating. You are could massage your baby after a night time sleep or during the day after a nap.

Best place for baby massage is on the floor on some towels as the baby can be slippery after the massage.

Always stop massaging if the baby indicates that they have had enough.

Rub your hands together to warm the oil

Basic Infant Massage Steps

Baby Massage steps - Back of baby

1. Place your child on their front. Gently stroke their back and along the back of the arms
2. Gently with the tips of your fingers massage your child’s shoulders
3. Gently massage your baby’s rear
4. Start at the base of the neck and work down the spine, down the legs, and then bend the knee and massage each foot
5. Use your thumbs to massage the sole of each foot

Baby Massage steps - Front of baby

1. Start with your baby on their back. Gently stroke their face starting with the middle of their forehead and moving to their temples.
2. Very gently stroke across the eyebrows and around under the eyes.
3. Massage from nose to ears, and then from their cheeks down to the chin.
4. Stroke the front of the body and out along the arms.
5. Next do each arm. First lift the arm and stoking the length of the arm from shoulder to hand. Then using your free hand, gently squeeze the arm as you move down the arm from shoulder to the hand. Repeat for the other arm.
6. Massage the hand, and rotate each finger clockwise.
7. Using both hands, make clockwise strokes around your baby’s navel. Only do clockwise strokes, which may help infants with colic or wind. Don’t do anti clockwise.
8. Gently stroke down each leg from thigh to ankle, swapping hands as you work your way down.
9. Lastly massage the sole of each foot by making tiny clockwise strokes with your thumb as you finish the massage.

<<Click here>> to find out more information about baby massage.

Baby Massage Oil

Choosing an Infant Massage Oil

Choosing an Infant Massage Oil

What is a baby massage?

Baby Massages are best with massage oil as it reduces any friction or irritation the baby may feel

But which oil should you use

Most massage therapists recommend edible vegetable or plant extract oil like vegetable oil, organic olive oil, or grapeseed oil.

However, any edible plant based oil has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. You should take into account your infants skin type, oil availability, and likelihood of an allergy risk which can be linked to cultural or national preferences e.g. seasame oil in the UK is more likely to cause an allergic reaction than in other countries where it has been a traditionally used oil.

If there is a chance of an allergic reaction, you could conduct a “patch test” which involves applying very small amounts of different oils on different patches of skin and watching the results over the next day or so to see which ones have a reaction with the skin.

Don’t use any massage oil on areas of broken skin as this has a greater chance of causing an allergic reaction.

Why vegetable or plant extract oil?

Here are the reasons that plant based oils are recommended

1. Plant based oils are easily absorbed by your baby’s skin
2. Plant based oils are not harmful if the baby sucks their thumb
3. Most commercially produced massage oil is mineral oil (paraffin oil) based. Mineral oil is not as easily absorbed by the skin as plant based oil, so leaves a greasy film on the baby’s skin, and can block the pores in the baby’s skin.
4. Commercially produced oil are highly processed and often have scent added, which may not be appropriate for newborn babies that are very sensitive to the normal smells of their parents for feeding and bonding.
5. Some commercially available massage oils can contain a mixture of different oils which makes it more difficult to identify if any one element is or has caused irritation.
6. Some commercial infant massage oils can contain essential oils which are known for their therapeutic benefits. Essential oils are not appropriate for babies, and so for safety reasons, you should first consult with a qualified professional who can advise you on your specific circumstances before using essential oils for baby massages.

Baby Massage

Infant Massage

Baby Massage Explained

What is a baby massage?

• Baby massage is based on the same principles as adult yoga; breathing, stretching and relaxation.
• Baby massage helps babies to stretch and move and to discover their abilities and bodies.
• Yoga helps create a balance between the body and mind.

What are the benefits of baby massage?

• Baby massages can help boost circulation and digestion,
• strengthen joints and muscles
• Infant Massage can encourage the body’s removal of waste and toxins
• It can help relieve colic, constipation, teething. If you have had a baby with colic you know what a benefit it is to find something that helps with relief
• the pain for the infant and the anxiety for the parents
• It can be help the baby to sleep longer - always a favourite with the parents!
• Helps with creating a bond between mother and baby. It gives them a place and a time to be together, free from the worries and pressures of everyday life.
• Infant massages are relaxing for both mother and baby
• Baby massage aids the growth and development of your baby

Lastly, its enjoyable for both the baby and parents (dads can do baby massages as well as mothers)

Preparation for infant massage

Timing

• Try to establish a regular routine for your infant massage
• Choose a time when you are both relaxed.
• Don’t give the infant before meals when the baby is hungry or just after meals when the baby has a full stomach

Setting

• Make sure that you are both comfortable on either a bed or on a blanket or towel on the floor
• The room should be warm. If it is cold, you can cover the parts of the baby that you are not massaging.
• Lighting - you don’t want the room too bright, and make sure that your baby doesn’t have the light shinning in their eyes
• Baby Massages should be done with massage oil - vegtable oil or plant oil are normally recommended. How do you choose the right massage oil? << Read More>>

Baby Massages are not exclusive to mothers. Dad’s can experience the benefits of infant massages

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Planning to Breastfeed

Planning to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your new baby. However natural, where do expectant mothers learn how to breastfeed or information on dealing with common breastfeeding problems. Help is at hand:

• Prepare to Breastfeed
• Choosing a maternity bra
• How to Breastfeed - including attachment and nipple care << read more >>
• Worried you won’t have enough milk
• How do I know if my baby has had enough milk?
• Too much breast milk
• Breastfeeding multiples << read more >>

Prepare to Breastfeed

Expectant mothers are frequently missing out on the traditional way of learning about breastfeeding by watching their own mothers, sisters or aunts breastfeeding a baby. As a result expectant mothers can be apprehensive about breastfeeding and want to know how to prepare by learning more about the common breastfeeding problems and how to overcome or avoid them.

Learning about breastfeeding before the baby is born, when you have more time to take in the information can make a difference. Some mums find it too overwhelming to start learning the basics of breastfeeding when the baby is born and both mother and baby are recovering from the birth.

Sources of practical breastfeeding information and advice can be antenatal classes, health care professionals, there are Breastfeeding education classes run by breastfeeding associations in most areas plus there are a large number of websites with lots of practical information. Below are some of the main Breastfeeding Associations websites:

Expectant mothers wanting to prepare for breastfeeding can learn how breastmilk is produced. How to position and attach baby to the breast. How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, plus what to expect in the early weeks and how to overcome common breastfeeding problems.

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and Asthma

Breastfeeding and Children’s Asthma

Breastfeeding’s positive impact on Asthma is an area of speculation and debate as there are many research studies with conflicting results.

One research paper called the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study involved studying just under 3000 children. The results of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study was that the introduction of infant formula before four months of age was a significant in an increased risk of lower tract illness and infection, ear infections, asthma and allergy. Plus if male, born less than 37weeks gestation, with a parent who smoked, had an increased risk of childhood asthma.

Breast milk may help promote the baby’s immunisation system as it provides the baby with their mother’s antibodies. In addition to the anitbodies in breast milk, it contains lactoferrin, which has an anti-inflammatory benefit, and lysozme. Lysozme attacks the walls of certain bacteria.

Asthma in children is on the increase. Potential factors believed to increase the likelihood of asthma, include: low birth weight or premature, young maternal age, maternal smoking, exposure to dust mites or pollen.

More information on breastfeeding and asthma can be found at

Betterhealth - Breastfeeding and Asthma

Australia National Asthma

Breastfeeding worsens asthma, allergies in children

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Biting and Breast feeding

Biting and Breast feeding

Not all babies bite when being breastfed. If a baby is breastfeeding correctly it will not be able to bite because their tongue is over the bottom gum and teeth. Baby’s are more likely to bite when not actively feeding which is at the beginning or at the end of feeding.

Teething Baby’s and Breast feeding

A teething baby has tender gums and likes to chew to relieve their gums. Try giving the baby something hard to chew on. Some babies with new teeth wil rest them on the mother’s aerola or breast, which leaves little indentations, which can still be painful. Try taking care with the position of your baby when breastfeeding, and that your baby is held close, has a big wide mouth and chin next to your breast.

A nipple that has been bitten can be treated in the same way as a cracked nipple, with a little milk and changing damp nursing pads. However if you continue to feel pain, you might like to consult your Doctor to see what pain relief can be provided.

Why do Babies bite

Some babies bite while breastfeeding because the milk does not come quickly enough or because the baby is trying to get your attention at the end of a feed, if they do this remove them from the breast immediately and with a firm voice say “No”. If the baby is impatient, try expressing some milk before the feed.

Biting while breastfeeding is usually just a temporary stage. Those who did get past this stage find that they are happy to breast feed for a long time.

Consult your Doctor if you are still having problems with breast feeding.

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Choosing a Maternity Bra

Choosing a Maternity Bra

Choosing a maternity bra

Go into any shop looking to buy a maternity bra and you will be faced by a confusing range of different styles. The final choice of a maternity bra is down to personal choice, however, before choosing one make sure that you are making a considered decision.

Bras designed for pregnant women are also used when breastfeeding. The names maternity bra and nursing bra mean the same thing.

Maternity bras for breastfeeding open for feeding in different ways, look for centre front and clasp styles, and those where the cup folds away rather than to the rigid trapdoor styles.

When to choose a maternity bra

Firstly, what do we mean by a maternity bra. A maternity bra is a bra designed for pregnant women and may also be used for breastfeeding, it is also called a nursing bra.

When trying on different styles, remember to open and close the bra cup. Most bras open for feeding and some are easier to manage than others. Look for bras where the whole cup folds away, as opposed to rigid ‘trapdoor’ styles which can also put pressure on a full breast while feeding. Centre front and shoulder clasp styles are available.

There is no right time for choosing a maternity bra as it will very from woman to woman. Choosing a bra depends on when their breast begins to prepare lactation, for some women this can be quite early in pregnancy meaning that they can outgrow their usual bra size earlier than others. Generally, by four months into the pregnancy (16weeks) gestation mark) the majority of changes to the breast have finished, so this is normally a good time to get fitted.

There has been a lot of publicity recently about the number of women that have an incorrectly fitted bra which does not provide the necessary support. Take my advise and go and get your maternity bra professional fitted, it will be the best decision you will make.

Inflexible Underwire bras are not recommended

The reason that underwire bras are not recommended is because as milk is produced or consumer during the day, the breasts swell and contract. A rigid underwire bra may put pressure on the breast when it swells, and although only a small change in size occurs, a rigid underwire bra can lead to block milk ducts or mastitis. However, help is at hand. There are now maternity bras that have flexible plastic support in them that act like an underwire bra but with the flexibility to change shape as your breasts change shape.

Caring for your maternity bra

You are likely to leak or spill breast milk on your maternity bra at some stage, so it is advisable to have at least two or three maternity bras so that you can easily keep them clean and so that they last you the duration of your breast feeding. Bras should be kept clean by hand washing in mild soap, do not soak them in bleach as these will weaken the fabric and can cause skin irritation.

Why not share your stories about choosing a maternity bra

Breastfeeding

Why is Breastfeeding important

Why Breastfeeding is important

Being pregnant means making choices, such as when to stop work, your birth plan, and one of the most important how you will feed your baby.

The natural choice is breastfeeding your baby.

Breastfeeding

• helps to protect your baby from illness and infections
• it provides the correct balance of food and nutrients for your baby
• it helps the mother and baby to bond
• what can be more convenient, breastfeeding means instant, pre-warmed, ready-to-serve food wherever you go.

Babies who are not breastfed…

• have an increased likelihood of having an allergy
• will cost more money - infant formula is not cheap. Plus non-breastfed babies are more likely to fall ill due to their susceptibility to allergies and illness, which can mean more time and money on medical bills
• is less environmentally friendly than breastfeeding. What can be more natural than breastfeeding.

Breast Feeding Facts

• Most babies can start breastfeeding straight away as they naturally have the urge to suck.
• The more breast milk your baby takes, the more milk your body will produce, so you can let your baby feed frequently whenever they are hungry.
• Babies breastfeed for comfort and closeness as well as to satisfy their hunger and thirst.
• Breastmilk is easily digested.
• Breast milk contains something called colostrum. Which in the first few days has antibodies that provide resistance to infection.
• A well balanced diet is important. There are no specific foods that will increase the amount of breast milk produced.
• As your baby grows, your breastmilk changes to meet their developing needs. The breast milk is always the right food for your baby and provides all the nutrients the baby needs for the first six months of life. It will continue to supply between a half to a third of the needed nutrients up to the baby’s second birthday.
• If your baby has only breastmilk for at least the first six months they are less likely to have allergy problems.
• Non-breastfed babies have a lower resistance to disease and are more likely to become sick. Apart from the health benefits, breastfeeding means fewer doctors’ visits and less time in hospital with illness.
• Breastfeeding helps your body return to its pre-pregnant state more quickly. Many women also find they lose excess weight more easily while breastfeeding.

More Breastfeeding information (coming soon)

• Planing to breastfeed or want to prepare to breastfeed << read more >>
• Breastfeeding and children’s asthma << read more >>
• Dealing with biting babies when Breastfeeding << read more >>

Help with Breastfeeding

Some mothers experience difficulties breastfeeding, especially in the early days.

As with any problem, help can be at hand.

There are a number of good sources of information available on the web and associations who may be able to offer advice if you have questions about breastfeeding or are a new mother and are having difficulties with breastfeeding.

Partners Links

More Links

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Our Linking Information

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Music for Birth: Soothing the mother and infant — before, during, and after birth

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Twin Pregnancy

Causes of identical twins

Causes of identical twins

The different type of twin pregnancy’s depends a lot on what happens with the placenta.

Identical twins have either their own placenta or share a placenta.

The reason for there being either one shared placenta or one placenta for each twin is not known, however, the later the embryo splits following after fertilisation happens the more the complications.

• Embryo splits up to 4 after conception – result is separate placentas called dichorionic, just like fraternal twins. This type of twin pregnancy has the lowest rate of complications. Have the lowest risk of mortality of all twin pregnancy’s at about 9%, although this is still significantly higher than the mortality rate of singletons.
• Embryo splits between 4 to 8 days after conception – leads to shared placenta, called monochorionic, but will have separate sacs called diamionic. This type of twin pregnancy is the most common placenta type for identical twins. If they are monochorionic they are definitely identical twins. Diamionic twin pregnancy’s have a 25% mortality due to twin-twin transfusion.
• Embryo splits over 8 days to about 12 days– leads to monochorionic twins but within the same sac called monoamnionic. Monoamnionic monochorionic twin pregnancies have the second highest mortality rates, at about 60% due to cord entanglement prior to 32 weeks. The majority of monoamniotic monochorionic twin pregnancies are delivered by caesarean at 32 weeks. << Read more about Monoamnionic monochorionic >>
• After 12 days – the splitting results in conjoined twins. The mortality rate is highest for conjoined twins, due to the complications of sharing internal organs.

Identical Twins

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

The following is a very simple description of Twin to twin transfusion.

For a more detailed explanation I would visit one of the following sites:

The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation

Twin2twin

Brief description of Twin to Twin Transfusion Sydndrome (TTTS)

The cause of Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome is not known. Twin to twin transfusion syndrome is not known to be hereditary or genetic.

Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) can affect identical twin pregnancy where the fetuses share a common placenta (called monochorianic).

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome has a high mortality rate - approximately 60-100% mortality rate.

Sharing a common placenta means that the twin fetuses can begin to share blood circulation. Each fetus uses its own side of the placenta, the placenta blood vessels connecting the twins allow blood to pass from one twin to the other twin. Depending on the amount of blood vessels connecting them, this can mean that the blood is not shared equally, blood is transferred from “the donor” to the other twin “the recipient”.

The effect of Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome

The donor to have less blood, which reduces the donor twins development and growth, and it affects it urinary output, leading to lower than normal amniotic fluid.

The increased volume of blood to the recipient puts a strain on the twin’s heart which can lead to heart failure. The higher than normal urinary output can also lead to excessive amniotic fluid.

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome in early twin pregnancy (before 26 weeks) can cause both twin fetuses to die or severe disabilities.

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome if happening after 26 weeks can mean that the fetuses have a greater chance of survival without severe disability.

Treatment for Twin to twin transfusion syndrome

Research into twin to twin transfusion syndrome is ongoing and recommended treatments rapidly change.

Speak to your obstetrician for the most up to date twin to twin transfusion treatment information.

One treatment that I came across on the internet (although there is no formal clinical trials supporting the treatment - so you should ask your obstetrician for their view) was that some doctors recommend complete bed rest for mothers of twin pregnancy coupled with high intakes of protein from protein shakes. There is no common agreement for why this might be of benefit. So again consult your obstetrician for their view.

Twin Births

Twin Pregnancy

Problems associated with Premature twin births.

Immature Lungs

Premature babies lack a substance called surfactant. Surfactant allows the lungs to expand and to breath normally.

If it is to be a premature twins birth, the expectant mum can be given an two injections of steroid called beta-methasone in the 48 period before birth. The steroid will help the lungs mature, if there is no time for steroid injections, then surfactant has been developed that can be given to premature baby to assist with breathing.

Difficulty maintaining body temperature

In the last four to six weeks of a typical pregnancy the baby gain weight and develops its body fat which helps the new-born baby maintain its body temperature when born. With premature twin births, the new born babies have not had the chance to develop the fat to keep them warm, which is why they may be taken to the premature baby unit and kept artificially warm.

Treatment for twin pregnancy

A twin pregnancy can mean twice the excitement and twice the fun for the expectant mum. How special you feel to be able to have two bundles of joy.

Unfortunately, twin pregnancies are also challenging and more risky. Plus the expectant mother is likely to suffer twice the morning sickness and twice the fatigue.

A expectant mother of twins is often given bed rest in the final stages of the twin pregnancy in order to try to reduce the chances of premature labour.

The actual medical treatment you receive will depend on the type of twin pregnancy, and whether it is one of the more rare forms of twin pregnancy, such as Monoamniotic twin pregnancy.

<< Read More about Monoamniotic twin pregnancy >>.

Infertility Treatment

Infertile treatments and IVF fertility

Infertile Treatments

Infertility has a number of potential causes, and so there are a range of treatments for infertility, here are the common ones

Low Sperm Count

The normal ejaculation has between 60 and 100 million sperm present. If there are less than 5 million sperm present this will have a major impact on the ability to achieve pregnancy.

If a low count is found, the testicles will be examined to ensure that they are healthy and function normally. Common causes of impaired sperm production are distension of the scrotum sac or varicose veins on the scrotum. If there is a blockage, this can be treated by an operation.

No Sperm

The man can have an ejaculation normally without there being any sperm present which can be due to the sperm production not being performed normally due to disease, injury or abnormality of the testes. A specimen with no sperm is likely not to be improved through medication. If sperm is being produced by the testes but the ejaculation is the problem due to a blockage, this can be overcome through IVF treatment. <<Read more>> about IVF fertility.

Ovulation Problems

If an egg is not being produced

Infertility

Pregnancy Fertility

Pregnancy Fertility

One in ten couples are childless. The causes of infertility are:

• 35% are due to male fertility problems
• 35% are due to female fertility problems
• 30% are due to both male and female fertility problems

Pregnancy fertility is not an issue for 9 out of 10 couples who become pregnant within a year of trying, the other 10% of couples are those that may have some fertility issues.

Despite lots of research into the subject of infertility, the success rate for fertility treatment is about 40%.

Causes of Infertility

Male Fertility Issues

• No Sperm or insufficient sperm being produced by the man. The testicles may be injured or diseased.
• The scrotum is being kept too hot. If the scrotum sac is kept at a temperature higher than normal this reduces the sperm’s effectiveness. So stop wearing athletic, tight fitting underwear as this will raise the temperature.
• Excessive drinking of alcohol will diminish the sperm count
• The passageway carrying the sperm may be blocked.
• The sperm may be unable to swim due to disease of the man’s prostrate gland

Women Fertility Issues

• A single egg needs to be produced by the ovary twelve to fourteen days before the women’s next menstrual period
• The Fallopian tubes must be healthy so the eggs can move towards the uterus
• The lining of the womb must be prepared for receiving the fertilized egg can implant itself and grow
• The neck of the womb must not be a barrier to the sperm being able to swim to the egg

Investigating the Causes of Infertility

For most couples that have not become pregnant after one year, the first investigation into their fertility is with their first initial consultation with their Doctor.

The first Doctor’s Interview

• History of any injury or disease of the man’s testicles.
• Drinking habits
• The use of drugs
• The Doctor will also exam the man’s testicles and penis
• The Doctor will want to know about the woman’s periods, any pain, if there are problems with the menstrual cycle, irregularity
• The timing and frequency of sexual intercourse is important. To become pregnant, sexual intercourse must take place two weeks before the next period
• The Doctor will give the woman a general examination to make sure that there are not obvious causes of infertility. The Doctor will look for signs of any cysts on the ovary, or lumps called fibroids which can cause problems conceiving.

Fertility Tests

Male Fertility Tests

• Semen Analysis - A specimen of sperm is examined, sex needs to be avoided for at least two days before providing the specimen, and then the specimen needs to be kept at room temperature and given to the laboratory within six to eight hours
• Post-coital Test - this is testing the efficiency of sperm. The woman needs to be examined within twelve hours of having unprotected sex, so that a fresh quantity of sperm deposited into the vagina can be examined. A sample is taken and viewed under a microscope to see how active and mobile they are. The Doctor wants to see if they are good swimmers or if they cannot swim through the cervix. The test is carried out midway through the female cycle so it occurs at the maximum time of fertility.

Female Fertility Tests

• Ovulation - testing for ovulation can be done by recording the woman’s temperature on waking up. The temperature in the first twelve to fourteen days of the menstrual cycle is constant, but after ovulation the temperature drops by a rise for the remainder of the menstrual cycle. The temperature change is due to the hormone released by the ovary. Alternatively a blood test can be done at twenty one days in the cycle.
• Tests on the Fallopian Tubes - The fallopian tubes are critical to women’s fertility. The fallopian tubes need to be able to suck the egg from the ovary so that it can pass down the canal and can be fertilized where it then goes to the uterus where it grows. So the fallopian tubes cannot be blocked or diseased. Both methods for testing involve the injection of a dye and then either using a X ray or visual inspection. You only need one fallopian tube to be open and functioning properly to be fertile.

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