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Five Health Changes to Make If You're Trying to Conceive

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If the urge to become a mom is in your not-too-distant future, here are some healthy changes you should make before you even think about becoming pregnant.

Get at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily. This B vitamin helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Great sources of folic acid include citrus fruits, asparagus, broccoli, beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables like spinach. Enriched foods such as cereals and pastas are also good sources. If you're having a hard time obtaining enough from your diet, then take a folic acid supplement.
Work on improving your overall health. Start watching what you eat, get enough sleep, ditch cigarettes if you smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption. Also make sure to start exercising regularly. Doctors don't recommend increasing your exercise routine too dramatically once you're preggers, so it's best to start before the baby is on its way. Regular exercise will strengthen your body and your immune system, and also help you maintain a healthy body weight during and after pregnancy.

To see the other healthy changes you should make

Trans Fat Consumption Linked to Miscarriages

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Trans fat has become a naughty word in my house. I try to avoid it at all costs, and it looks like pregnant women should as well.

A new study shows that eating trans fat may increase the risk of fetal death during pregnancy. This study discovered that the risk of miscarriage increased 52 percent for women who consumed a diet high in trans fat, about 4.7 percent of their total calories. Women, who ate less trans fast, about 2.2 percent of their total calories, had a 30 percent risk. Further investigation is clearly needed to learn more about the connection between eating trans fat and fetal deaths, but the evidence to avoid this artery clogging fat so far seems pretty clear. I would like to add, if it's unhealthy for pregnant women, then it seems everyone should be ditching the trans fat in their diets too.

These fats are found in many processed foods like crackers, cookies, cake mixes, soups, fast food, and margarine. So check labels and if you see partially hydrogenated oil in the list of ingredients, it's best to put down the package and walk away.

Source

DVD Review: Fit and Healthy Prenatal Workouts With Gabrielle Reece

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

On the next stop in my Fit Momma series, I took on Fit and Healthy Prenatal Workouts With Gabrielle Reece. Let me start by saying I am a huge Gabby Reece fan. She's very inspiring so I was thrilled when she put out this video with trainer Mike Monroe.

All the exercises have been approved by a leading OB-GYN, so you know that you're not putting yourself (or your baby) in an unsafe situation. The DVD itself is broken down into the first and second trimester with workouts for each month of pregnancy up to the sixth month. That being said, if you're already in your second or third trimester, the workout is not going to be as appealing to you since you're already past half of the DVD.

Another point that is not made clear on the cover is the need for a lot of equipment to do the workout. You'll need: an exercise ball, a resistance band, a light set of dumbbells, a medium set of dumbbells, a towel, a mat, a chair, and a partner (if possible). I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about DVDs is that I can do them at home with minimal equipment; this is not the case here.

But what did my pregnant pal and I think of the workout? To find out, just

Pregnancy Stress Could Cause Allergies and Asthma For Baby

FitSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I was growing up, my grandma always told me, "Worrying will make you sick," and according to new research, worrying can also make someone else sick. There seems to be a connection between a stressed-out mom, her growing baby, and the baby's developing immune system. It turns out that stress during pregnancy could make a fetus more susceptible to certain substances, which could potentially trigger asthma and allergies down the road.

Harvard Medical School tested this theory by taking blood samples from the umbilical cords of 373 infants. They measured the level of Immunoglobulin (IgE), a chemical found in the blood that's linked to allergies, and found higher levels of IgE in babies with stressed-out mothers. That means that those moms who were worried about money, relationships, or their jobs while pregnant could have influenced the baby's developing immune system.

Of course, more research needs to be done to test other factors besides stress that could affect a baby's risk for future asthma and allergies. It's definitely an interesting concept though and proves how important it is for a pregnant woman to be healthy and happy, both physically and emotionally.

Source

Exercise Beneficial for Mom, and Baby

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

We always put all this stress on how exercising while pregnant is really great for the mom, and makes it easier for her to get back to her pre-baby weight. However new research sort of brings us back down to earth on the most important benefit of exercising while pregnant: it's generally good for the baby too. Here are details from Dr. Linda E. May of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences:

"When the mom exercises during pregnancy, the unborn baby gets the same type of training effect that you would see in an adult — so you see the lower heart rate and also improved heart rate variability, which is evidence of improvements in the nervous system of the heart. Maternal exercise may be the earliest intervention to improve the heart of children and possibly the best," May concluded.

So if you're expecting like Jessica Alba or plan to be in the future, don't just exercise for yourself, do it for your baby.

Bauer Griffin Online

Men Need Folic Acid Too

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:10:00 -0700

While there has been a lot of focus on how women of childbearing age should make sure they are getting enough folic acid, there has been little talk about men and folate. Until now.

New research has found that men who are thinking about becoming fathers should also be sure they're getting enough folic acid, since the folates that prevent birth defects when consumed by women may also help keep men's sperm normal. Specifically, it was found that men with a higher folate intake had fewer abnormal sperm in which a chromosome had been lost or gained, known as aneuploidy that can cause failure to conceive, up to a third of miscarriages, and children to be born with Down syndrome and other rare chromosomal syndromes.

So if you're looking to conceive anytime soon then hopefully you and your man are getting at least 400 mg a day of folic acid. You can get your folic acid through a supplement or naturally in some foods.

Source

Nicole's Spinning Her Way Lean While Pregnant

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0800

The always long and lean, even while pregnant, Nicole Kidman has started spinning to keep fit while pregnant. Here are details:

The actress is getting on her bike – stationary bike, that is – for a spinning class at Montana Avenue's Revolution Fitness in Santa Monica. The actress was spotted taking a class from teacher Bobby Neely on Sunday, sporting a white T-shirt, black leggings and, of course, her baby bump. Kidman sat on a bike next to her personal trainer and rode to a soundtrack including songs by Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi and everybody's favorite '80s icons, Culture Club. But Kidman seemed especially tickled by a Keith Urban song, a fellow gym-goer says.

Spinning is a great activity for everyone, but a lot of pregnant women like spinning because it's easy on the joints. Nicole looks pretty beat here, so let's hope she wears a heart-rate monitor to make sure her heart rate does not go too high for her little bun in the oven.

Flynet

Label Able: Folic Acid Seal

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Did you know that it is recommended for women planning to get pregnant to take folic acid for a full year prior to conception? If you didn't know that recommendation, you are not alone. A recent survey completed by the March of Dimes found that the majority of women ages 18 to 24 had no idea about folic acid helping prevent birth defects. Folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) is a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, like spina bifida.

In response to the lack of knowledge on this preventative measure against birth defects, the March of Dimes created this folic acid seal, to help women identify foods that have been fortified with folic acid. The seal certifies that the food contains 10 percent per serving of the recommended daily amount of folic acid for women of childbearing age, which is 400 micrograms. Produce naturally high in folate/folic acid like spinach, strawberries and orange juice, will not bear the symbol, as it will only be used by companies making grain products, like enriched flour.

So if you are looking to start a family start looking for this seal, take a folic acid supplement and/or eating foods naturally high in folate like: asparagus, broccoli, and orange juice.

Source

Trista on Losing the Weight After Baby, Not All Roses

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Trista Sutter, perhaps the only person who's been in a successful relationship after appearing on The Bachelor, has added a new addition to her family. Turns out however, that losing the weight is not as easy as she expected. US Weekly got the scoop from Trista on how the weight loss has been going and while she's not a big Hollywood celebrity, I think it's interesting because she has a real perspective on it all.

Here are highlights:

How are you feeling about your body?
My friend said that when I came home from the hospital, I’d be back in my old jeans. Fifteen pounds did fall off immediately, but the fact that it’s been three months and I’m still not in them is a bummer.

What’s your routine? Five times a week for an hour we do a combination of yoga, Pilates and power-lifting exercises. But I’ve had abdominal pain, so I haven’t been able to do the more aggressive exercises. When I danced for the Miami Heat, a lot of times I led the ab exercises, so the fact that I can’t focus on it when it used to come easy to me is frustrating! Still, I’m getting into the groove. After Max has gone to bed, I do abs at night while I watch TV. I try to do situps for entire commercial breaks.

Is it hard to find the time to work out? That’s the question! If I have a date at the gym with Brock [her trainer], I’ll do it. But if I’m home, I’ll find something else to do, because there are a million things to get done. If I didn’t have a trainer, I’d have a friend call and say, “What’s your workout time today?” and put it in my calendar.

There's more, including what she's been eating, so

5 Things: About Plan B

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:45:00 -0700

As sexually active women, we all need forms of birth control that fit our lifestyle. Whatever option you choose, no one form is considered 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, except for abstinence, but is that realistic? Since methods can fail (condoms break or pills get skipped), there is Plan B (emergency contraception). There are some things you should know about this method, and here are five things.

Plan B is just two little pills that contain the hormone levonorgestrel. It's the same hormone found in regular birth control pills, just a stronger dose.
The first pill should be taken within 72 hours after intercourse (within 24 hours is best), and the second pill is taken 12 hours later.
Plan B is not RU-486, also known as the abortion pill. That means that taking it will only prevent a pregnancy that hasn't happened yet. Taking Plan B will NOT harm an implanted egg.
Side effects of taking Plan B include nausea, abdominal pain (similar to period cramps), fatigue, headache, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast tenderness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Plan B affects everyone differently so it may bring on your period immediately, or you may just get it at your regular time. If your period is more than a week late, you should take a pregnancy test since Plan B is not 100% effective.
Plan B is available over the counter in some states. Call your pharmacy to see if they have it. If you are sexually active and don't want to become pregnant anytime soon, (and aren't opposed to taking plan B), it's not a bad idea to keep a dose in your medicine cabinet just in case.

Fit's Tips: Plan B is for emergencies only and shouldn't take the place of your regular and consistent form of birth control. You should also know that Plan B does NOT protect you from STIs.

Source

You Asked: Can I Be a Vegetarian While I'm Pregnant?

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:45:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering...

Dear FitSugar,
Just curious if you can clear the air. I have heard from many sources, that it is a good idea for Vegetarians/vegans to take pre-natal vitamins, to supplement the lack of nutrients you would otherwise get from eating meat. What do you think?

- Veggie Lovin' Pregnant Pam

This is an awesome question, since I'm sure many other vegetarians want to know. Let me just clear up the fact that you can definitely be a vegetarian and have a baby, you just have to make sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.

Vegetarians who eat nuts, beans, green veggies, dairy products and eggs will have no problems getting the protein, calcium and B vitamins they need. Vegans may need to take supplements to ensure they get enough B12 (but they need to do that even if they weren't pregnant). Both diets just need to include a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains and sources of protein.

Pregnant women definitely need more of certain vitamins and minerals, so they should talk to their doctor if they are concerned about whether or not they are getting all that they need from their diet alone.

I made a chart to help you see what the nutritional needs of a woman are, compared to one who is prego. To see it

Bridget Moynahan Gets Fit While Pregnant

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Bridget Moynahan is staying very active even in her final days of pregnancy -- She is due to give birth this Friday to a baby boy and ex-boyfriend Tom Brady is the father. Hopefully Bridget is not pushing it too hard and you can pretty much bet that she is going to join the club of celeb moms who slim down quick after giving birth.

In case you're like Bridget and have a bun in the oven, use these tips for exercising safely while pregnant:

Pregnant women can participate in low-impact aerobic activity three times per week, or even as often as every other day, but be sure to get clearance from your physician first.
Walking is a great way to get in some low impact exercise that most pregnant women can engage in.

For more tips and to see more pics of Bridget working out while very pregnant just

Food for Thought: 30 somethings

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

The folks at Fitness, the magazine that is, are savvy to our changing nutritional needs. As we age our bodies and our lifestyles change. Curious if you are meeting the nutritional challenges of your generation? If you're a 30 something here's some food for thought.

Eat Folate
More and more women are waiting to have children in their 30's, making folate an important nutrient for your diet since it is critical for supporting a healthy pregnancy. Folate, or folic acid if it is synthesized, prevents neural-tube defects and helps your body make new cells. The RDI of folate is 400 micrograms for adult women, but up it by 100 micrograms if you are prego or breast feeding. You can find it in leafy green and beans, as well as many fortified cereals.

Eat Phytonurtrients
Phytonutrients contain antioxidant which can aid heart health and possibly help prevent cancer. They help to slow down the aging process, something I can tell you from experience becomes apparent during this decade. Red grapes and red wine are high in antioxidants, as are coffee and chocolate, not to mentions berries of all kinds.

Eat Iron
Lack of iron in your diet can leave you feeling drained both mentally and physically. Monthly visits from Aunt Ruby, pregnancy and breastfeeding all make women susceptible to anemia. Your daily requirement of this vital mineral is 18 milligrams. Keep your eye on your iron intake with lean red meat, chick peas, potatoes with the skin on, and beans. To maximize your absorption of iron, pair foods high in Iron with foods high in Vitamin C, like bell peppers since the vitamin C helps absorb more iron into your body. An easy and yummy way to get your Iron on: Try dipping Vitamin C-rich bell peppers into a garbanzo bean made hummus.

If you are still in your 20's, read Food for Thought: 20 something for tips on how to eat for your decade.

Source

Post Pregnancy Baby Weight: Reality Check

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I have been posting about celeb moms and their slim down secrets. It is interesting to get a glimpse into the celebrity world, especially if you have dealt with working off the pounds that accompanied your nine month journey to motherhood. I do, however, want to provide a little reality check: these women have resources that regular, normal, non-celeb moms do not. I am talking about nannies, personal chefs, personal trainers as well as a lot of external pressure to "tighten up."

It is not a good idea to go on a severely calorie restricted diet, especially if the new mom is breastfeeding. Cutting back on calories means the loss of significant nutrients for the mother and the baby. For some women, breastfeeding actually can help take off some baby weight. A lactating mom needs at least 1800 – 2000 calories a day. Plus cutting back on food can make a new, sleep deprived mom cranky, and cranky is not what you want to be when facing the unique challenges of tending to a newborn.

Exercise, on the other hand is highly recommended. Not only will it help new moms lose weight, it can help ward off postpartum depression. It is key to remember that exercise should make you feel better not worse, and it always a good idea to check with your OB before beginning a postpartum exercise program, especially if you had a difficult pregnancy, delivery, or a C-section. I highly recommend walking, as a way to begin exercising it is enjoyable for both you and the baby. Get out and go for a stroll.

Fit’s tip: After taking time off from vigorous exercise for nine months, it will take you some time to get back to your pre-pregnancy level of fitness. Start with the level of exercise you did in your third trimester and work you way back, adding elements from your second trimester, and so on. Good Luck!

Definition: Folic Acid

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:17:09 -0700

Folic acid is the synthesized version of folate, a B vitamin that naturally occurs in food. It is water soluble and often added to fortified foods.

Folate and folic acid not only prevent anemia during pregnancy, they also help to produce and maintain new cells. These two reason are why it is essential to take folic acid before and during pregnancy. So if you are planning on becoming a mama soon, make sure you're getting your daily value (DV) of this vitamin, which is 500 micrograms if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For all other adults the recommended DV is 400 micrograms.

Aside from pregnancy, folate is an important nutrient since it is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. The "C" word usually catches people's attention, so now I want you to know what to eat for your DV of folate.

Foods naturally high in folate are: leafy green vegetables like spinach and turnip greens (don't toss the greens when cooking with turnips you can sauté them with garlic just like spinach), citrus fruits and juices, as well as dried beans and peas. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to "enriched" grain products like breads and cereals. Many fortified cereals contain 100% of your daily folate needs.

Definition: Folate

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:16:44 -0700

Folate is a naturally occurring B vitamin (folic acid is the synthetic form).
Folate and folic acid can not only prevent anemia during pregnancy, but they can also help produce and maintain new cells. These two reasons are why it is essential to take folic acid before and during pregnancy. Take 500 micrograms daily if you are pregnant and for all other adults the recommended DV is 400 micrograms.

Foods naturally high in folate are: leafy green vegetables like spinach and turnip greens (don't toss the greens when cooking with turnips you can sauté them with garlic just like spinach), citrus fruits and juices, as well as dried beans and peas. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to enriched grain products like breads and cereals. Many fortified cereals contain 100 percent of your daily folate needs.

Tips for Stretch Mark Prevention

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Stretch marks. Say it with me now, "UGH!" No one likes stretch marks but everyone seems to get them at some point or another.

Women get them especially during pregnancy, as teens going through puberty (where the skin stretches as breasts and hips grow in), or during excessive weight gain or weight loss. Stretch marks in men, apart from rapid weight gain or weight loss, can occur as a result of disease, the over use of steroid hormones and sometimes when suffering from diabetes. These tips below for stretch mark prevention in pregnant women from Medical News Today can also be applied to anyone feeling like you've got stretch marks coming on:

Limit your weight gain to no more than 25 to 35 pounds and this gain should be made gradually. A controlled weight gain without any sudden upward swings will let your skin stretch at a steady rate.
Use a brush or washcloth to massage the areas where you have noticed stretch marks or want to prevent stretch marks from occurring. This will increase circulation to that area.
Try to eat lots of those foods rich in zinc such as nuts and fish, rich in vitamins A, C & D such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk and those foods rich in protein.

There are more tips, so

Yoga and Pregnancy

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Yoga can benefit ALL bodies, but it's especially great for women who are pregnant, like Naomi Watts. She certainly looks happy - maybe it is the yoga since it feels great to have some time alone with your baby, to relax and stretch your muscles.

Here are some things all pregos should know when it comes to yoga and their bodies:

While pregnant your body produces a hormone called relaxin that is intended to soften your inflexible bones and ligaments to make room for your growing baby and to prepare for birth. Avoid stretching further than you normally do, you don't want to pull a muscle.
Try to find a Prenatal Yoga class so you'll be able to get your questions answered. It's also a great way to meet new moms and share with women who know exactly what you're going through.
Drink plenty of water and be sure to get the extra 300-500 calories you need during pregnancy, especially if you are exercising.
Prenatal Yoga also benefits your unborn baby - when you experience peace and relaxation, so will your babe.

Want to know what else and see more pics of Naomi? Then

The Female Condom

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:30:00 -0700

If you're sick of using regular condoms while having sex, but still want to be protected against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) like HIV, the female condom might be the answer.

The female condom (also called the internal condom) is about 6.5 inches long and at each end there is a flexible ring. One end is closed and that's the ring that gets inserted into your vagina, much like you would insert a diaphragm - this ring is also removable. At the other open end, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina.

What are the BENEFITS?

Female condoms actually protect you better against STDs than male condoms because they cover more of your mucous membranes.
It's made out of polyurethane, so if you have a latex allergy, this is another option for you besides polyurethane condoms. Condoms made out of polyurethane also conduct heat better.
They contain no spermicide which tend to irritate many women when they have sex.
It's 95% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
Oil-based lubricants can be used with the female condom.
It can be inserted up to 8 hours before you have sex.
Since the inner ring is removable, you can take it out and use the internal condom for anal intercourse. That's why it's considered a good option for protection against HIV and other STDs.

Want to know what the DISADVANTAGES are? Then

IUD: Long-Term Birth Control

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0800

IUD, also known as a coil, stands for intrauterine device. - "intra" meaning within, and "uterine" meaning of the uterus. An IUD is about 1.5 inches long and it's inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. They are 99% effective.

There are 2 types of IUDs, ones made out of metal, and ones that release hormones similar to those found in oral contraceptives (the Pill.) Most of the metal IUDs have a plastic T-shaped frame that is wrapped with copper. The copper is believed to have spermicidal effects, which is one reason why it works. You can wear this one for up to 10 years.

IUD's that release hormones are also T-shaped, but they are made out of plastic. The hormones make your cervical fluid thick and tacky, making it difficult for sperm to swim in, so they never make it to the egg, so therefore they can't fertilize it. You can wear this one for up to 5 years.

Both kinds of IUDs have little plastic strings attached at the bottom that hangs down past the cervix. The string is not visible and it won't cause any problems during intercourse. The string is a safety check so you can check to make sure your IUD is still in place.

An IUD has to be fitted inside and removed from the uterus by a doctor or nurse practitioner. IUDs don't stop you from ovulating, so you still get your period, but your flow may become shorter or lighter, or may even stop altogether. Some women complain that their periods are irregular when using an IUD as birth control.

Want to know how they work? Then

Strike A Pose: Prenatal Yoga Tips for Pregos

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:30:00 -0800

I've been asked a lot about yoga and pregnancy. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced yogini, it's a wonderful way to take care of yourself and your baby-to-be.

Here are some things you should know if you are expecting...

Most gentle types of yoga are appropriate during pregnancy. Of course, tell your obstetrician or midwife you are practicing yoga - you'll probably be given an enthusiastic "thumbs-up." If you have high blood pressure or other complications, you'll want to ask first before starting (or continuing) your yoga practice.
Prenatal Yoga focuses a lot on opening the hips, releasing and stretching the lower back, relaxation skills, and pranayama (breath). By using and stretching the muscles you'll be needing during birth, you will essentially be making labor easier.
Prenatal Yoga also benefits your unborn baby - when you experience peace and relaxation, so will your babe.
While pregnant your body produces a hormone called relaxin which is intended to soften your inflexible bones and ligaments to make room for your growing baby and to prepare for birth. Avoid stretching further than you normally do, you don't want to pull a muscle.
Try to find a Prenatal Yoga class so you'll be able to get your questions answered. It's also a great way to meet new moms - to share with women who know exactly what you're going through.

Want to read some more tips? Then

CycleBeads

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:30:00 -0800

I'm sure you've all known someone using "Natural" birth control. It goes by many names - "Family Planning," "Fertility Awareness Method" (FAM), and the "Rhythm Method."

Basically, you chart your menstrual cycle, so you know when you're ovulating. You avoid having sex around ovulation since having sex a few days before or after the day your egg is released, is a great way to become a mom.

Recently, I discovered CycleBeads. Don't they look a little like Rosary Beads? They're an easy visual way to chart your cycle.

The red bead symbolizes the first day of your period, so when Aunt Flo pops in for her monthly visit, just slip the little black ring on the red bead. Slide the ring down one bead each day. The darker beads represent days in your cycle where the risk of pregnancy is very LOW. The lighter beads are days when your risk is HIGH.

The CycleBeads Method ONLY works if you are completely aware and consistent about using it. Your cycle must be between 26 and 32 days. They're available for $13.95 online.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 08:30:00 -0800

Taking Charge of Your Fertility is the definitive guide to natural birth control, pregnancy achievement, and reproductive health.

This book provides an in depth explanation to your menstrual cycle. By understanding the monthly ebb and flow of your hormones, you'll know exactly when you ovulate. Then you take charge of your fertility by knowing when you ovulate so you can either prevent pregnancy or increase your chances of conceiving.

Here's a little tidbit I learned from the book - Day #1 is the 1st day of your period. You can ovulate anywhere from day 10 to day 18 depending on your personal cycle - not everyone ovulates on Day 14 because not everyone has the classic 28-day cycle. The myth of Day 14 ovulation is a reason many women end up with unwanted pregnancies.

This book also shows you methods to increase your chances of choosing the gender of your baby.

This is a great book to own. It is kind of like an owner's manual for all who menstruate. It is really empowering to know the ins and outs of the cycle and how it affects fertility.

Get all this knowledge for $13 through Amazon.