Are you thinking about trying for a baby? Are you having trouble conceiving? Do you have a burning question you need answered?

Sharon Trotter, independent Midwife and First Response spokesperson will be here Monday 20th July at 12-1pm, to answer all your questions. Please feel free to start posting now.

[Modified by: webeditor on 20 July 2009 11:50:56 ]

Hello, I am delighted to be here today to answer your questions. My specialist subjects are breastfeeding and baby skincare but I would be happy to answer any fertility, conceiving, midwifery or parenting related queries you may have. I have been a midwife for over 24 years and have had five children myself. I would like to thank First Response for sponsoring this webchat which I hope will provide you with the advice and support you need.

Hi - Feel silly for asking but we are in our twenties, fairly healthy (although I could do with losing a few pounds) and been trying for five months now. Is this a normal amount of time?

Hi Pumpkin Pie
This is not a silly question and you are quite right to ask. There is no real timeframe, it depends on many factirs but the most important factor is to have sex regularly especially around the time of ovulation. You could try ovulation test kits like the one by First Response.The best time to get pregnant will depend on the length of your menstrual cycle (these can vary from 21-35 days and even longer) ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before your period starts i.e. if your cycle is normally 28 days then you will ovulate on the 14th day. This gives a window of 3-4 days when pregnancy can be achieved. This is the best time to try for a baby.
There is no need to seek help until you have been trying for a year so enjoy practicing and I am sure you will soon be pregnant. If you have any other questions at a later date you can ask them online at:www.tellsyoufirst.co.uk
Good luck
Sharon

I have one other question: Both my mum (who had 2 children and 1 stillbirth) and my sister (who has one child) have suffered with problems with their cervix. My mum has had cysts and adhesions and my sister (younger than me) also appears to have them as well as her bowel attaching herself to the womb. My sis has had one fallopian tube removed and now she is facing a hysterectomy (at 23) my mum has also had a hysterectomy. Im 25 and have always had regular cycles and none of the problems my sister and mum experience but am very worried I could be suffering similar and this is preventing getting pregnant. Are cysts likely to run in the family or do my mum and sister just have bad luck? Would I be wasting my GPs time to get checked out even though we're only on month 5 and im not experiencing symptoms? Thank you x

hi im 34 hubby is 35,we have manged to have 2 pregnancys in 6 months the first one ended at 10 weeks as a missed miscarriage,the second one at 5 weeks last week....i feel so down,emotionally and physically,i think the last 6 months have caught up with me,i snap and bicker,am argumentative,was meant to be going back to work tomorrow but dont feel i can face it,i feel like im taking it out on everyone else,im terrified of getting pregnant again incase i have another miscarrige...i feel lost and i think getting pregnant is the only way to solve it...we are not having a break and are trying straightaway.

why do i feel like im going mad?

Hi Pumpkin Pie
If you wish to know other signs that you are ovulating these include:
• Basal body temperature (BBT): daily temperature recordings show that at ovulation your temperature spikes by 0.5 -1 degree centigrade.
• Cervical mucus changes: around the time of ovulation the mucus in the cervix changes from being thick and opaque to become thin, clear and stringy. This is also a sign that a woman is at her most fertile.
• Ovulation tests,
They are simple urine tests that detect specific hormone (luteinising hormone), which signal ovulation.
• Blood tests and ultrasound scans of the ovary will give conclusive evidence of ovulation but are not usually required unless infertility is suspected. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns.
Sharon

I'm a bit worried about my newborn getting swine flu. There's been loads about recognising the symptoms in adults but what about babies? She's 9 weeks old. Any help gratefully received! Do newborns count as high risk? She's totally breastfed, should that help?

Hi Pumpkin Pie
Considering the family history it might be worth m aking an appointment with your GP although there is no reason to think this condition is affecting you as your cycle sounds good to me
Good luck!

Thank you for your help x

Hello Sharon

My history to date. I have regular but very heavy periods. We have been trying for 11 months. In the past I have had ovarian cysts. 3 laparotomys and 4 laparoscopys. I also had cervical cancer 6 years ago and all clear to date on smeer tests.

We have our first fertility appointment on Friday not sure what to expect ... What questions should we be asking now...

Thanks

Emma

Hi Clarehair
Firstly I am so sorry to hear of your losses and I don't blame you for not wanting to return to work yet. You should make an appt with your GP and get signed off work and also ask to be referred to a specialist obstetrician who can start to investigate why you have lost two pregnancies so close together. There are many things that can be done and I am sure you will soon be able to carry a baby to term. I have lost a baby and I fully understand the pain you are experiencing. It might be worth you seeking the help of a local support group - try SANDS (type this into google).
Good luck and you will get your precious baby one day - I thought it would never happen and now I have four!
All the very best
Sharon

thankyou sharon

when i went to the dr last week they said they wouldnt do any investigations until i had had 3 miscarrriges.....i told him i was worried about getting pregnat again incase it happened again.......can i push for tests/investigations?

or do i have to wait to see if i have another miscarriage?

Hi Frantic Mum!
You have almost answered your own question because I would have asked you if you were breastfeeding and the fact that you are is the best news possible. You are providing your baby with immunity to all diseases that you have been in contact with and have your own immunity to. This means that you pass this on to your baby through your breastmilk and this provides long term protection as well as short term while swine flu is a potential risk. We have to bear in mind though that swine flu is no more dangerous than normal flu which is always a possibility. Common sense advice to wash your hands often and avoid crowded places while your baby is under six months of age would seem to be sensible but the best you can do is exclusively breastfeed for six months then continue to breastfeed alongside baby-led weaning.
Hope this puts your mind at rest and congratulations!
Sx

Hi Emmanenagh
Firstly I am pleased to hear that your cervical cancer has been successfulluy treated and I am sure you will get the answers to your questions when you see the specialist on Friday.I have a full list of FAQs on this subject that I would be happy topass on to you (there is too much to mention in a short answer. Please email me direct on my website www.tipslimited.com later today and I will forward these to you
All the very best with your appointment
Sharon

Hi Clarehair
This is shocking and there is no reason why you should have to suffer another miscarriage before seeking help. I would ask to be referred so you can begin investigations.
Sx

Hello, just a very quick question as I'm sure there are plenty of ladies with more serious questions.

I got married in March. Before this, my periods were regular - every 28/29 days. Since returning from honeymoon (long haul flight), it's been 27, 31, 28 & now 31 again. We're hoping to start trying this time next month, so do I take an average for the length of my cycle to get my ovulation date??

Hi Emmanenagh
You can get expert advice online to improve your lifestyle and diet, and to increase your chances of getting pregnant from www.tellsyoufirst.co.uk
Yvonne (nutritionist) has a great food wheel which you can get for free from this site too
Sharon

Hi Shooting Star
All questions are important and the imformation you need is similar to what I said earlier. The signs of ovulation include:
If you wish to know other signs that you are ovulating these include:
• Basal body temperature (BBT): daily temperature recordings show that at ovulation your temperature spikes by 0.5 -1 degree centigrade.
• Cervical mucus changes: around the time of ovulation the mucus in the cervix changes from being thick and opaque to become thin, clear and stringy. This is also a sign that a woman is at her most fertile.
• Ovulation tests,
They are simple urine tests that detect specific hormone (luteinising hormone), which signal ovulation.
• Blood tests and ultrasound scans of the ovary will give conclusive evidence of ovulation but are not usually required unless infertility is suspected. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns.
You could try ovulation test kits like the one by First Response.The best time to get pregnant will depend on the length of your menstrual cycle (these can vary from 21-35 days and even longer) ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before your period starts i.e. if your cycle is normally 28 days then you will ovulate on the 14th day. This gives a window of 3-4 days when pregnancy can be achieved. This is the best time to try for a baby.
At the end of the day regular sex is the best way to get pregnat (keeps the sperm fit and healthy so they are not hanging around for too long!) so enjoy married life and nature will hopefully do the rest!
Take care and good luck!

Hi Shooting Star
BTW the average of your cycle is still easily within normal limits so no need to worry
Sx

Thank you for your advice. x