Let’s face it: Pregnancy can be equal parts beautiful and terrifying. Growing a life is one of the most world-changing experiences a person can go through. But for some expectant mothers, pregnancy can be fraught with challenges — one of the potential complications being preeclampsia.  Between 5-8% of all pregnant women develop preeclampsia or another hypertension-related disorder, including 400,000 in the U.S. annually. So, what is preeclampsia, exactly, and how do you know if you are at an increased risk for the condition? Let’s dive in.  What causes preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure...

We’ve all seen it depicted in mainstream media: A woman vomits in the early morning hours and soon realizes she’s pregnant. We can’t say it isn’t true to life. Morning sickness is a common condition experienced by around 70-80% of pregnant women, and it can be an extremely uncomfortable and challenging aspect for expectant mothers.  No one wants to experience nausea and vomiting during what is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of their life. However, amidst the discomfort of the first (and sometimes also second and third) trimester of pregnancy, there is...

“Sleep before the baby comes” is often easier said than done — especially if you’re dealing with sciatica during pregnancy. Sciatica is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh, and it can be uncomfortable, to say the least. It can also seriously disrupt your sleep, making those precious months of rest before the baby arrives elusive.   If you’re tossing and turning, wondering how to manage your sciatica pain so you can enjoy a more restful night’s sleep, look no further. Here,...

When an athlete returns after a serious injury, sports broadcasters share emotional stories about their resilience and determination. Fans celebrate the return of an athlete who represents the deeply human experience of overcoming adversity.  Sure, an athletic comeback story is something to be celebrated, but you know who deserves even more recognition? Women who embark on the journey to conceive again after experiencing pregnancy loss.  It takes tremendous courage to try again after a loss — and “getting back in the game” isn’t always as simple as it sounds. In this guide, we help you navigate...

It’s crazy to think that ten years ago, infertility and pregnancy loss were rarely discussed. Today, social media and IRL conversations about these topics feel fairly mainstream. I’d argue that many people (at least people who are in the age group where their friends are beginning to think about growing their own families) have at least some awareness of the many hurdles families face in this regard. People are finally grasping the reality that fertility issues and pregnancy loss are common…and with that awareness comes greater sensitivity. Today, we’re finally seeing some of that sensitivity play...

While often viewed as a physical issue, infertility can have a massive impact on a person’s mental health. In one study of 200 heterosexual couples struggling with infertility, half of the women described infertility as “the most upsetting experience of their lives.” If you’re finding it hard to cope with infertility, you’re not alone. This article will break down the emotional difficulties common in infertility, the importance of finding a therapist to support you, and other ways you can cope. Understanding the emotional impact of infertility While everyone’s experiences are unique, there are several emotional struggles...

Okay, so, in theory, this seems like it would be an easy answer. The more you ejaculate, the less sperm you have, right? If you’re a woman navigating infertility, you might even be looking for a reason to blame your male partner for your struggles. Maybe not “blame” per se, but searching for a reason why you might be struggling to get pregnant.  The truth is, the answer isn't that simple, but generally, no, masturbation does not affect sperm count — at least not permanently.  There have been numerous studies done on this exact topic, as well...

There are two, well maybe three things, that are certain in this life — death, taxes, and periods… at least for women. For many individuals, not only do they experience heavy bleeding during this time, but also intense period cramps.  “Period cramps are caused by chemicals called prostaglandins that are released by the uterus,” says Dr. Jessica Ryniec, double board-certified OB/GYN and fertility specialist. “Prostaglandins are released when the lining is shed during menses and they make the uterus contract, reducing blood flow to the uterus, causing pain." Tips and tricks for relieving period cramps at...

Everyone’s path to parenthood looks different, and for many women, that journey includes fertility treatments like IVF and egg freezing. With a single round of IVF costing as much as $20,000, many families are accepting side hustles and part-time jobs to access fertility benefits.  As conversations around infertility become less stigmatized, more women are speaking up about their experience working multiple jobs to have the family that they want. If you are looking into a part-time job for fertility benefits, you aren’t alone!  Why do companies offer fertility benefits?  To paraphrase — it’s the economy, duh. In a...

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re addressing the elephant in the room head-on: Many Americans who need in-vitro fertilization (IVF) still can’t afford it. With the average cost of a single IVF cycle ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, IVF insurance coverage has become a necessary health benefit. Unfortunately, despite the increase in employer-offered infertility coverage, these benefits remain out of reach for a significant number of Americans. This is for several reasons: Not all employers offer IVF coverage, and only a fraction of states offer fertility insurance coverage mandates. Plus, the definition of fertility...