As a mother of two young children I know how precious they are and how blessed I am to have them. The journey to have kids is not always easy - I had three miscarriages and at the time they could not tell me why. Some women try and try and try and just can't fall pregnant at all or have continious miscarriages. They often seek out IVF, a costly and very emotional experience, without any joy. Why are we finding it harder to have children? What can we do to try and increase our chances?
Through my journey and research I found a few issues that certainly contributed to my miscarriages so I would like to share with you in the hope that I can help someone else or perhaps you know someone who is trying to get pregant with no luck.
Exposure to toxins
Studies have linked Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates to fertility issues in both men and women as well as recurrent miscarriage.
Phthalates—commonly used to soften plastics or to add fragrance to personal care products. Animal studies link phthalate exposure in the womb to a greater risk of infertility, genital birth defects, and testicular cancer.
Bisphenol A (BPA)—a widely used plastic and epoxy resin component. Extensive research has linked BPA to cancer, early puberty, altered brain development, metabolic disturbances, and other serious medical problems.
Undiagnosed Thyroid problem
Thyroid conditions are one of the most undiagnosed conditions and often causes many problems for people. Women who are suffering from an undiagnosed thyroid condition or are not on the right medication are more likely to miscarry or suffer a stillbirth.
Now this is a lot of information and could it be relevent to you? It may seem far fetched that it could be, or could it? As I said before, I have suffered three miscarriages. Turns out that after many years of suffering I was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease (thyroid condition) and a tumour on my parathyroid - all of which contributed to my recurrent miscarriages. There are many reasons why you could get a thyroid condition - hereditry, exposure to toxins (yes BPA again), age, hormonal issues, exposure to certain drugs, diet...the list goes on.
What can you do?
- Reduce your exposure to toxins - switch to BPA-free products (stainless steel bottles, stainless steel cups or glasses, glass jars instead of plastic, cotton shower curtains, don't microwave with plastic products), use less canned food and go fresh, avoid plastic wrap and any products in plastic. Do not re-use single use plastic water bottles.
- Get tested - if you think you may have a thyroid problem go to your GP. Before you go read up on it so you are informed. I have listed a few sources for you below.
'Living Well With Hypothyroidism', Mary J Shomon (you can get the book or check out her website)
Mary J Shomon website -
http://thyroid.about.com/bio/Mary-Shomon-350.htm
Thyroid Australia Website -
http://www.thyroid.org.au/
Now I am not saying that this could solve your problem but it may just help. It has helped me.
Share me please :)
Amanda
http://greenmeoz.blogspot.com/
