Cervical ripening is the hormonal softening of the cervix that usually occurs prior to the onset of labor contractions. Earlier in pregnancy and in non-pregnant women, the cervix is tight, separating the uterus from the vagina. The cervix needs to soften (ripen), thin (efface), and open (dilate) in… View Full Term
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By: Kelly Park | Contributor
By: Kristen Jones | Accredited Embryologist
A trilaminar endometrium refers to an inner uterine lining that has a triple-line pattern as seen on an ultrasound examination. This type of endometrium is typically thick and receptive enough to aid in successful embryo implantation. A trilaminar endometrial pattern correlates with…
An irregular gestational sac is the sac of fluid in which an embryo develops in very early pregnancy that has irregular or ill-defined borders in comparison to a normal gestational sac. Gestational sacs can vary in shape to a certain degree, but an irregular gestational sac is usually a…
A gestational sac is a fluid-filled structure that encloses a developing embryo in the very early stages of pregnancy. It is the first visual evidence of pregnancy before the embryo is even visible. It can be identified via transvaginal ultrasound at approximately 4.5-5 weeks gestation…
We've had the joy of gathering unique IVF pregnancy announcement ideas—from tear-jerkingly touching to downright nerdy—and attempted to categorize them for your viewing pleasure. From intricate to easy, there is something for every skill level! If you are dreaming about…
By: Kelly Park
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest surprises with in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the dramatic drop or loss of eggs/embryos. Many people assume that if they have 10 eggs collected, that’s 10 embryos, which means 1 fresh transfer and 9 in the freezer. Unfortunately, that can be far from…
By: Kristen Jones
Implantation is a critical yet mysterious step when it comes to pregnancy. If you are actively trying to conceive a baby or have had a fertility procedure like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), the wait in between timed intercourse, insemination, or an…
When an egg is fertilized by sperm, an embryo is produced. This embryo travels to the uterus where it burrows into the uterine wall where it will receive nourishment from blood and oxygen. This process is known as implantation. Implantation usually occurs around the 7th to 12th day after…
It is not unusual for a patient at her last obstetrics ultrasound visit to ask me when she can come back for another baby. My answer is to make this pregnancy and this baby your priority for at least one year. Once you are done breastfeeding (if that is part of the plan) and have…
By: Dr. Candice O' Hern Perfetto
Experiencing infertility or loss is hard enough without the reminders and triggers that seem to exist everywhere. If Facebook is pretty sure that you want to see endless parenting-related ads and it’s not what you want, you can adjust your ad settings. This isn’t a perfect…
We've had the joy of gathering unique IVF pregnancy announcement ideas—from tear-jerkingly touching to downright nerdy—and attempted to categorize them…
What do infertility, going through infertility treatments like IVF, and experiencing a miscarriage all have in common? Well, other than being terrible and unfair, they…
The article may contain affiliate links.Pregnancy loss, miscarriage, or neonatal loss can be traumatic, life-altering experiences that are tough to truly understand…
I have been researching the stress/infertility relationship for more than 30 years, and in fact, have devoted much of my career to it. I am an associate professor of…
By: Dr. Alice Domar | Psychologist
When the people around you don't understand your experience with infertility, you can always connect with people who have been there and written about that. Here is…
This article contains affiliate links. Personal lubricants are liquids or gels that help with vaginal dryness or pain during sex by reducing friction. This article…
This article contains affiliate links. The experience of losing a pregnancy can be hard to process. If you are looking for help understanding what has happened, to hear…
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest surprises with in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the dramatic drop or loss of eggs/embryos. Many people assume that if they have 10 eggs…
In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is considered the 'big gun' of infertility treatment, but does it always work? Sadly, the answer is no. According to Resolve: The National…
By: Cassandra S
It isn't always easy to know how to support a friend or loved one who experiences infertility. It can be truly difficult to know how best to offer support. Asking…
After a year-and-a-half of trying to conceive, followed by the loss of 4 consecutive pregnancies, I felt like I’d earned a graduate degree in grief. My friend and…
By: Katy Huie Harrison, PhD | Founder
“At least you know you can get pregnant.” This is a phrase that I have heard countless times over the last two years, from well-meaning strangers, family,…
By: Taylor Ortiz-Hershman | Blogger
If you are looking to get pregnant quickly (and both partners have no underlying fertility issues), timing is the key.The optimal time to conceive is called your fertile…
My husband came home when I was about 10 weeks pregnant and told me that my sister-in-law was pregnant. I smiled because I didn’t want to be rude and said,…
By: Erin Bulcao | Blogger & Advocate
For generations, women have been told that being too stressed could cause infertility or miscarriage. This belief contributes to the stigma associated with infertility…
By: Dr. Angela Lawson | Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Psychiatry
Cervical Ripening
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Dr. Angela Lawson is a clinical psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Psychiatry at…
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Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Domar Centers for Mind/Body Health, the director of integrative care at Boston IVF, and an…
Amy Wruble is a regular contributor to mom.me and Momtastic. Her work has also appeared in The Huffington Post, Parenting, iVillage and Scary…