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Tartakovsky"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"5f91aa431a83","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"55458ad0fb3a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Margarita Tartakovsky is a Florida-based writer with 10+ years of experience in mental health and wellness. She’s written for websites such as Psych Central, Healthline, and Spirituality and Health. She’s passionate about helping readers feel less alone and overwhelmed and more empowered and hopeful."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"13b7813297f4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f299509a2550","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Stress during pregnancy becomes a cause for concern when you’re unable to control it or it’s all you think about, says "},{"_key":"6f299509a2551","_type":"span","marks":["049ed2fd0c02"],"text":"Tracy Scott"},{"_key":"6f299509a2552","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , a health coach at Parsley Health in New York City. Signs include: heart palpitations, feeling like you can’t breathe, frequent crying spells, racing thoughts that just won’t quit, and GI distress, says Scott."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"049ed2fd0c02","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about Tracy Scott","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/team/tracy-scott/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"64a904b7d5cb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"61e964c9849b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"While research highlights the negative effects of prenatal stress during pregnancy, it’s also not a crystal ball. Plenty of healthy babies are born to super stressed-out moms. Plus, whether you or someone you love is dealing with stress, the good news is that it can be counteracted with simple habits. Below are some stress-relieving methods Scott uses with pregnant members at Parsley Health."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6e024bef8575","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e362ba848dcf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Meditate."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"2c98e827532d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"07afc898156f0","_type":"span","marks":["5156431a79dc"],"text":"Meditation"},{"_key":"07afc898156f1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" seems to top every self-help list, but that’s because it works. For example, a "},{"_key":"07afc898156f2","_type":"span","marks":["15391cba9a11"],"text":"small randomized controlled trial"},{"_key":"07afc898156f3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" found that expectant moms who participated in a mindfulness training program were 50 percent less likely to give birth early than women who didn’t go through the program. Scott recommends the app "},{"_key":"07afc898156f4","_type":"span","marks":["5994fd54f980"],"text":"Expectful"},{"_key":"07afc898156f5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , which offers guided meditations for all three trimesters to help you connect with your baby (and yourself)."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5156431a79dc","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health article: prescribing meditation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/prescribe-meditation-patients/"},{"_key":"15391cba9a11","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read about the trial","href":"http://spaj.ukm.my/ijphr/index.php/ijphr/article/view/121"},{"_key":"5994fd54f980","_type":"link","description":"Visit Expectful's website","href":"https://expectful.com/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5d1a263f56dc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c3fbc7b4df090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Practice prenatal yoga."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"4d8a5e68fce4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6e4bc0e0297b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Prenatal yoga helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, strengthens the connection between your mind and body, and bolsters one's bond with their baby, says Scott. A "},{"_key":"6e4bc0e0297b1","_type":"span","marks":["eed49df9edd4"],"text":"2015 research review"},{"_key":"6e4bc0e0297b2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" found that women who practiced prenatal yoga had lower pain, anxiety, depression, and stress levels, and were less likely to be diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"eed49df9edd4","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about the review","href":"https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0034-1396701"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"267f572daa93","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"324d3e2fddb50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Pinpoint your stress triggers."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"8fbf0826d7b0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"145c3ada61700","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Identify what’s currently bothering you, and brainstorm several practical, simple solutions. As Scott says, “While there is always an element of the unknown"},{"_key":"145c3ada61701","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"—"},{"_key":"145c3ada61702","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"I used to feel like I was only as good as my last sonogram!"},{"_key":"145c3ada61703","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"—"},{"_key":"145c3ada61704","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"try to stay focused on what is true and what you can control.” For example, you can purchase a comfy pregnancy pillow to help you sleep, or add more veggies to your diet."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e43ac465ae30","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ca8718c87d690","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Minimize unhealthy habits."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"66a7e60b256b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d50825e2f8b70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When stress strikes, what are some less-than-helpful things you do? Maybe you lash out at a loved one, isolate yourself, forget to eat, and zone out on your phone. Pay attention to how you typically react to stress during pregnancy, and aim to reduce these unhealthy tendencies."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5d0ec7e546f2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"853ff5de81f30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Journal your heart out."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"db4ddf406871","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"baf6f3ab5a280","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Make journaling part of your daily routine, as it’s a great way to process emotions and make worrisome thoughts feel more manageable. Simply carve out 10 to 15 minutes, jotting down anything that’s on your mind or heart."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"64c9152c10de","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f4b6f1c1b2040","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Have your doctor on speed dial."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"44c331871fd5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c8c981055d0c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When you’re pregnant with your first child (or, let’s face it, your fourth), it’s easy to let every change rattle you. "},{"_key":"c8c981055d0c1","_type":"span","marks":["40fc524d274a"],"text":"Parsley Health"},{"_key":"c8c981055d0c2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" members regularly note that having a healthcare team they can contact at any time is a huge stress relief on its own."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"40fc524d274a","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"How Parsley Health works","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/how-it-works/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"847245e2e292","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"02ffd223f0790","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Connect with others."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"d5002d03c741","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6708606db0050","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Social support is critical for expectant moms (and, of course, everyone!). Discuss your worries with your partner or a trusted friend, says Scott. She also suggests joining a moms-to-be support group (virtual or in person). “If it is local to your area, it becomes an immediate group of people to meet up with post-baby—a nice Mom tribe,” she adds."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cc180f0845b3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"148fbfa848e90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Increase physical intimacy."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"39abf692bf81","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fe996a2c1ecd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"According to Scott, some women’s sexual desires spike during pregnancy, making it a good time to physically connect with your partner and decompress. Not in the mood? Harness the power of touch by cuddling on the couch or holding hands."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b3f2c56adf70","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1362258f2cad0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Try not to let studies on stress further stress you out. While stress can become harmful, small healthy habits do make a significant difference in easing emotional distress and relaxing your brain and body."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"16a36b8d76f8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2e490569bc0b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"And, as "},{"_key":"2e490569bc0b1","_type":"span","marks":["68c8d0825a67"],"text":"one researcher"},{"_key":"2e490569bc0b2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" notes, “A secure bond between the mother and child after the birth can neutralize negative effects of stress during pregnancy.” So, says Scott, if an unusually stressful time arises during pregnancy—like a pandemic! —cultivating your connection with your newborn can be incredibly powerful."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"68c8d0825a67","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read more on Science Daily","href":"https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170529090530.htm"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ea7110c23359","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"550365742c770","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“This is also good news for adoptive parents or parents who used a surrogate,” adds Scott. “In the event there was some sort of emotional trauma that the parents-to-be were not aware of, the post-birth secure bond is a bigger indicator of future well-being.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"8192a247-61e6-4363-8422-9f18c9e3ff17","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-9b1a22d7-4466-51e4-a6c5-4a38d87c7bb2","title":"Cut Through These Common Fertility 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Health"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"209090d742b8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"18844b2599670","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parsley Health is the doctor that helps you live healthier, longer, by treating the root cause of symptoms and conditions. Our medical teams—staffed by leading clinicians and health coaches—spend more time with you, order the right tests, and prescribe food, sleep and movement alongside medications so you can get better—and feel better."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"902db7c1bc7b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"78c7f8bec6cd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Fertility medicine is as old as language itself, so it’s no surprise that there are just as many myths as truths floating around the internet today. Let's tackle four of the most common fertility myths to separate the fact from the fiction."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"20f54f6a4d0f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3d4b5cb1a6d90","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Myth #1: The lunar cycle is a reliable way to track a menstrual cycle."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"61e046ba7782","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"95813c4b998a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In a recent study done by "},{"_key":"95813c4b998a1","_type":"span","marks":["c188cc0b0c77"],"text":"Clue"},{"_key":"95813c4b998a2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , scientists tracked the menstrual cycles of 7.5 million people who were not using hormonal birth control. Researchers found that while the lunar and menstrual cycle of some will match up, the variability of the individual’s cycle is what creates a lot of random match-ups with full or new moons thereby. That means the lunar/menstrual cycle correlation is a myth."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"c188cc0b0c77","_type":"link","description":"Clue","href":"https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/myth-moon-phases-menstruation"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1d7c44f5fd8a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0a5b10288acf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"One reason why this myth is still widely accepted as fact is that, at one point in human history, lunar and menstrual cycles may have actually been the same length. But due to changes in human behavior and the pervasive use of artificial lighting, we’ve slowly evolved into a slightly shorter menstrual cycle. Today, the average menstrual cycle is 28 days to the lunar cycle’s 29.5 days."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9fa4a2a2e745","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2c3f8caa9efa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Luckily, tracking your menstrual cycle is almost easier than tracking the moon. Whether using the calendar on your phone, a good old-fashioned paper journal or calendar, or a menstrual cycle-tracking app, all you really need to do is mark the day you start your period each month. From there, you can determine, based on the phases of the menstrual cycle, when you would be ovulating."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9289a8d64148","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ce6514ae18a20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Here’s a quick breakdown of those phases:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6e43bfc80f40","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"05d1f2c032180","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Phase 1: Menstruation"},{"_key":"05d1f2c032181","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" | Typically lasts 3-7 days"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dd67e54e1ed1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d92e68b676c90","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Phase 2: Follicular Phase"},{"_key":"d92e68b676c91","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" | Starts on the first day of your period and lasts for 13-14 days"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"91b5551b0375","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6a1a34173e590","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Phase 3: Ovulation"},{"_key":"6a1a34173e591","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" | Can last between 16-32 hours, but it is possible to become pregnant in the 3-5 days preceding."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8052ecbc5487","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a5d40555c54f0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Phase 4: Luteal Phase"},{"_key":"a5d40555c54f1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" | During this time, the body prepares either for pregnancy or a period, which would restart the cycle."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"263fd20cfffb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cfa68f0f4dfa0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Myth #2: If your birthing parent had an easy time getting pregnant, so will you."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"d86a03aa87bc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2a8199ce4f980","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You could have a dozen siblings—but that wouldn’t necessarily mean you’d have an easy time getting pregnant. Conversely, even if you come from a family that has struggled with fertility, you personally may not struggle with it at all. It all comes down to your particular genetic makeup, which is why understanding your family history combined with your current health factors is vital to figuring out your fertility disposition."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"34e89e2bd4e9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"50b3d5de338d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Parsley, we recommend a mix of approaches to get to the root cause of any fertility issues you might be experiencing. Genetics, nutrient deficiencies, and stress levels can seriously impact your fertility—and while you can't chance your genes, you can improve your diet with whole foods and supplements and learn effective ways to manage your stress. Whether or not you're looking to get pregnant, "},{"_key":"50b3d5de338d1","_type":"span","marks":["572f3ee65ee3"],"text":"advanced testing"},{"_key":"50b3d5de338d2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" can give you information about your body and overall health that's helpful to know in many contexts."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"572f3ee65ee3","_type":"link","description":"advanced testing","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/medical-diagnostic-tests"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f08224ef0919","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7dccfe9b29e80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Understanding your cycle and fertility factors can be hugely beneficial no matter what lifestyle you choose. Just remember that your family history is only one piece of the puzzle."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f04ebc1712f5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9bbd3a7756740","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Myth #3: Using hormonal birth control or Plan B can cause infertility."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"7103084fc1f4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5023e714c7140","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Let’s confront a hard truth: reproductive medicine and female fertility studies have historically been problematic. Initial studies of birth control were “marked by a lack of consent, a lack of full disclosure, and true informed choice,” says Dr. Nauf AlBendar, the founder of The Womb Effect, which focuses on fertility and pregnancy and the effect it has on physical and mental health."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4b855a497656","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e8afda8acf240","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When initially introduced in the 1970s, the levels of hormones in birth control pills was entirely too high—putting many at risk for blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks. Those hormone levels were eventually lowered to a safe dosage, and what is commonly used today has proven to work as intended: to prevent fertilization of the egg or prevent that fertilized egg from attaching itself to the uterus."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"104752353f60","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9eae3404cb570","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"That means if you choose to stop taking hormonal birth control or if you have previously used Plan B, your body will stop ingesting the additional estrogen and progestin necessary to stop a pregnancy from occurring, making it possible to conceive. The presence of those additional hormones in the body might have prevented you from experiencing things like heavy periods, bloating, more intense cramping, or even weight loss or gain. When those symptoms begin to arise, that’s a good time to start writing down what you experience and discuss with your healthcare advisor to ensure they’re not indicative of underlying issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or a vitamin D deficiency."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"69569d2dbb3b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f04e3b1ef9eb0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Myth #4: Male fertility never declines."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"5299a87b48c2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ecbbadd774d90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We’ve all read about male celebrities having children with their partners well into their golden years, but the fact is that men have declining fertility as they age just like women—but the rate of that decline is different."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"97197333ce6d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f9b26be371320","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For women, fertility begins to deteriorate in their 30s, with any pregnancy happening by their mid-40s being extremely rare without the help of fertility assistance. Men, on the other hand, stay fertile well into their 40s, only experiencing a sharp decline in their early 50s when they begin to experience a decrease in the quality of seminal fluid, lower sperm count, and erectile dysfunction."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"903e2def5fae","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a146bf11a5b50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Luckily, there are ways to "},{"_key":"a146bf11a5b51","_type":"span","marks":["2ba3c815980c"],"text":"improve male fertility"},{"_key":"a146bf11a5b52","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , and couples looking to get pregnant should pay as much attention to male reproductive health as they do to female. Parsley Health doctors and health coaches work with anyone who is looking to become pregnant and will curate specialized programs to ensure optimized fertility for your specific health care needs."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"2ba3c815980c","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"improve male fertility","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/is-male-fertility-declining-heres-how-you-can-optimize-your-fertility"}],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"99e90e05-f979-45fc-849a-664460a7b693","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-74579825-fdaa-56ed-809f-3d8430ed04c0","title":"How to Reduce Environmental Risks During 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woman stands in an empty room with her belly out"},"author":{"authorByLine":"Tiffany Ayuda","slug":{"current":"tiffany-ayuda"},"profileImage":{"_type":"basicImage","crop":null,"hotspot":null,"asset":{"_id":"image-6255e2035ec85422da496cce970d8aa3642c78dc-300x300-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/6255e2035ec85422da496cce970d8aa3642c78dc-300x300.jpg","fluid":{"sizes":"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px","src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/6255e2035ec85422da496cce970d8aa3642c78dc-300x300.jpg","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/6255e2035ec85422da496cce970d8aa3642c78dc-300x300.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop 150w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/6255e2035ec85422da496cce970d8aa3642c78dc-300x300.jpg 300w","srcSetWebp":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/6255e2035ec85422da496cce970d8aa3642c78dc-300x300.jpg?w=150&h=150&fit=crop&fm=webp 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Ayuda"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":"Health Writer","bio":[{"_key":"fc452c59dd01","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fc452c59dd010","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Tiffany Ayuda is a New York City-based editor and writer passionate about fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She has held previous editorial roles at Prevention, Eat This, Not That, Daily Burn, and Everyday Health. Tiffany is also a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise. When she's not writing or breaking up a sweat, Tiffany enjoys cooking up healthy meals in her Brooklyn kitchen."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"abfe5439f39b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1731b345336b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"While access to proper healthcare, good nutrition, and "},{"_key":"1731b345336b1","_type":"span","marks":["cd134d729ad0"],"text":"safe water"},{"_key":"1731b345336b2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" are systemic issues that require a collective effort from our government and society as a whole to fix, there are steps you can take to be a better health advocate for yourself—and it starts with finding a doctor that will help you (or someone you love) meet individualized needs."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"cd134d729ad0","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"learn about water filter benefits","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/water-filter-benefits/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b1ec1b12e295","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dc1094d7d8130","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s rare for many doctors to take such a conscientious look at one's entire lifestyle and the environment in which they live, but at Parsley Health, members get more than just the 20-minute pep talk and blood work. To start, being a Parsley member means taking an "},{"_key":"dc1094d7d8131","_type":"span","marks":["86ca0cfad3cc"],"text":"extensive questionnaire"},{"_key":"dc1094d7d8132","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" about every facet of  life, from the circumstances around one's own birth to what the member currently does for a living and how they manage stress."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"86ca0cfad3cc","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"what to ask your doctor","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/doctor-questions-about-health/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"65e932418551","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6d7d074fe5f80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“One of the greatest features of the Parsley membership is the amount of time we have to spend with our patients,” Dr. Milbank says. “We do a "},{"_key":"6d7d074fe5f81","_type":"span","marks":["4bca486872bb"],"text":"lengthy intake"},{"_key":"6d7d074fe5f82","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" with each of our members that allows for an in-depth discussion of every part of our members’ lives—past medical and environmental history, discussion around the home and occupational environment that may put a woman at risk of environmental exposure.”"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"4bca486872bb","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"The Parsley Health intake","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/first-parsley-health-visit/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4fe741076003","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"85612655950f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This information allows Parsley Health doctors to understand what has shaped the health conditions and lifestyle members have today, and how these events in life play a role in how well they feel."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3ed2c7c5f915","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"82f64bd59bda0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"From there, Parsley doctors conduct extensive testing that goes beyond traditional bloodwork and looks for "},{"_key":"82f64bd59bda1","_type":"span","marks":["7b2cc15af1e9"],"text":"nutritional deficiencies"},{"_key":"82f64bd59bda2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , heavy metals and genetic implications, like "},{"_key":"82f64bd59bda3","_type":"span","marks":["c0f5dc8efbe6"],"text":"MTHFR"},{"_key":"82f64bd59bda4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , Dr. Milbank says."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"7b2cc15af1e9","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"nutrient deficiencies explained","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/nutrient-deficiencies-explained/"},{"_key":"c0f5dc8efbe6","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"More info on the MTHFR gene","href":"https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"17e4c919b51b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e9e1058b0b580","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“We do extensive nutritional counseling around fish and vegetable consumption and help patients understand how to select low-mercury seafood and minimize exposure to pesticides. We also counsel our patients on basic foundational lifestyle principles, like "},{"_key":"e9e1058b0b581","_type":"span","marks":["6420dfee21c5"],"text":"sleep"},{"_key":"e9e1058b0b582","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" hygiene, stress management, and how to optimize exercise,” she says. By making these changes to your lifestyle, you can help minimize environmental hazards from climate change that can be harmful in pregnancy."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6420dfee21c5","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"How to sleep better","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-causes-insomnia-how-to-sleep-better/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3aa82c02802f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b107c72d5d8f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Other environmental factors to consider are exposures to toxic chemicals from cleaning supplies, beauty products, and pesticides, many of which are considered "},{"_key":"b107c72d5d8f1","_type":"span","marks":["4b1e381caaf6"],"text":"endocrine disruptors"},{"_key":"b107c72d5d8f2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"4b1e381caaf6","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about endocrine disruptors ","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-endocrine-disruptors-work/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a9bc85f5bf0f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ec01727904eb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Here are just a handful of lifestyle habits that lower environmental risks during pregnancy for you, or someone you love. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f93c60f0fde1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5d57b8b5fbef0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"ebc333dc3b5d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fccc66af48060","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Whether you’re able to buy organic produce or not, the more important thing is to get more vegetables and fruits into your diet. Think leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and berries. That said, if you’re deciding which vegetables and fruits you should consider buying organic, reference the Environmental Working Group’s "},{"_key":"fccc66af48061","_type":"span","marks":["0eed4d2142ec"],"text":"Dirty Dozen"},{"_key":"fccc66af48062","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and "},{"_key":"fccc66af48063","_type":"span","marks":["6ae7894a85c9"],"text":"Clean 15"},{"_key":"fccc66af48064","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" lists. You also want to consider eating more fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and cod. “Fatty fish are high in "},{"_key":"fccc66af48065","_type":"span","marks":["421de398db31"],"text":"omega-3 fatty acid"},{"_key":"fccc66af48066","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" DHA, which is fundamental to both mom and baby’s brain health. Some plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include chia and flax seeds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0eed4d2142ec","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php"},{"_key":"6ae7894a85c9","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php"},{"_key":"421de398db31","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Sugar antidote blog","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/sugar-antidote/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a31ee6d457e4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dfe1867f38490","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Stay hydrated."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"59bfa288d88f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2d58a00f5f980","_type":"span","marks":["f25dbe555b47"],"text":"Drinking enough water"},{"_key":"2d58a00f5f981","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" not only helps your body perform everyday functions, but when you’re pregnant, your blood volume increases by at least 50 percent to support the growing baby, so make sure to drink enough water, Dr. Milbank says. Water is also necessary for staying regular (constipation is common during pregnancy thanks to higher progesterone levels), absorbing nutrients and transporting vitamins, minerals and hormones to blood cells."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"f25dbe555b47","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Blog on hydration","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/drink-water-every-day/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"76b7d9545c7d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9b64bed375290","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Avoid fish high in mercury."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"8f7f1bfe10e0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3cd2181199320","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"To reduce your "},{"_key":"3cd2181199321","_type":"span","marks":["15e3c3a457b5"],"text":"exposure to heavy metals"},{"_key":"3cd2181199322","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , avoid choosing seafood high in mercury, like shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Dr. Milbank suggests following the "},{"_key":"3cd2181199323","_type":"span","marks":["79aaf8dff391"],"text":"National Resources Defense Council’s"},{"_key":"3cd2181199324","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" guide to buying seafood to select fish low in mercury."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"15e3c3a457b5","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Heavy metals","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/the-real-story-on-heavy-metals/"},{"_key":"79aaf8dff391","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Seafood buying guide","href":"https://www.nrdc.org/stories/smart-seafood-buying-guide"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5f8c13d62e4b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"645d21be24160","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Get rid of cleaning and beauty products with harmful chemicals."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"9c9ec45bf45e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9cd80e2226250","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr.Milbank recommends avoiding cleaning and beauty products that contain phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, BPA, and BPS. Check out the "},{"_key":"9cd80e2226251","_type":"span","marks":["9eb3b40f5662"],"text":"Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep"},{"_key":"9cd80e2226252","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" list of approved skincare brands and personal care products for you and your baby."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"9eb3b40f5662","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/products.php?type=skin-care"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8eb69a05a2b8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3442e32376810","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Minimize exposure to plastics."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"a50a671a2555","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b191e349c8620","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Plastics contain "},{"_key":"b191e349c8621","_type":"span","marks":["35240b5d002d"],"text":"endocrine-disrupting chemicals"},{"_key":"b191e349c8622","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , Dr. Milbanks says. Use water bottles and food containers made with aluminum or glass."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"35240b5d002d","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ab0461c81e1e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ab38eebb31ee0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Reduce exposure to pollution when possible."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"07faa791dc0d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"49bd2dbfc7cd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Milbank recommends exercising in green spaces and avoiding walking in areas that are highly polluted. 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Robin Berzin, CEO"},"role":"Doctor","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"a95b591d22c6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6c22c1719ee3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Robin Berzin is the Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. She founded Parsley to address the rising tide of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine that puts food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostic testing on the prescription pad next to medications. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, demonstrating the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone, anywhere. Parsley is available online nationwide.\n"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7b28f23b78a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"33212346fb800","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Berzin attended medical school at Columbia University and trained in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. 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struggling with fertility examines an at-home test-kit"},"author":{"authorByLine":"Jessica Migala","slug":{"current":"jessica-migala"},"profileImage":{"_type":"basicImage","crop":null,"hotspot":null,"asset":{"_id":"image-cc172a510ec6b9e480b24ce1bb959a71e1c844bc-2150x2185-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/cc172a510ec6b9e480b24ce1bb959a71e1c844bc-2150x2185.jpg","fluid":{"sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px","src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/cc172a510ec6b9e480b24ce1bb959a71e1c844bc-2150x2185.jpg?w=800&h=813&fit=crop","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/cc172a510ec6b9e480b24ce1bb959a71e1c844bc-2150x2185.jpg?w=200&h=203&fit=crop 200w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/cc172a510ec6b9e480b24ce1bb959a71e1c844bc-2150x2185.jpg?w=400&h=407&fit=crop 400w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/cc172a510ec6b9e480b24ce1bb959a71e1c844bc-2150x2185.jpg?w=800&h=813&fit=crop 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Migala"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":"Health Writer","bio":[{"_key":"38d6849f6e65","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"38d6849f6e650","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Jessica Migala is a health and medical freelance writer living in the Chicago suburbs. She's written for publications like Women's Health, Health, AARP, Eating Well, Everyday Health, and Diabetic Living. Jessica has two young, very active boys."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"4892acbc28e2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9d22d3bcea9c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\"When in the throes of trying to get pregnant, many may be discouraged and saddened about the process when it’s not immediate\", says "},{"_key":"9d22d3bcea9c1","_type":"span","marks":["15a317356543"],"text":"Dana Bufalino"},{"_key":"9d22d3bcea9c2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , a health coach at Parsley Health. \"While there may be underlying conditions and even some lifestyle factors that may be impact "},{"_key":"9d22d3bcea9c3","_type":"span","marks":["5cc33892b8db"],"text":"fertility"},{"_key":"9d22d3bcea9c4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , it’s also important to know that infertility is not someone's fault\", she says."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"15a317356543","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about Dana Bufalino","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/team/dana-bufalino"},{"_key":"5cc33892b8db","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health article: eating for fertility","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/eating-for-fertility/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4a91aa31486b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"454de60c75ad0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Likewise, Parsley Health’s healthcare team is able to provide help, from "},{"_key":"454de60c75ad1","_type":"span","marks":["b4deeee31e99"],"text":"finding and treating the root cause"},{"_key":"454de60c75ad2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" to maximizing patients' chances of becoming pregnant through nutrution and lifestyle, as well as conventional medicine."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b4deeee31e99","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about how Parsley Health treats the root cause","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/the-healing-power-of-root-cause-resolution-medicine-and-the-tools-parsley-uses-to-optimize/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9040a00c19ac","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dce33984bbc40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Below are seven reasons someone may have trouble getting pregnant that can often be overlooked in conventional medicine. Remember, these are not the "},{"_key":"dce33984bbc41","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"only"},{"_key":"dce33984bbc42","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" answers to trouble getting pregnant. Coupled with physician recommendations and an understanding of a patient's individual health, they may decide that pursuing medical intervention and due treatments are the best option. Just know that whatever you decide, Parsley Health "},{"_key":"dce33984bbc43","_type":"span","marks":["6a35e5a4f087"],"text":"medical providers and health coaches"},{"_key":"dce33984bbc44","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" can support before, during, and after the "},{"_key":"dce33984bbc45","_type":"span","marks":["de20c74b39dc"],"text":"fertility journey"},{"_key":"dce33984bbc46","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6a35e5a4f087","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Meet our providers and health coaches","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/providers/"},{"_key":"de20c74b39dc","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/care/reproductive-health/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9d8cf713df12","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bdf49bfb753b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Thyroid dysfunction"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"b0583d58ca14","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"eb6e7647485a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Both an underactive (hypothyroid) and overactive (hyperthyroid) "},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a1","_type":"span","marks":["2ce05dec7384"],"text":"thyroid"},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" can "},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a3","_type":"span","marks":["b6750f2435ec"],"text":"affect ovulation, cause irregular menstrual cycles, and lead to imbalances in sex hormones"},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , which can "},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a5","_type":"span","marks":["d10539a21c44"],"text":"impact chances of getting pregnant"},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . (Proper thyroid levels are also essential for a healthy growing fetus, as well.) “We see a lot of thyroid issues that contribute to struggles in the fertility journey,” says Bufalino. The problem is that "},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a7","_type":"span","marks":["0444df07f274"],"text":"symptoms of thyroid disease"},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a8","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , like weight gain or loss, constipation or diarrhea, irritability, or "},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a9","_type":"span","marks":["947d9a5d0d74"],"text":"sleep issues"},{"_key":"eb6e7647485a10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" can all be attributed to other things, like a stressful schedule, so they’re easy to miss."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"2ce05dec7384","_type":"link","description":"Learn about thyroid issues","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/symptoms-of-thyroid-issues/"},{"_key":"b6750f2435ec","_type":"link","description":"Read more","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4724596/"},{"_key":"d10539a21c44","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"The thyroid fertility connection","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/thyroid-fertility-connection/"},{"_key":"0444df07f274","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about thyroid disease","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/symptoms-of-thyroid-issues/"},{"_key":"947d9a5d0d74","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about sleep issues","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/why-cant-i-fall-asleep/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f0981ac7503f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a94f5d2c12bd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Chronic stress"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"7d3c6106b04d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2193a9e4c95b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s clear that fertility issues cause stress. Those undergoing fertility treatments report greater amounts of stress, "},{"_key":"2193a9e4c95b1","_type":"span","marks":["456c7d9151e9"],"text":"anxiety"},{"_key":"2193a9e4c95b2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , and depression, as detailed in "},{"_key":"2193a9e4c95b3","_type":"span","marks":["48979bdc1cc5","em"],"text":"Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience"},{"_key":"2193a9e4c95b4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . What’s less clear is if stress is a direct cause of fertility issues, though initial research has shown that individuals undergoing fertility treatments who participate in mindfulness-based relaxation programs lessen anxiety and have higher rates of pregnancy."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"456c7d9151e9","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Discover symptoms of anxiety","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/physical-symptoms-of-anxiety/"},{"_key":"48979bdc1cc5","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6016043/#ref44"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bfc380f211c2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"40ed7b7dc33f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This indicates a correlation between the two, if not causation, but the science checks out: “If the body senses that you’re in danger—and this can be from anything, like stress from work or family issues—functions that are not necessary for survival will become deprioritized,” says Jessica Wei, MD, a certified functional and integrative medicine physician formerly with Parsley Health. That includes reproduction, and so resources are diverted away from the production of sex hormones and hormonal signaling is also disrupted."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"efb0efe81811","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"240eb6db13830","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“There is a cascade of physiological changes that happen when you’re in a "},{"_key":"240eb6db13831","_type":"span","marks":["ac7a1aca1468"],"text":"worried and anxious state"},{"_key":"240eb6db13832","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ,” she says. There are numerous anecdotal reports of people who underwent fertility treatment for years, “and the moment they decide that they’re not going to do it anymore and that stress lifts—boom, they get pregnant,” adds Dr. Wei."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"ac7a1aca1468","_type":"link","description":"Learn about chronic stress symptoms","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-chronic-stress-symptoms/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7bda0d819e1b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"74cc4f527b330","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"245febfa0338","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1035220c1f210","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Polycystic ovary syndrome ("},{"_key":"1035220c1f211","_type":"span","marks":["b5c081548d7d"],"text":"PCOS"},{"_key":"1035220c1f212","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ) is a condition marked by hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysfunction. PCOS is extremely common (though many "},{"_key":"1035220c1f213","_type":"span","marks":["616ea6c94194"],"text":"women struggle to get a proper diagnosis"},{"_key":"1035220c1f214","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" .) According to the "},{"_key":"1035220c1f215","_type":"span","marks":["d83038728cf8"],"text":"US Department of Health and Human Services"},{"_key":"1035220c1f216","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, and it’s one of the most common causes of infertility in women, as it interferes with ovulation."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b5c081548d7d","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about PCOS","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-every-woman-needs-to-know-about-pcos/"},{"_key":"616ea6c94194","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Getting a proper PCOS diagnosis","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/proper-pcos-diagnosis/"},{"_key":"d83038728cf8","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c6df194e1747","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"64dc15a278960","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"According to Bufalino, PCOS can be seen in three instances: women who have been on "},{"_key":"64dc15a278961","_type":"span","marks":["259632e1f705"],"text":"birth control"},{"_key":"64dc15a278962","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" for a long time and their periods don’t return after stopping; women who have high insulin levels (who may have trouble losing weight and have some of the more classic PCOS symptoms, like hair loss on the scalp); and women who have a more "},{"_key":"64dc15a278963","_type":"span","marks":["82b12f1d34d4"],"text":"inflammation-based disease"},{"_key":"64dc15a278964","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . “These individuals are not overweight but they have "},{"_key":"64dc15a278965","_type":"span","marks":["c8b414bd3b82"],"text":"inflammation"},{"_key":"64dc15a278966","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" in their body due to factors like a high glycemic-index diet, high-sugar diet, and chronic stress,” she says."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"259632e1f705","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn side effects of birth control","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/hormonal-birth-control-side-effects/"},{"_key":"82b12f1d34d4","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health article on inflammation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-inflammation-and-how-to-reduce-it/"},{"_key":"c8b414bd3b82","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health article on inflammation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-inflammation-and-how-to-reduce-it/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5695433bef2a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"22c6e2c0aef90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Hormonal imbalances"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"39587558c266","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4254b61e64ae0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some know they're ovulating regularly because of the test strips that affirm they are releasing an egg like clockwork every month. And still, they are not pregnant. Is this a cause of infertility? “For many people who aren’t getting pregnant or are unable to stay pregnant, we find that they’re not producing enough progesterone in the second half of their cycle,” says Dr. Wei. The cause can be due to the aforementioned stress or "},{"_key":"4254b61e64ae1","_type":"span","marks":["989a9a112058"],"text":"nutritional needs"},{"_key":"4254b61e64ae2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" that are missing. "}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"989a9a112058","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Nutritional needs during pregnancy","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/category/recipes-and-nutrition/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"992db3677aeb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8db05b1234c00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Restrictive eating and intense exercising"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"6bfc66d87671","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f8f0661801c60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Being “super healthy” should help with fertility, right? In actuality, it can backfire: a commitment to the gym and eating clean can turn harmful when taken to the extreme. It can be difficult to recognize this in yourself, especially if you’re praised for the behavior. “Unfortunately, it’s common to think that you’re taking great care of yourself by society’s standards, but it can still be taxing to the system,” Bufalino says. One sign is that periods are irregular (or entirely unpredictable), or that it's been lost altogether."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"95adec5a9067","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b195ae5dcabf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\"Overexercise” can mean too much exercise, or exercise that’s too intense for the body. “We think of workouts as being stress relieving, but they can raise cortisol levels if too intense. And raising cortisol in an unhealthy way will steal from other hormones that you need for a healthy cycle,” Bufalino says. If you have too strict a commitment to \"being healthy\" and notice that periods are irregular or absent, try to slow down with more walks and light yoga."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f305eb025213","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f8c1034a4fac0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Gut issues"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"f79147381f5c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1231c32d09d90","_type":"span","marks":["02e7b75cfa83"],"text":"Good digestive balance affects everything"},{"_key":"1231c32d09d91","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , and gut dysregulation is a common problem Dr. Wei sees. “If you’re not digesting or absorbing nutrients properly, you are not setting up the proper foundation for hormonal and overall health,” she says."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"02e7b75cfa83","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health article: how to improve gut health/","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-improve-gut-health/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"adeaf0169a67","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cb7dd2bd97c00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"GI health is one element needed to support a healthy pregnancy, so if a patient is struggling with fertility issues and Dr. Wei suspects gut dysregulation may be a factor, she may suggest pausing efforts to get pregnant for a period of time so that they can work on "},{"_key":"cb7dd2bd97c01","_type":"span","marks":["0f046a738e03"],"text":"digestive health"},{"_key":"cb7dd2bd97c02","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , something that (understandably) can be disappointing. "}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0f046a738e03","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health article: biohack way healthier gut","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/biohack-way-healthier-gut/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7ec70bc372e9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"962a933220480","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Endocrine disruptors"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"70aa831a6f5b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"07e2c68ddca50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Endocrine disruptors are a class of chemicals that mimic or interfere with the "},{"_key":"07e2c68ddca51","_type":"span","marks":["ecce7448231e"],"text":"body’s hormones"},{"_key":"07e2c68ddca52","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , says the "},{"_key":"07e2c68ddca53","_type":"span","marks":["4bddb6bb6198"],"text":"National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences"},{"_key":"07e2c68ddca54","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . “We have so many in our daily environment from household cleaners to beauty products and in food storage,” says Bufalino. “These types of chemicals break down the communication between the brain and endocrine system,” she explains."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"ecce7448231e","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about hormone health","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/hormone-health-is-important-heres-why/"},{"_key":"4bddb6bb6198","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read study","href":"https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fa0da70e738d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"82915eb7e0e70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Research shows that men, too, suffer the effects of these chemicals. A "},{"_key":"82915eb7e0e71","_type":"span","marks":["d98fb744e62c"],"text":"2017 study"},{"_key":"82915eb7e0e72","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" concluded that sperm counts have fallen by 50 to 60 percent, with endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pesticides two factors that may account for the drop. While research is ongoing in both men and women, "},{"_key":"82915eb7e0e73","_type":"span","marks":["03d7e91a5778"],"text":"there’s also evidence"},{"_key":"82915eb7e0e74","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" that certain pesticides, heavy metals, phthalates, parabens, and other chemicals may interrupt a menstrual cycle, suppress ovulation, leading to fertility issues, and cause a decline in fertility at an earlier age. Still, it’s unclear what dose of chemicals is needed to affect fertility and how the overall load of exposure affects each individual woman. "},{"_key":"82915eb7e0e75","_type":"span","marks":["07da15e88cf6"],"text":"Exposure in utero"},{"_key":"82915eb7e0e76","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" —which we have no control over—may also affect future fertility."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"d98fb744e62c","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689"},{"_key":"03d7e91a5778","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5479690"},{"_key":"07da15e88cf6","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/160/6/1421/5473530"}],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"24def351-758d-4574-9a34-9d921afd1d71","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-37d43539-af58-516c-a4cb-92b4ae2874ba","title":"Why a Birthing Parent's Mental Health 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mother looks down at her baby pensively"},"author":{"authorByLine":"Health Writer","slug":{"current":"margarita-tartakovsky"},"profileImage":{"_type":"basicImage","crop":null,"hotspot":null,"asset":{"_id":"image-83e91cd53289e9784d15e680c4eb9f83234ae7ab-500x469-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/83e91cd53289e9784d15e680c4eb9f83234ae7ab-500x469.jpg","fluid":{"sizes":"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px","src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/83e91cd53289e9784d15e680c4eb9f83234ae7ab-500x469.jpg","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/83e91cd53289e9784d15e680c4eb9f83234ae7ab-500x469.jpg?w=125&h=117&fit=crop 125w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/83e91cd53289e9784d15e680c4eb9f83234ae7ab-500x469.jpg?w=250&h=235&fit=crop 250w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/83e91cd53289e9784d15e680c4eb9f83234ae7ab-500x469.jpg 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Tartakovsky"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"5f91aa431a83","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"55458ad0fb3a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Margarita Tartakovsky is a Florida-based writer with 10+ years of experience in mental health and wellness. She’s written for websites such as Psych Central, Healthline, and Spirituality and Health. She’s passionate about helping readers feel less alone and overwhelmed and more empowered and hopeful."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"bb653243ecb0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c7fba2a56f750","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"From work deadlines to unexpected expenses and endless to-do lists, stress is an inevitable part of life. And when you add pregnancy to the mix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While occasional stress isn’t harmful, constant stress during pregnancy can affect both you and your baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"790bd2642161","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a707c5b218eb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\"Stress during pregnancy becomes a cause for concern when you’re unable to control it or it’s all you think about\", says "},{"_key":"a707c5b218eb1","_type":"span","marks":["490035a927dc"],"text":"Tracy Scott"},{"_key":"a707c5b218eb2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , a health coach at Parsley Health in New York City. \"Other signs include heart palpitations, feeling like you can’t breathe, frequent crying spells, racing thoughts that just won’t quit, and GI distress\", says Scott."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"490035a927dc","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about Tracy Scott","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/team/tracy-scott/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d5b5deb092af","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f0d2ed3215d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Even though many OB practices don’t discuss stress and emotional wellness nearly enough, mental health struggles are common. According to a "},{"_key":"1f0d2ed3215d1","_type":"span","marks":["0b9189ba46f1"],"text":"UK study"},{"_key":"1f0d2ed3215d2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , one in four pregnant women experienced mental health issues. Among the sample of 545 moms-to-be, 15 percent had "},{"_key":"1f0d2ed3215d3","_type":"span","marks":["85d919063478"],"text":"anxiety"},{"_key":"1f0d2ed3215d4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , 11 percent had depression, 2 percent struggled with eating disorders, and 2 percent had OCD."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0b9189ba46f1","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433610/"},{"_key":"85d919063478","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Blog: physical symptoms of anxiety","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/physical-symptoms-of-anxiety/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a0dbbf57251d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"edc9244a203f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Studies have linked prenatal stress to shorter pregnancies and preterm births (babies born before 37 weeks). Having a premature baby increases the chances of developmental delays in infants and behavioral and mental health concerns in kids."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a58e5e7e8df5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1efe409127a20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Even experiencing stress "},{"_key":"1efe409127a21","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"before"},{"_key":"1efe409127a22","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" conception may have consequences. A recent "},{"_key":"1efe409127a23","_type":"span","marks":["1a24d552c95e"],"text":"study"},{"_key":"1efe409127a24","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" of 360 women who became pregnant within 4.5 years found that those who felt stressed prior to getting pregnant had shorter pregnancies. While such findings might understandably make one feel uneasy, they really just underscore the importance of adopting "},{"_key":"1efe409127a25","_type":"span","marks":["92cd73b095ca"],"text":"stress-reducing practices"},{"_key":"1efe409127a26","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , whether currently pregnant or not."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"1a24d552c95e","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://academic.oup.com/abm/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/abm/kaaa047/5873717"},{"_key":"92cd73b095ca","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn stress-reducing practices","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-the-relaxation-response/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"82470a954e97","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3abfb39561390","_type":"span","marks":["182563edc5df"],"text":"Some research"},{"_key":"3abfb39561391","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" suggests that different types of stress may be associated with different outcomes. For example, negative life events, such as the death of a loved one, have been linked to an increased risk of preterm births. Chronic stress and emotional distress often boost the risk for low birth weight (babies weighing less than five and a half pounds)."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"182563edc5df","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the research","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4447112/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"745440e8be24","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"75b185f1a6750","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Prenatal stress during pregnancy may also predispose infants to illness. A "},{"_key":"75b185f1a6751","_type":"span","marks":["3df19f15cc1a"],"text":"2020 study"},{"_key":"75b185f1a6752","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" of 109 low-income, racially and ethnically diverse expectant moms found that every 1 point increase in reported stress was linked to a 38 percent increase in infectious illness; 73 percent increase in non-infectious illness; and 53 percent increase in other illnesses in infants. Notably, the stress and depression moms experienced "},{"_key":"75b185f1a6753","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"after"},{"_key":"75b185f1a6754","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" their babies were born weren’t associated with an increase in illness."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3df19f15cc1a","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(20)31027-1/fulltext"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"93cc1c462754","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Prenatal stress may influence young kids, too. Moms who experienced stress and anxiety and stress during pregnancy were more likely to have toddlers who exhibited temper tantrums, restlessness, and spitefulness, found research in the journal "},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d1","_type":"span","marks":["b3eccff4b3fd","em"],"text":"Development and Psychopathology"},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . In "},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d3","_type":"span","marks":["79ba332cdfd1"],"text":"a study of 4- to 6-year-olds"},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , researchers found that higher C‐reactive "},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d5","_type":"span","marks":["b5bd875c493a"],"text":"protein"},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" in the blood (a marker of "},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d7","_type":"span","marks":["1ac098dea773"],"text":"inflammation"},{"_key":"d9f124fd5c9d8","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ) during the third trimester predicted poorer cognitive flexibility in kids."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b3eccff4b3fd","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Review the research","href":"https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/parental-wellbeing-couple-relationship-quality-and-childrens-behavioral-problems-in-the-first-2-years-of-life/14472967C7CC0A4D938B3B08CA724A7C"},{"_key":"79ba332cdfd1","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dev.21982"},{"_key":"b5bd875c493a","_type":"link","description":"Parsley Health article: protein powder benefits","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/protein-powder-benefits/"},{"_key":"1ac098dea773","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"How to reduce inflammation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-inflammation-and-how-to-reduce-it/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f80de9aa718d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"de67b513125f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Try not to let studies on stress further stress you out. While stress can become harmful, small healthy habits do make a significant difference in easing emotional distress and relaxing your brain and body."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3de42c83516f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d6433629d1cf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"And, as "},{"_key":"d6433629d1cf1","_type":"span","marks":["c61df5836e18"],"text":"one researcher"},{"_key":"d6433629d1cf2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" notes, “A secure bond between the mother and child after the birth can neutralize negative effects of stress during pregnancy.” So, says Scott, if an unusually stressful time arises during pregnancy—like a pandemic! —cultivating your connection with your newborn can be incredibly powerful."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"c61df5836e18","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170529090530.htm"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"68c928656b42","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cdb1f863e7180","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“This is also good news for adoptive parents or parents who used a surrogate,” adds Scott. “In the event there was some sort of emotional trauma that the parents-to-be were not aware of, the post-birth secure bond is a bigger indicator of future well-being.”"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"005b5ef7-c761-495d-87ac-02ba96d06bc8","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-e2a63e1b-a599-508a-a840-3242617db45a","title":"Postpartum Anxiety vs. Postpartum Depression: What's the Difference? 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hunched over in bed"},"author":{"authorByLine":"Annie Shaltz, NP","slug":{"current":"annie-shaltz"},"profileImage":{"_type":"basicImage","crop":null,"hotspot":null,"asset":{"_id":"image-851a52834b04695135c48435e42b212273da2f70-7952x5304-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/851a52834b04695135c48435e42b212273da2f70-7952x5304.jpg","fluid":{"sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px","src":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/851a52834b04695135c48435e42b212273da2f70-7952x5304.jpg?w=800&h=534&fit=crop","srcSet":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/851a52834b04695135c48435e42b212273da2f70-7952x5304.jpg?w=200&h=133&fit=crop 200w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/851a52834b04695135c48435e42b212273da2f70-7952x5304.jpg?w=400&h=267&fit=crop 400w,\nhttps://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/851a52834b04695135c48435e42b212273da2f70-7952x5304.jpg?w=800&h=534&fit=crop 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Shaltz, NP"},"role":"Nurse Practitioner","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"1db006aa39fd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cff40aa2b01b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Annie Shaltz, NP, is a board-certified Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She earned her master’s degree from NYU as a nurse practitioner with a holistic specialization, which exposed her to a wide array of healing modalities, including functional medicine. Annie marries her clinical expertise with her holistic nursing background, sense of humor, and compassion."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"d9aed17a65b9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"224f462f4ab40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’ve never heard the term postpartum anxiety (PPA) you’re not alone. This mental health mood disorder is the nasty sister of postpartum depression (PPD), and many people within the medical community aren’t even aware of it. Why is that? Unlike postpartum depression, which has been well-studied, there has not been substantial research devoted to postpartum anxiety."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"da1bab8fab72","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4c2e88664e0a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PPA and PPD have many qualities that overlap and often co-exist. For birthing parents who are screened for PPD and able to get the treatment they need, they will often also be able to address PPA with treatment."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"74d9fdb09bd0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"37d27120aa410","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Key differences are that PPD more often involves sadness, crying, suicidal thoughts (suicide is the "},{"_key":"37d27120aa411","_type":"span","marks":["776f4a7573ba"],"text":"number one cause of death of new mothers"},{"_key":"37d27120aa412","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" in the postpartum period), "},{"_key":"dafd123ee697","_type":"span","marks":["4e1bc0bde39e"],"text":"fatigue"},{"_key":"ceae1a0aa1ab","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, and lack of interest in your baby. Where PPD and PPA overlap include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, inability to care for self, and isolation."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"776f4a7573ba","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about suicide in postpartum","href":"https://www.2020mom.org/blog/2019/7/10/suicide-maternal-mortality-death-rates"},{"_key":"4e1bc0bde39e","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Blog: why am I tired all the time?","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/why-am-i-tired-all-the-time/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5da19c0fe5d5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c557c2b2a5f40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"There are several complications of PPA including postpartum rage, postpartum panic attacks, and postpartum OCD (PPOCD). A woman experiencing postpartum rage has outbursts of anger, has a short fuse, is irritable, and easily triggered. Dr. Libby Coleman, co-author of "},{"_key":"c557c2b2a5f41","_type":"span","marks":["e1b6efa14014"],"text":"Pregnancy: A Psychological Experience"},{"_key":"c557c2b2a5f42","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , relates this to unmet needs, lack of support, "},{"_key":"c557c2b2a5f43","_type":"span","marks":["a30efa150850"],"text":"burnout"},{"_key":"c557c2b2a5f44","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , relationship challenges, isolation, and the struggle to adjust to motherhood. All the more reason to get the treatment you need so you can identify the underlying cause of your postpartum anxiety and work to correct it."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"e1b6efa14014","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the book","href":"https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/pregnancy-the-psychological-experience_libby-lee-colman_arthur-d-colman/1807300/item/687865/?mkwid=DpcQs95r%7cdc&pcrid=70112892192&product=687865&plc=&pgrid=21326673552&ptaid=pla-293656415210&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_content=DpcQs95r%7cdc%7cpcrid%7c70112892192%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cproduct%7c687865%7cslid%7c%7cpgrid%7c21326673552%7cptaid%7cpla-293656415210%7c&gclid=CjwKCAjw5p_8BRBUEiwAPpJO631k3e6usC1EtLPg4w7DSg49mVrqm_-ck2C616DKfx0dO3XUwyXa6xoCjPUQAvD_BwE#idiq=687865&edition=2126156"},{"_key":"a30efa150850","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Blog: recovering from burnout","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/signs-of-burnout-recovering-from-burnout/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c2f64e4868da","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"03a8a78af2010","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postpartum panic attacks can seriously limit a one's ability to function, and disrupts their ability to care for themself and their child. The "},{"_key":"03a8a78af2011","_type":"span","marks":["ce7d0812e8d9"],"text":"three distinct"},{"_key":"03a8a78af2012","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" fears that individuals with postpartum panic disorder have include fear of death, fear of having lost control, and fear that they are unstable or perceived as such."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"ce7d0812e8d9","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/types/panic-disorder/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4310ac2a4ff4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c59feee930f10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Others may suffer from "},{"_key":"c59feee930f11","_type":"span","marks":["ff02020f7a59"],"text":"postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder"},{"_key":"c59feee930f12","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" (PPOCD). One does not need to be previously diagnosed with OCD to experience this. 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Shaltz, NP"},"role":"Nurse Practitioner","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"1db006aa39fd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cff40aa2b01b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Annie Shaltz, NP, is a board-certified Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She earned her master’s degree from NYU as a nurse practitioner with a holistic specialization, which exposed her to a wide array of healing modalities, including functional medicine. Annie marries her clinical expertise with her holistic nursing background, sense of humor, and compassion."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"b57f6fd8df77","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"03b6d64906eb0","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"You’re just hormonal… You’re just"},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" "},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb2","_type":"span","marks":["em","0b6a0fa03cee"],"text":"sleep"},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" "},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb4","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"-deprived… You just need to relax… It’s all in your head…"},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" These are just some of the things birthday parents with "},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb6","_type":"span","marks":["8118d7b81c71"],"text":"postpartum"},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" "},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb8","_type":"span","marks":["3b656e738a84"],"text":"anxiety"},{"_key":"03b6d64906eb9","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" hear when they try to talk about their feelings. But here’s the thing—it’s not “just” any of those things, and it’s certainly not all in their head."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"0b6a0fa03cee","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about sleep deprivation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-causes-insomnia-how-to-sleep-better/"},{"_key":"8118d7b81c71","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Blog: care in the fouth trimester","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/postpartum-care-in-fourth-trimester/"},{"_key":"3b656e738a84","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn anxiety symptoms","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/physical-symptoms-of-anxiety/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9bf94cc66be5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"aab4ed26e8030","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’ve never heard the term postpartum anxiety (PPA) you’re not alone. This mental health mood disorder is the nasty sister of postpartum depression (PPD), and many people within the medical community aren’t even aware of it. Why is that? Unlike postpartum depression, which has been well-studied, there has not been substantial research devoted to postpartum anxiety. The lack of research means that there is no screening tool like there is for postpartum depression and so it gets missed by OBs, midwives, and primary care providers who are seeing women in the postpartum period."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"69857f625082","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ee8058a52d8e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s normal to have worries as a new parent—after all, their main job is to love, nurture, and protect their children, and with that comes a great responsibility. But if you’re wondering what is considered normal worry versus something that might require you or someone you know to seek professional help for PPA, there is a distinction."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c70cd0788d52","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"559fd07eb5430","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The main difference is being able to differentiate between a potential risk or threat, versus a threat that is not real. For birthing parents with PPA, their body and mind are in overdrive with intrusive and unrealistic thoughts. Those with PPA feel overwhelmed by simple tasks, are anxious, resentful, irritable, and angry. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"84b1fbc58807","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7f9b53e544850","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postpartum anxiety can occur any time in the first two years following a birth. For many, it starts later on, around five to seven months postpartum, well after parents have seen their OB or midwife for screening and a postpartum assessment. How long it lasts usually depends on the person and whether or not they get the treatment and support they need."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"904f0786cc75","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"608a62239f660","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postpartum anxiety symptoms"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"7dace1e38687","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8118b2961a990","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Agitation"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f74666eb567c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"271bb60383120","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Irritability"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b0405189110e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9e60cefe44e10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Increased concern about her own health and/or the health of her 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still"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"26ed7b3dcedc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ae6b046512990","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Increased heart rate"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a2cc16b04b57","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e3949acb4b430","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Racing/ intrusive thoughts"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fda7e4dd83d8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fa65683736f40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sensitive/ overactive to touch"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d6f4d2d747af","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d77ea2d28daf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Shortness of breath"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"81b3e97e24af","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3b1f5fc07f1e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Stress when leaving the 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Ayuda"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":"Health Writer","bio":[{"_key":"fc452c59dd01","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fc452c59dd010","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Tiffany Ayuda is a New York City-based editor and writer passionate about fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She has held previous editorial roles at Prevention, Eat This, Not That, Daily Burn, and Everyday Health. Tiffany is also a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise. When she's not writing or breaking up a sweat, Tiffany enjoys cooking up healthy meals in her Brooklyn kitchen."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"9cd854292caa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4000fafc486f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"With the physiological and hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, pregnant individuals face many new challenges with their health. That’s why routine appointments, screenings, blood tests and ultrasounds are done throughout every trimester until birth."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6384237aa39a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3f8cdd24950c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For instance, genetic screenings scan for mutations in your DNA, which could make the baby more prone to developing certain health conditions. And urine analyses check for glucose and "},{"_key":"3f8cdd24950c1","_type":"span","marks":["a26ecc0075bd"],"text":"protein"},{"_key":"3f8cdd24950c2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , which can indicate gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. But oftentimes, little attention is given to the environmental risk factors that affect pregnancy."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"a26ecc0075bd","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about protein powder benefits","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/protein-powder-benefits/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c953b6306688","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fe0e8bfd61090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Women generally have healthy pregnancies, but growing research shows that climate change can create or worsen environmental hazards that threaten the health of pregnant women and increase health risks for the baby, such as low birth weight or preterm birth,” says former Parsley clinician Elizabeth Milbank, MD, MPH, a board-certified preventive medicine and lifestyle medicine physician. “A growing body of research has demonstrated a link between pregnant women exposed to high temperatures or air pollution and babies, who are premature, underweight or stillborn.” A recent systematic review in "},{"_key":"feb3e985b6ba","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"JAMA Network Open"},{"_key":"04044109d4b2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" outlines the latest research that links air pollution and heat exposure related to climate change with preterm birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. The review of 57 studies found that low birth weight may be associated with fetal exposure to air pollutants, as well as inflammation from oxidative stress and altered heart and lung functions in mothers."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b2669b2edbb3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6e0cbfe985950","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Climate change worsens air quality because warming temperatures make it easier for ground-level ozone to form, and we know that exposure to two types of pollution: smoke (ozone) and tiny particles called PM 2.5 are associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth,” Dr. Milbank says."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a79ec35c21d7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Ozone is a highly reactive "},{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e51","_type":"span","marks":["525fce75eaae"],"text":"gas"},{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e52","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" that is both natural and man-made and occurs in the Earth’s upper and lower atmospheres, according to the "},{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e53","_type":"span","marks":["93329b0ba57f"],"text":"Environmental Protection Agency"},{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e54","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . While ozone absorbs UV light and helps reduce your exposure to the "},{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e55","_type":"span","marks":["8fee4a5fa699"],"text":"sun’s harmful UV rays"},{"_key":"d2c18d5a87e56","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , when ozone is inhaled, it can pose health risks, specifically respiratory issues. These negative health effects include inflammation in the airways, cough, throat irritation, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. And when breathing is hindered, it can negatively affect pregnant women, who may already have shortness of breath due to hormonal changes."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"525fce75eaae","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about excessive gas","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/causes-of-excessive-gas/"},{"_key":"93329b0ba57f","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about Ozone Pollution from the EPA","href":"https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution-and-your-patients-health/what-ozone"},{"_key":"8fee4a5fa699","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about sunscreen safety","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/choose-safe-sunscreen/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9de158693552","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"af533c531c250","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Research has also shown that heat exposure can impair fetal growth by reducing uterine blood flow and may also contribute to prematurity from dehydration, according to an August 2017 study in the "},{"_key":"af533c531c251","_type":"span","marks":["74956ff3c0c0","em"],"text":"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health"},{"_key":"af533c531c252","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"74956ff3c0c0","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580557/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e780ac154845","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"26cfb769a20e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In addition, Dr. Milbank says that severe weather events, like wildfires, heat waves, and hurricanes can expose pregnant women to environmental hazards. “Wildfires increase the amount of pollution, dust, and smoke in the air. Extreme heat events can lead to dehydration and kidney failure in pregnancy, which by extension, can affect the baby’s growth and development,” Dr. Milbank says."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"48982975427e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Moreover, hurricanes and floods can damage homes and communities, increasing exposure to "},{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa1","_type":"span","marks":["35e5afe43ca6"],"text":"toxins and mold"},{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and diarrheal illness from "},{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa3","_type":"span","marks":["b62cb0b0e087"],"text":"contaminated water"},{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and food supply. In fact, 2007 research published in "},{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa5","_type":"span","marks":["640782a6baf7","em"],"text":"Maternal and Child Health Journal"},{"_key":"2f4ecf0ef2aa6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" found that approximately 56,000 pregnant women and 75,000 infants were directly affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, cutting off their access to clean water, safe food, and proper healthcare. It also exposed them to environmental toxins, such as carbon monoxide from improper use of devices powered by liquid fuels and natural gas."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"35e5afe43ca6","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Blog on mold toxicity","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-treat-mold-toxicity/"},{"_key":"b62cb0b0e087","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn more","href":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31437111/"},{"_key":"640782a6baf7","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"http://files.ennonline.net/attachments/534/health-concerns-of-women-and-infants-following-hurr-katrina-mat-child-health-jour-2007.pdf"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9240f3f4d005","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ebf7b12245e70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This has led to pregnancy complications, like intrauterine growth restriction and decreased birth weight. Research from this study has also shown that women living in regions affected by hurricanes are at greater risk of not being able to breastfeed their baby or shortening their breastfeeding period compared to other women."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"4b075dcc-d992-4cae-b269-cc0c398c2ca9","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-00b8ba25-1daa-5c54-adb2-cb68571b0da9","title":"Evaluating Male Fertility","slug":{"current":"evaluating-male-fertility"},"image":{"_type":"basicImage","crop":{"_key":null,"_type":"sanity.imageCrop","top":0,"bottom":0,"left":0,"right":0},"hotspot":{"_key":null,"_type":"sanity.imageHotspot","x":0.5367816091954033,"y":0.5956832149560211,"height":0.2639752695690562,"width":0.6689655172413785},"asset":{"_id":"image-416c3297b1bfc5963aef745441fe38e32426e6ad-1600x1500-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/416c3297b1bfc5963aef745441fe38e32426e6ad-1600x1500.jpg","fluid":{"sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 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Health"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"209090d742b8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"18844b2599670","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parsley Health is the doctor that helps you live healthier, longer, by treating the root cause of symptoms and conditions. Our medical teams—staffed by leading clinicians and health coaches—spend more time with you, order the right tests, and prescribe food, sleep and movement alongside medications so you can get better—and feel better."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"8e97c7c3f681","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4b165bae66c10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Reports of "},{"_key":"4b165bae66c11","_type":"span","marks":["ec3783006559"],"text":"declining male sperm rates"},{"_key":"4b165bae66c12","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" may send you into a worried spiral if you’re considering having children, but although sperm counts have declined on average, it’s really quality, not quantity that matters when it comes to "},{"_key":"4b165bae66c13","_type":"span","marks":["0a5413952aff"],"text":"fertility"},{"_key":"4b165bae66c14","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Men make millions of sperm and it only takes one to do the job."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"ec3783006559","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"declining male sperm rates","href":"https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689"},{"_key":"0a5413952aff","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"fertility","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/eating-for-fertility/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1534119cc51d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"31bc81488a6d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Unfortunately, the quality of sperm, which typically declines with age, may be decreasing in much younger men these days, likely due to cumulative lifestyle factors."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"71f72967c9da","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0d89e0795ea10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"While fertility rates are debatable and complicated by many factors, the decreased quantity and quality of sperm may be contributing more to male fertility than in the past. This could potentially explain the higher percentages of infertility being attributed to men in some studies. Male infertility is thought to be responsible for as little as 8 percent of cases, but the combination of both male and female factors contributes to as high as 35 percent."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2d2321f77b0f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1e176e7928700","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving after a full year, you each may want to consider having your fertility evaluated."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"06da44797bf5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7307e1b50d1f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The good news is the evaluation for male fertility is quite simple. Men, for the most part, should be interviewed and examined by a trained profession and otherwise provide a sperm sample as well as some additional blood tests."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c3607330da4c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5430483bcd0f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"As much as 65-80 percent of male infertility cases are related to "},{"_key":"5430483bcd0f1","_type":"span","marks":["32e51c98ccce"],"text":"sperm production"},{"_key":"5430483bcd0f2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . Not only does there have to be plenty of sperm, but they have to have normal shape, size and swimming ability."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"32e51c98ccce","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"sperm production","href":"https://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-of-male-infertility"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8c48939066ab","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7279ffd301d40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Issues with sperm production can be inherent at birth or acquired due to things like infections, drug toxicities, or environmental factors such as toxins. "},{"_key":"7279ffd301d41","_type":"span","marks":["dba6e8f5a2d5"],"text":"Diet"},{"_key":"7279ffd301d42","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and "},{"_key":"7279ffd301d43","_type":"span","marks":["e4ec5a85d6a8"],"text":"low testosterone production associated with obesity"},{"_key":"7279ffd301d44","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" are also common factors."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"dba6e8f5a2d5","_type":"link","description":"diet ","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28333357"},{"_key":"e4ec5a85d6a8","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"low testosterone production associated with obesity","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408383/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"da98c2acd06a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c12c96362a73","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Fertility as a marker of health"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"c757d0f940a7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a16b47b2c6490","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In addition to testing for fertility, semen analysis can be a helpful biomarker of health in general. From an overly simplistic but interesting evolutionary perspective, some argue that once you are no longer reproductively capable, mother nature is done with you. Science seems to back this up to some extent. One large study found that men with abnormal semen parameters had an increased mortality rate in the years following an infertility evaluation, suggesting "},{"_key":"a16b47b2c6491","_type":"span","marks":["b94db1f20765"],"text":"semen quality may provide a marker of health"},{"_key":"a16b47b2c6492","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"b94db1f20765","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"semen quality","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4059337/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"67d50aa59424","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c01be4f052080","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Issues with fertility are not uncommon but can often be corrected without invasive or expensive interventions. Typically a fundamental and personalized approach to health including a uniquely optimized diet for the individual, appropriate rest and "},{"_key":"c01be4f052081","_type":"span","marks":["bbd40ab5a708"],"text":"sleep"},{"_key":"c01be4f052082","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , attention to stress mitigation and management, regular involvement in the right physical activity and perhaps specific supplementation will help to improve not only your wellbeing in general, but your sexual and reproductive fitness as well. Parsley Health physicians and health coaches specialize in curating such programs for you."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"bbd40ab5a708","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"sleep","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-causes-insomnia-how-to-sleep-better/"}],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"fe5d22b4-06c8-4f66-94ca-94858726638b","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-a9bee8a7-9202-5ca0-888c-7d10007f1a84","title":"What To Know About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 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Robin Berzin, CEO"},"role":"Doctor","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"a95b591d22c6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6c22c1719ee3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Robin Berzin is the Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. She founded Parsley to address the rising tide of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine that puts food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostic testing on the prescription pad next to medications. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, demonstrating the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone, anywhere. Parsley is available online nationwide.\n"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7b28f23b78a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"33212346fb800","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Berzin attended medical school at Columbia University and trained in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her book, "},{"_key":"a0775ccc3d15","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"Prescription for Happiness: How to Eat, Move, and Supplement for Peak Mental Health"},{"_key":"b03764afb6d1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", was published by Simon Element in January 2022."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"bd8619208090","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"67d42eb60e710","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Are you - or is a woman in your life - suffering from hormonal acne, feeling off, and having irregular periods? These might be signs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"411f11e9298f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ba5375f3b03e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PCOS is estimated to affect "},{"_key":"ba5375f3b03e1","_type":"span","marks":["d709ab302bbe"],"text":"1 in 10"},{"_key":"ba5375f3b03e2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" women of childbearing age and is one of the most common causes of infertility. Thanks to the internet and real life stories from celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Daisy Ridley, more people than ever are familiar with this hormonal imbalance."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"d709ab302bbe","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Read the study","href":"https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b1e9e0c66431","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2bd11202a8880","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Reports indicate that PCOS is on the rise and yet, despite its prevalence, much remains unknown about the syndrome. As with most things that are related to a woman’s menstrual cycle and hormones, there has been little discussion about this syndrome and many women are left wondering if they have PCOS, misunderstanding what PCOS is, and signs of PCOS look like. Unfortunately women are coming to believe things that just aren’t true about their condition, what it means for their health, and how to treat PCOS."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"df7831346ad6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5e4e2061fda40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What is PCOS?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"5b5e3d8c6a18","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f82f3902031a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What many people don’t realize is that PCOS is not a disease but rather a set of symptoms that can present together. The syndrome can express itself in a variety of different ways such as the following:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"94220ed80824","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"36aa1a1bee220","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Classic PCOS: High androgen (male hormone) levels, irregular or absent ovulation, and a polycystic ovary."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dc10ca211488","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9ff0b1e1388a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Hyperandrogenic anovulatory PCOS: An excess of androgens and irregular or absent ovulation."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3f98bb9395e0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6485efbe9dfc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Ovulatory PCOS: High levels of androgens and a polycystic ovary."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"93d36e713fea","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ffaed1b6b7870","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Non-hyperandrogenic PCOS: Irregular or absent ovulation, along with a polycystic ovary."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a8ae27a8a3ab","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"88e8d6ead2a30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The recently proposed fifth strain of PCOS is obesity. Women with this type have insulin resistance which causes their testosterone and estrogen production to go into overdrive. As a result, these women typically experience "},{"_key":"88e8d6ead2a31","_type":"span","marks":["e392bbbdec58"],"text":"acne"},{"_key":"88e8d6ead2a32","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , facial hair, and irregular or absent ovulation."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"e392bbbdec58","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about hormonal acne","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-hormonal-acne"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7770e3116741","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab660","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It is often falsely assumed that the way one woman experiences PCOS is how all women experience it. For example, it is commonly believed that having PCOS means you have cysts on your ovaries and won’t have a regular period. In fact, only three of the four types of PCOS are associated with ovarian cysts and while menstruation can be affected by the condition, it is also heavily dependent on "},{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab661","_type":"span","marks":["5340774a590a"],"text":"inflammation"},{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab662","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , body fat percentage, and one’s "},{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab663","_type":"span","marks":["81ebd47b520e"],"text":"cortisol"},{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab664","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and insulin levels. Similarly, some, but not all, women with the condition will experience "},{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab665","_type":"span","marks":["2e296648f185"],"text":"acne"},{"_key":"27f9a9f9ab666","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , facial hair growth, or both."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5340774a590a","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Guide on inflammation and how-to reduce it","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-inflammation-and-how-to-reduce-it/"},{"_key":"81ebd47b520e","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Watch a video about cortisol","href":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUdtZ-RRGM&t=24s&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=YouTube%20Cortisol"},{"_key":"2e296648f185","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Learn about treating acne","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/acne-causes-treatments/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"48143dca4028","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9d8090449ccf0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you or someone you know has been given a PCOS diagnosis, the best thing to do is get educated and find a physician who will take the time to explain the syndrome and work with you to heal. Just because a friend has PCOS or you have heard that women with it always have a particular symptom, does not mean that you will have the same experience. At "},{"_key":"9d8090449ccf1","_type":"span","marks":["731edfbd3d80"],"text":"Parsley Health"},{"_key":"9d8090449ccf2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , we believe in a personalized approach to medicine because no two people are the same. Between our comprehensive hormonal testing and in depth doctor visits, we will get to the root cause of your symptoms and design the best possible treatment plan to meet your needs."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"731edfbd3d80","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Join Parsley Health","href":"http://parsleyhealth.com/join"}],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"201e85e9-97f6-462d-bb26-4d5836e35d5a","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-5bc60f15-ff35-5a10-8e13-4049b370cb99","title":"Eating for 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Forman"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":"Health Coach","bio":[{"_key":"b13c4f04d737","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b13c4f04d7370","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Brittany is a Certified Functional Nutritionist and Lifestyle Practitioner through Holistic Nutrition Lab as well as a Certified Health Coach through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has worked extensively with medical practices throughout the Bay Area. Brittany became a health coach after working in finance for several years. She found herself helping her family and coworkers heal from different ailments by making nutrition and supplements recommendations. She later founded an organic subscription snack company to make healthy snacking easier and accessible to people throughout the United States. Her goal is to empower patients with the building blocks to successfully optimize their health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. When not working with patients you can find her hiking in Marin, going to farmers markets and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. You can learn more about her at www.wellbeingwithbrittany.com."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"38fe7f834730","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"131a527e4c370","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Parsley Health, we recommend taking a year to prepare a birthing parent's body to conceive. Our Founder and CEO Robin Berzin, MD, calls this a "},{"_key":"131a527e4c371","_type":"span","marks":["3c26f0d3e250"],"text":"“fertility year.”"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3c26f0d3e250","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"fertility year","href":"https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-29941/does-having-a-fertility-year-really-help-your-chances-of-conception-a-doctor-e.html"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"faf27d9c7f7a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9088fb9417a80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A large component of the fertility year is focused on diet. Diet directly impacts hormone and immune health, which in turn affects fertility. Attention to diet prior to becoming pregnant is also a great way to get into the habit of making healthy choices; once someone is pregnant, what they eat will influence their baby’s development and future health."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4f5f97fba7d9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9018058a42b40","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Managing your blood sugar"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"bbf6ec90fc36","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d378f838a47b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can result in gestational diabetes, and will increase your baby’s susceptibility to developing diabetes later in life."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cf8a6b20cd2b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"An easy way to keep your blood sugar in check is making sure that each of your meals and snacks include fat, "},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae21","_type":"span","marks":["101030e6419e"],"text":"fiber"},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae22","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , "},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae23","_type":"span","marks":["45c129ceb61c"],"text":"healthy fats"},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae24","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and "},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae25","_type":"span","marks":["4c1deb8b69d9"],"text":"protein"},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae26","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . For example, you could begin your day with a "},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae27","_type":"span","marks":["51dc39a8a12c"],"text":"breakfast"},{"_key":"d7ebdbd31ae28","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" of eggs (protein) with avocado (fat) and greens (fiber), and later snack on a green apple (fiber) with almond butter (protein and fat)."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"101030e6419e","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/fiber-superfood/"},{"_key":"45c129ceb61c","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/healthy-fats-diet/"},{"_key":"4c1deb8b69d9","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/protein-powder-benefits/"},{"_key":"51dc39a8a12c","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/healthy-breakfast-guide-plus-easy-breakfast-recipes/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"95541e2a2fb3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3bb2d5630d6c0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Pregnancy superfoods"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"19552b591234","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1d81fbfeb7930","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When it comes to pregnancy diets, I recommend patients focus on what I call the “pregnancy superfoods.” Each of these foods is packed with the vitamins and minerals that are critical for embryonic and fetal development."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a424de47da3e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f70","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Fermented vegetables"},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f71","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and fermented beets and carrots provide the "},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f72","_type":"span","marks":["17379acd2e34"],"text":"probiotics"},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f73","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" (or good bacteria) needed to build a healthy microbiome that a mother passes on to her baby "},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f74","_type":"span","marks":["a5c256bd39af"],"text":"starting in the third trimester"},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f75","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . More generally, "},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f76","_type":"span","marks":["cf57683744f5"],"text":"studies show"},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f77","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" that exposure to bacteria in utero can affect whether or not a child will develop "},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f78","_type":"span","marks":["b61be8676a12"],"text":"allergies"},{"_key":"4d8bf7f949f79","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" or asthma. You should aim to eat 2-3 tablespoons of fermented foods per day. Try them mixed into salads or as a side for your favorite protein."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"17379acd2e34","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/when-to-take-probiotics/"},{"_key":"a5c256bd39af","_type":"link","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154093/#"},{"_key":"cf57683744f5","_type":"link","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4443817/"},{"_key":"b61be8676a12","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/seasonal-allergy-symptoms/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2539c662d58b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b29f6878ab410","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Pastured and organic eggs"},{"_key":"b29f6878ab411","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Eggs are a great source of protein and contain vitamins A, D, K2, and E, iron, selenium, lecithin, folate, biotin, zinc, and choline. Choline is essential for your baby’s neurological and spinal cord development, while folate is critical to DNA production. You should aim for 2-4 eggs each day; if that sounds a bit overwhelming, try adding eggs into other dishes, like soups."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"49ad5b336e0e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"72202a7042a80","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Wild fatty fish"},{"_key":"72202a7042a81","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is critical to the brain health of both mother and baby, and vital to the development and functioning of the central nervous system. You should aim for 2 servings per week."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7f356dbfd7fa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f0987a239f680","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Leafy greens"},{"_key":"f0987a239f681","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Kale, arugula, chard, beet greens, mustard greens, spinach, romaine, collard greens, and broccoli are high in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body and contain iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, E, K and B. Additonally, these greens are rich in sulforaphane which is a great antioxidant and helps with mental health, reduces inflammation, prevents diabetes, and improves gut microbiome. They also provide fiber, which keeps you regular, balances blood sugar, and has a high concentration of beta-carotene, which promotes growth and repair of connective tissue. You should aim for 1-2 cups of greens with at least one (ideally two) of your meals each day."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2bdbe0add0a0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"34200665a9310","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Pastured and organic ghee"},{"_key":"34200665a9311","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". Ghee us rich in vitamins A, K2, C, D, and E, DHA, selenium, and iodine. Pastured ghee also contains butyrate, which improves colon health and supports healthy insulin levels. Short-chain fatty acids like ghee have also been shown to protect against "},{"_key":"34200665a9312","_type":"span","marks":["7043253410f1"],"text":"leaky gut"},{"_key":"34200665a9313","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . You can use ghee in a variety of ways, from a cooking oil to a spread. However you choose to eat it, you should aim for "},{"_key":"34200665a9314","_type":"span","marks":["1d95db9d4fb4"],"text":"3 teaspoons or 15 milliliters"},{"_key":"34200665a9315","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" each day."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"7043253410f1","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-is-leaky-gut-syndrome/"},{"_key":"1d95db9d4fb4","_type":"link","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215354/#:~:text=Results%20showed%20that%2010%25%20dietary,liver%20microsomal%20lipid%20peroxide%20levels."}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b1d2f50afd07","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a91a44b3f7e10","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Organic bone broth"},{"_key":"a91a44b3f7e11","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":". With the increased popularity of "},{"_key":"a91a44b3f7e12","_type":"span","marks":["e2f2ba15626a"],"text":"collagen"},{"_key":"a91a44b3f7e13","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , you may already be eating bone broth. If not, now is the time to start! Bone broth contains glucosamine and gelatin, both of which strengthen and repair the digestive tract, bones, tissue and joints. It is also a source of glycine, which is essential for fetal and placental growth. You should aim for 1-2 cups daily."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"e2f2ba15626a","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/collagen-explained-include-your-diet/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1d00db3ed0ef","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8e434aa7f6950","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For some, it's easier to get these foods on your plate by following a specific diet. The Mediterranean diet, for example, contains leaft greens, plenty of wild fish, and fiber sources that "},{"_key":"8e434aa7f6951","_type":"span","marks":["bd86fbf6fb86"],"text":"may boost fertility"},{"_key":"8e434aa7f6952","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" ."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"bd86fbf6fb86","_type":"link","href":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36346903/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2cebfb0b1a5c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cc268c5c9dd3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Foods to avoid"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"d0339ee2dc54","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"de9e21109f070","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"As you munch on my pregnancy superfoods, take care to avoid the following foods and beverages. That said, if one of these slips in every now and then, don’t worry."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"79c378f72420","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f1616d09b4030","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Non-organic fruits and vegetables"},{"_key":"f1616d09b4031","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", particularly those that are part of the "},{"_key":"f1616d09b4032","_type":"span","marks":["2f8f7d1bd7b2"],"text":"Dirty Dozen"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"2f8f7d1bd7b2","_type":"link","href":"https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dirty-dozen-foods"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0b2bc2ea44eb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7b4c17de80da0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Refined sugars and carbohydrates"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"771acd3b4a92","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c9b4e8b9ba4a0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"High-mercury fish"},{"_key":"c9b4e8b9ba4a1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", like tuna, shark, largemouth bass, swordfish, marlin, halibut, pike, king mackerel, tilefish, sea bass, Gulf Coast oysters and walleye"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"402aacdfbb5a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c62c90178e980","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Soda"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3e45cc0054d8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d9e4f09783680","_type":"span","marks":["ec1e3576c1cc","strong"],"text":"Gluten"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"ec1e3576c1cc","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/are-you-gluten-intolerant/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b544430551c4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"175ee6a3e7c00","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Non-organic"},{"_key":"175ee6a3e7c01","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" "},{"_key":"175ee6a3e7c02","_type":"span","marks":["strong","0ceef39f9519"],"text":"dairy"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[{"_key":"0ceef39f9519","_type":"link","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/dairy-and-inflammation/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d323f13e9288","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ee873db3cba10","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Soft cheeses"},{"_key":"ee873db3cba11","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" like Camembert, feta, Brie, blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola, and Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco and panela"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0d6f8f8b5c00","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fc28458f14ce0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Raw fish"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"da1f17693ea1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1fae60d3997a0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Soy"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c5a75ff2cc57","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1b133ff6a0510","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Artificial sweeteners"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9a356dd1ae0a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8c68a62fd4dc0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Deli meats"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bfc013db45b2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e7091750b5da0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Processed oils"},{"_key":"e7091750b5da1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" like canola, soybean, palm, peanut and vegetable oil"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"478682a8e45f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"95830a9987af0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Processed foods"},{"_key":"95830a9987af1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" like chips, candy bars, cakes and cookies"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fb6c53f88d42","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"888182a13df90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Additionally, you should also focus on what you store food in. Contains that have BPA may "},{"_key":"888182a13df91","_type":"span","marks":["e9286ab93c20"],"text":"impact fetal health"},{"_key":"888182a13df92","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and development and your repproductive health."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"e9286ab93c20","_type":"link","href":"https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/bisphenol-bpa"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7ab6b49c87aa","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"63d4e05e737b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Keep it in perspective"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"3038e0f049e1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"af338074ad720","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"While your nutrition needs will increase each trimester, the increase in caloric need is actually no greater than the equivalent of a cup of full fat yogurt and an apple with almond butter. This means that you don’t need to give into daily ice cream cravings. But hey, we’re all human, and it’s okay to have a treat every once in awhile."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"10709268d8e7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1096c9aae33c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sample day: pregnancy superfoods"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h2"},{"_key":"75b8019e27e3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b3e4461c5fa00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Wondering how all this looks in practice? Here’s a sample day to get you started:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"222566d57c85","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cc022631503c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Upon waking: bone broth with chopped scallions"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0a055596c649","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7816058f83200","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Breakfast: smoothie with 2 scoops protein powder, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon flax, 1 cup of fresh almond milk"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e42802b545d8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"efa51f957eb20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Lunch: chicken breast served with 2 cups of arugula tossed in olive oil (½ tablespoon) and roasted squash with ghee"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"631c20347fa8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a8d3e02f73810","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Snack: 1-2 hard boiled eggs with avocado"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e0df5e101596","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f1503bcc6d1a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dinner: Wild salmon served with steamed broccoli (1-2 fists), spaghetti squash (1-2 fists) or brown rice (1 cup) with tahini sauce (½ tablespoon)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"2811629d-e7f7-4d3a-8384-16e0930b9b27","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-11f4e1cb-f7aa-5fde-b964-e9c1d27b2c0d","title":"6 Ways to Improve Male Fertility 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Health"},"role":"Author","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"209090d742b8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"18844b2599670","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parsley Health is the doctor that helps you live healthier, longer, by treating the root cause of symptoms and conditions. Our medical teams—staffed by leading clinicians and health coaches—spend more time with you, order the right tests, and prescribe food, sleep and movement alongside medications so you can get better—and feel better."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"680abe429594","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b2ee113c452c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Couples need to consider male infertility or subfertility as part of the equation early. And in doing so, it makes sense to hold men to the same standards of preconception self-care as women."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"38c657007f29","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3267dc12ed260","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Parsley Health, we work with members who are interested in pre-pregnancy planning all the time. This typically starts months before conception, if not sooner. Looking to boost your fertility? Here’s where to start."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"feac3980cc06","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d7c5113bb3bc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"1. Take diet seriously."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"c1778cf685ee","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"96ee31e3eaf20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Results from observational studies show healthy diets rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and lycopene, vitamins like D and folate, and low in saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids were "},{"_key":"96ee31e3eaf21","_type":"span","marks":["d3e751b47e0f"],"text":"inversely associated with low semen quality"},{"_key":"96ee31e3eaf22","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . Research also shows that eating seafood, poultry, cereals, vegetables and fruits, low-fat "},{"_key":"96ee31e3eaf23","_type":"span","marks":["07e2ebb0ac42"],"text":"dairy"},{"_key":"96ee31e3eaf24","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and skimmed milk was linked with increased sperm quality, while diets rich in processed meat, soy foods, potatoes, full-fat dairy, cheese, coffee, alcohol, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets may be detrimental to sperm quality. Specifically, a high intake of alcohol, caffeine, and red meat and processed meat negatively influences fertility rates in female partners."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"d3e751b47e0f","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"inversely associated with low semen quality","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28333357"},{"_key":"07e2ebb0ac42","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"dairy","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/dairy-and-inflammation/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"33995ffdd718","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ca41f07d87f80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"2. Exercise regularly, but not too hard."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"181451cbb63f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"800ff80c65350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Exercise in general seems to improve sperm health, but research has shown the type of exercise you do matters. When researchers compared moderate intensity continuous training, high intensity continuous training, and high intensity interval training, moderate intensity training came out on top. In fact, high loads of endurance training "},{"_key":"800ff80c65351","_type":"span","marks":["49d56e0160c8"],"text":"may interfere with fertility"},{"_key":"800ff80c65352","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . Keep moving, but keep your workouts lighter to optimize sperm health. If you enjoy endurance or HIIT training, an expert like a Parsley Health health coach can help you create an exercise plan that works for you."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"49d56e0160c8","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"may interfere with fertility","href":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/and.12793"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bb7082f5f1ec","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"48030cfae5790","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"3. Drink (if you must), but not to excess."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"44db2591f485","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3d056ad39c680","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine, which are "},{"_key":"3d056ad39c681","_type":"span","marks":["e964cfbff216"],"text":"known to negatively impact fertility"},{"_key":"3d056ad39c682","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and sperm production. "},{"_key":"3d056ad39c683","_type":"span","marks":["f4278b332d27"],"text":"Drink both only in moderation"},{"_key":"3d056ad39c684","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" which, for most, means limiting intake to 1-2 drinks/cups of either daily."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"e964cfbff216","_type":"link","description":"known to negatively impact fertility","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28333357"},{"_key":"f4278b332d27","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"drink both only in moderation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/videos/doctors-guide-healthy-drinking"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f51f66614d9b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"676e0ef5c4620","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"4. Don’t smoke."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"5bfb20cbeda6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3678980437bc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Numerous studies suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with lower semen volumes, sperm counts, and reduced percentages of motile sperm. By quitting smoking, you can "},{"_key":"3678980437bc1","_type":"span","marks":["a2efb82f3cbe"],"text":"optimize your chances for conceiving"},{"_key":"3678980437bc2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . Most "},{"_key":"3678980437bc3","_type":"span","marks":["83ecc462d446"],"text":"evidence suggests"},{"_key":"3678980437bc4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" that chronic, regular, and especially heavy marijuana use is also "},{"_key":"3678980437bc5","_type":"span","marks":["e461bd6e7246"],"text":"associated with reduced sperm number"},{"_key":"3678980437bc6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and function."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"a2efb82f3cbe","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"optimize changes of conceiving ","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4639396/"},{"_key":"83ecc462d446","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"evidence suggests","href":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26277482"},{"_key":"e461bd6e7246","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"associated with reduced sperm number","href":"https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/182/6/473/82600"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0fcef9a828d7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0051020fba2e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"5. Supplement wisely."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"e44f86c10243","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9adaa8dde5d30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"There are a number of agents, when used appropriately, that have demonstrated mostly mild to modest improvements in both sperm quantity and quality. Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, eurycoma longifolia jack, ginger, mucuna pruriens and shilajit can improve sperm quality and motility. Evidence also suggests that sperm count may be modestly boosted with ashwaganda, zinc and D-aspartic acid amongst other agents and strategies. Be sure to work with a seasoned health provider with a working scientific knowledge of these and other agents to determine which may be appropriate for you as well as the correct dosing regimen."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4176a9d5d4b6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4de6a5adf4a70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"6. Avoid Testosterone Unless Medically Necessary"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h3"},{"_key":"d24eafbb3476","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"669e139561de0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The use of "},{"_key":"669e139561de1","_type":"span","marks":["efe1ddd4277a"],"text":"testosterone supplementation"},{"_key":"669e139561de2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" should not be taken lightly. Young men can actually become subfertile or infertile due to the unnecessary or inappropriate use of testosterone. Testosterone supplementation can actually cause atrophy in the testicles and subsequently reduce sperm counts. In many cases, reversal of the process is difficult or impossible after prolonged use."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"efe1ddd4277a","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"testosterone supplement","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/low-testosterone-can-fix/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"67d50aa59424","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c01be4f052080","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Issues with fertility are not uncommon but can often be corrected without invasive or expensive interventions. Typically a fundamental and personalized approach to health including a uniquely optimized diet for the individual, appropriate rest and "},{"_key":"c01be4f052081","_type":"span","marks":["bbd40ab5a708"],"text":"sleep"},{"_key":"c01be4f052082","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , attention to stress mitigation and management, regular involvement in the right physical activity and perhaps specific supplementation will help to improve not only your wellbeing in general, but your sexual and reproductive fitness as well. "}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"bbd40ab5a708","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"sleep","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-causes-insomnia-how-to-sleep-better/"}],"style":"normal"}]}},{"node":{"_id":"ac7f571d-f6ce-4018-a2bf-40124527f990","themes":[{"title":"Reproductive Health/Fertility"}],"id":"-fcf19dce-4dfb-526f-b0e9-c417a3d6dc9e","title":"5 Things to Know About Fertility","slug":{"current":"5-things-to-know-about-fertility"},"image":{"_type":"basicImage","crop":{"_key":null,"_type":"sanity.imageCrop","top":0,"bottom":0,"left":0,"right":0},"hotspot":{"_key":null,"_type":"sanity.imageHotspot","x":0.48458904109589035,"y":0.4511497799169032,"height":0.38808671685384,"width":0.386986301369861},"asset":{"_id":"image-c6304bd82b9256770b8f92bcac082e1b890afb95-3750x2500-jpg","url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/mur2ep80/production/c6304bd82b9256770b8f92bcac082e1b890afb95-3750x2500.jpg","fluid":{"sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 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Robin Berzin, CEO"},"role":"Doctor","roleTitle":null,"bio":[{"_key":"a95b591d22c6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6c22c1719ee3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Robin Berzin is the Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. She founded Parsley to address the rising tide of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine that puts food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostic testing on the prescription pad next to medications. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, demonstrating the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone, anywhere. Parsley is available online nationwide.\n"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7b28f23b78a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"33212346fb800","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Dr. Berzin attended medical school at Columbia University and trained in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her book, "},{"_key":"a0775ccc3d15","_type":"span","marks":["em"],"text":"Prescription for Happiness: How to Eat, Move, and Supplement for Peak Mental Health"},{"_key":"b03764afb6d1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", was published by Simon Element in January 2022."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"content":[{"_key":"d58eba3a1ecb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a7583b3fd2550","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Fertility is one of the top concerns for women today, whether they are in their 20s or 30s, or now even their 40s. According to the CDC, over 10 percent of American women have impaired fertility – that’s over 6.7 million women."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9590132e135a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ffa8b1a2ef8a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Parsley Health we take a holistic approach to "},{"_key":"ffa8b1a2ef8a1","_type":"span","marks":["139b12048cd8"],"text":"fertility"},{"_key":"ffa8b1a2ef8a2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", which means we focus on optimizing the body’s overall health before one may want to get pregnant."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"139b12048cd8","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health blog on eating for fertility","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/eating-for-fertility/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f97bd36d36d2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d2bf1093882a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Think of one's pre-fertility year as an amazing opportunity to improve their overall health and well being. This includes rest, identify and address underlying health issues, and finding the highest expression of balance. There is no better way to head into pregnancy than that."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"042de01adc30","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"24f345f21a510","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Here is the scenario I see all too often: A woman in her 30’s has been on the "},{"_key":"24f345f21a511","_type":"span","marks":["6b1d6e747ae7"],"text":"birth control"},{"_key":"24f345f21a512","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" pill for years—often a decade or more—and then goes off, expecting to get pregnant easily, because her OBGYN told her there would be no problem. The problem is, a woman’s cycle doesn’t come back immediately (it often takes up to 6 months for your menstrual cycle to regulate after you stop the pill ). Then, she may discover hormone imbalances that have been there all along, covered up by the false period the pill creates. She may have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), fibroids, endometriosis , PMS, ovarian cysts or a centrally suppressed cycle due to high stress levels."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6b1d6e747ae7","_type":"link","blank":true,"description":"Parsley Health blog on birth control side effects","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/hormonal-birth-control-side-effects/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"bbaa90934964","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"91f50e98a2070","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"I also see many women whose irregular cycles are caused by "},{"_key":"91f50e98a2071","_type":"span","marks":["dc0b43381640"],"text":"food sensitivities"},{"_key":"91f50e98a2072","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . I had one patient, a chef, who suffered from migraines and infrequent, "},{"_key":"91f50e98a2073","_type":"span","marks":["0213e0fc36a0"],"text":"irregular cycles"},{"_key":"91f50e98a2074","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . As soon as we cut "},{"_key":"91f50e98a2075","_type":"span","marks":["336c28d8734c"],"text":"gluten"},{"_key":"91f50e98a2076","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and "},{"_key":"91f50e98a2077","_type":"span","marks":["e806c2aa2a84"],"text":"dairy"},{"_key":"91f50e98a2078","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" out of her diet, her headaches disappeared and her cycles normalized. And then there are women who have structural issues like a blocked fallopian tube that needs to be opened surgically."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"dc0b43381640","_type":"link","description":"Learn more about food sensitivities","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/food-sensitivity-and-intolerance-explained/"},{"_key":"0213e0fc36a0","_type":"link","description":"Learn more about irregular cycles","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-regulate-your-period-naturally/"},{"_key":"336c28d8734c","_type":"link","description":"Discover whether you're gluten intolerant","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/are-you-gluten-intolerant/"},{"_key":"e806c2aa2a84","_type":"link","description":"Learn about dairy and health","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/dairy-and-inflammation/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"87ef349f9acb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"16289616b1570","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Understanding the root cause of infertility is a process, and optimizing the body for a healthy pregnancy takes time. Unlike what many doctors will tell you, it can take months or even a year to prepare. This is why I recommend women who are "},{"_key":"16289616b1571","_type":"span","marks":["427fe7b682e6"],"text":"thinking about becoming pregnant"},{"_key":"16289616b1572","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" in the next couple of years work with a doctor that focuses on holistic care, like we do at Parsley Health. I advise my patients looking to get pregnant to follow our pre-fertility program."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"427fe7b682e6","_type":"link","description":"How to prepare for fertility","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-pregnancy/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8661b18c63b5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0cff018fd0490","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Here’s how it works."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e3a96373e1d1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8a2b53feb4750","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Step 1: Test"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"ad17cd514eb6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"40c14051e0390","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Parsley "},{"_key":"40c14051e0391","_type":"span","marks":["87ac9bdb06d0"],"text":"we test for nutrient deficiencies"},{"_key":"40c14051e0392","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , toxins like heavy metals, genetics with implications for pregnancy like MTHFR, and of course "},{"_key":"40c14051e0393","_type":"span","marks":["a7661160db01"],"text":"hormones"},{"_key":"40c14051e0394","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , including forgotten hormones like "},{"_key":"40c14051e0395","_type":"span","marks":["3e18cc2b2730"],"text":"cortisol"},{"_key":"40c14051e0396","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , DHEA, and insulin, which can have a much bigger impact on fertility than estrogen and progesterone. We might also recommend a genetics screen for common inherited diseases, which an OB can run as part of an annual visit."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"87ac9bdb06d0","_type":"link","description":"Learn more about tests you need","href":"https://parsleyhealth.com/blog/tests-you-need/"},{"_key":"a7661160db01","_type":"link","description":"Learn more about hormone tests","href":"https://parsleyhealth.com/blog/tests-you-need/"},{"_key":"3e18cc2b2730","_type":"link","description":"How to lower cortisol levels","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/naturally-lower-cortisol-levels/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"24336da25777","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bde44d33433c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Step 2: Eat clean and replenish"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"bf7827eb206b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6695e76be6520","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"At Parsley we guide women through a 30 day elimination diet cutting out common inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, grains and sugar. Often women are shocked at how their "},{"_key":"6695e76be6521","_type":"span","marks":["2b2cdee45926"],"text":"sleep"},{"_key":"6695e76be6522","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and energy change when they change their diet, not to mention they lose weight and their menstrual cycles become regular. We also help them restore nutrients they are low on like "},{"_key":"6695e76be6523","_type":"span","marks":["8069402589f2"],"text":"magnesium"},{"_key":"6695e76be6524","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", B vitamins."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"2b2cdee45926","_type":"link","description":"Parsley Health article on insomnia","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-causes-insomnia-how-to-sleep-better/"},{"_key":"8069402589f2","_type":"link","description":"Parsley Health article on magnesium","href":"https://parsleyhealth.com/blog/magnesium-supplement/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b4579047635e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"947a78a3d14a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Step 3: Detoxify"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"483ca994b249","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0588d68843fd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Detoxification is a process that really begins month 2 of our program and can take as many as 3-6 months. It includes reducing exposure from heavy metals like mercury from seafood and metal dental fillings as well as using natural "},{"_key":"0588d68843fd1","_type":"span","marks":["022897b3534d"],"text":"supplements"},{"_key":"0588d68843fd2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" like B-vitamins, liver-stimulating bitters, and even metal binders to lower the body’s total toxin burden."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"022897b3534d","_type":"link","description":"Learn more about anti-inflammatory supplements","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/anti-inflammatory-supplements/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f6363501be10","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2b333e6b5dd60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It also includes resolving digestive issues – if you’re not pooping regularly or have a lot of "},{"_key":"2b333e6b5dd61","_type":"span","marks":["3a8348a1de8d"],"text":"gas"},{"_key":"2b333e6b5dd62","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and "},{"_key":"2b333e6b5dd63","_type":"span","marks":["a0994f27dd9c"],"text":"bloating"},{"_key":"2b333e6b5dd64","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" then you’re not detoxifying regularly either. I’ll also recommend resetting and refreshing the whole body with our popular 5 Day Reset ."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"3a8348a1de8d","_type":"link","description":"Discover causes of gas","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/causes-of-excessive-gas/"},{"_key":"a0994f27dd9c","_type":"link","description":"How to reduce bloating","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/reduce-bloating/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f750bd2f8841","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c865bdd124060","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Finally, it includes an "},{"_key":"c865bdd124061","_type":"span","marks":["5ea57b6803f1"],"text":"environmental detoxification"},{"_key":"c865bdd124062","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . Now is the time to get rid of cleaning products makeup and moisturizers with chemicals like phthalates and parabens, oxybenzone, BPA, and BPS. If one waits to stop using toxic products until they get pregnant, it’s often too late, because the body has already stored those toxins in its tissues."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5ea57b6803f1","_type":"link","description":"how endocrine disruptors work","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-endocrine-disruptors-work/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"845a2dc90b38","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5d95c75a07a70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Step 4. Relax"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"3fdf373523dc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3039dfe323b60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This is the time for birthing parents to focus on themself and their overall health and wellbeing, not to fixate on getting pregnant like their life depends on it. Stress is one of the number one drivers of digestive issues, "},{"_key":"3039dfe323b61","_type":"span","marks":["6d9e2bb8c32a"],"text":"autoimmune disease"},{"_key":"3039dfe323b62","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", PMS and irregular cycles, and, infertility. "}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"6d9e2bb8c32a","_type":"link","description":"autoimmune disease treatment","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/autoimmune-disease-treatment/"},{"_key":"c1a3bfc13053","_type":"link","description":"Prescribing meditation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/prescribe-meditation-patients/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4871c53f6a6c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"33be5c551d84","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you are chronically stressed and anxious, not sleeping well and exhausted, you need to begin to learn stress management tools like mindful breathing, yoga and "},{"_key":"3039dfe323b63","_type":"span","marks":["c1a3bfc13053"],"text":"meditation"},{"_key":"3039dfe323b64","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" . You’ll need these tools once you’re a parent more than ever, so now is the time to begin to practice them. At Parsley, our health coaches teach you to meditate and give you resources that help you build relaxation into your daily life."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"c1a3bfc13053","_type":"link","description":"Prescribing meditation","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/prescribe-meditation-patients/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ddc56a986e56","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dc034e0b5ae00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Step 5. Start the engines (aka a prenatal vitamin)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"d983fa785b96","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4593b08a06b20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"By now we are 6 or more months into the program on average, and the patient might be ready to start “trying” – a word I can’t stand because it adds stress. I prefer that they start “not, not trying” so that conception feels effortless, not like another task the success or failure will be judged! Anyway… supplements to keep are "},{"_key":"4593b08a06b21","_type":"span","marks":["5000f6e8980d"],"text":"probiotics"},{"_key":"4593b08a06b22","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" , magnesium, fish oil, and "},{"_key":"4593b08a06b23","_type":"span","marks":["d71dd221d197"],"text":"Vitamin D"},{"_key":"4593b08a06b24","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" and in some cases other supplements as directed by your doctor for your particular situation. From there start a high quality prenatal, like the one we carry in-house at Parsley."}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"5000f6e8980d","_type":"link","description":"Shop for probiotics","href":"https://store.parsleyhealth.com/collections/all/products/probiotic"},{"_key":"d71dd221d197","_type":"link","description":"Read about vitamin D deficiency","href":"https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/vitamin-d-deficiency/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3a05c96b3b9f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"37b9633e0cb00","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A good prenatal has the right kind of B-vitamins (the methylated kind if you have MTHFR genetic variations like I do), high quality sourcing of ingredients, and appropriate levels of key nutrients like DHA fatty acids which feed the baby’s growing brain, Vitamin A, Iron and Folic acid. Do not buy supplements at the grocery store, or take the samples an OB gives out for free – I can’t tell you how many patients have shown me prenatals their OB gave them that contain toxic dyes and chemicals!"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}]}},"pageContext":{"id":"-38a39df9-feb5-56fa-abc6-9bf1177fa3dd","published":true,"sanityID":"ff9d7150-57f2-4fe2-9bd3-6090d3f3740e","slug":"reproductive-health-fertility","noindex":false}},"staticQueryHashes":["1472716613","1522262568","2222899840","2491575117","2865852135","3525185592","989003075"]}