Trying to Conceive: Information & Resources

Jonathan and Rachael Casella hold their baby daughter Mackenzie who was diagnosed with SMA and died at seven months.

Radical shift in genetic testing advice for all women planning a baby

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My friend is having a baby, and I feel left behind

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Sexual positions for conceiving

When it comes to conception there is a lot of discussion about successful positions for 'making babies'. Are some sexual positions better than others for conception?

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The signs and symptoms of ovulation

If you're hoping to conceive, one of the most important things you need to know about is ovulation.

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Ovulation

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What you need to know about ovulation tests

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What to do when you're trying for a baby

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Three stages of conceiving a baby

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Addressing lifestyle factors can make a difference to fertility.

Why you're not getting pregnant

When couples have trouble conceiving, it's natural to suspect a glitch in one partner's reproductive system – but it might be something to do with lifestyle.

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It's not just mums who need to avoid alcohol when trying for a baby

Abstaining from alcohol during preconception and pregnancy is usually considered to be the woman’s responsibility. The main concern surrounding alcohol exposure during pregnancy often relates to well-established evidence of newborns developing a range of behavioural, physical and cognitive disabilities later in life.

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Sleep . . . I've heard there's a severe lack of it once you become a parent.

Why I'm terrified of becoming a father

What if I'm a bad father?

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Is it necessary to take supplements for sperm health, and do they work?

Science or snake oil: do men need sperm health supplements?

Infertility, defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after at least 12 months of regular, unprotected sex, affects about 15% of couples worldwide. Several factors can lead to infertility, but specific to men, infertility has been linked to lower levels of antioxidants in their semen. This exposes them to an increased risk of chemically reactive species containing oxygen, which can damage sperm.

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The study found the quest for a baby had resulted in "inconvenient or unromantic" sex.

Study reveals what women really think about 'baby-making sex'

Baby-making sex is "inconvenient and unromantic" finds a new study of women actively trying to conceive.

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Sperm take it easy when a man has been smoking cannabis.

What's the hurry? Marijuana use makes sperm chill out

Even low levels of cannabis use can cut sperm counts.

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The pros and cons of pre-pregnancy genetic screening

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently recommended obstetricians, gynaecologists and other related health care providers offer pre-pregnancy carrier screening for genetic diseases to all patients.

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Nutrition 'rules' during pregnancy are good 'rules' for us all.

Trying to conceive? Think about what you're eating

One in 6 Australian couples has difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term, leading many to use fertility services. In my private nutrition practice, I'm seeing more and more clients in their 30s and 40s who are trying to get pregnant and want to make sure their eating habits help their chances of conception and support a healthy pregnancy.