Conception
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Every woman's menstrual cycle is different. Regular charting of your periods and signs of ovulation can familiarise you with your cycle and when you are most likely to conceive. A menstrual chart is also useful when you become pregnant because the date of your last period can be used to determine your expected delivery date. Stress and emotional distress, changes in weight or excessive physical activity may cause irregularities in a woman's menstrual cycle.
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If you are attempting to become pregnant, timing is all-important. Conception is most likely to take place if you have intercourse near the time of ovulation. Ovulation occurs when the woman releases an egg (ovum) from her ovary into the fallopian tube. Once released, the egg usually lasts around 24 hours. On the other hand, sperm can survive for around 3-5 days inside a woman, depending on conditions.
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Finding out if you are pregnant
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Some hospitals, medical clinics and doctors offer pregnancy testing free of charge.
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The Royal Women's Hospital, Women's Health Information Centre (WHIC) provides a free, drop-in, pregnancy testing service.
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Chemists and supermarkets stock home pregnancy kits that detect the pregnancy hormones in urine. These vary in price and are highly accurate if the instructions are followed carefully. The best time to do a home pregnancy test is first thing in the morning after your period has been late for at least a week. Some women prefer to have their pregnancy confirmed by a blood test with their doctor.
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Discontinuing oral contraception
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There are no clear guidelines about when to stop using oral contraception if you are planning to get pregnant. Some practitioners suggest you plan to have three normal menstrual periods, after discontinuing the pill, to allow your metabolic function to return to normal. The length of time that it takes for fertility to return will differ for each woman. It is possible, although rare, for a woman to fall pregnant while on the pill and there is no evidence that this causes problems for their baby.
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Lesbian parents
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Increasing numbers of women who are single or lesbian are seeking to achieve a pregnancy. For these women there are three methods by which to get pregnant:
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- insemination using a known sperm donor
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- insemination using an anonymous sperm donor
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- In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) (in Victoria this is only available for medically infertile women).
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In Australia, single women and lesbians are often denied access to insemination services, either by law or the exclusion criteria of specific agencies. As a result, many women are self-inseminating without receiving adequate information regarding donor screening or their own pre-pregnancy screening.
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There are many complex medical and legal issues that need to be considered and decisions to be made; not only for the parent. Many of the decisions that will be made will have far reaching implications for the future of the baby.
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When conception doesn't happen
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With regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, 80 percent of women become pregnant within a year. Even so, fertility varies from person to person and up to 15 percent of couples experience some difficulties.
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There are many reasons for infertility that can be related to the male or female partner. If you have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for a year or more, you may wish to consider seeing a fertility specialist.
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Medical conditions
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Often conception problems are caused by conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. Such conditions can be treated or managed in such a way as to encourage fertility to return. If you have a history of gynaecological problems and you wish to become pregnant you should start discussions with your specialist as soon as possible.
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Taking age into account
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Many women today are choosing to delay motherhood until later in life. Most experience few problems with their eventual pregnancy and childbirth. However, evidence shows that as women age, their chances of becoming pregnant are reduced.
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Statistically, there is also an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects in older women. Women aged over 35 years are also reported to have a higher rate of instrumental delivery (e.g. forceps and caesarean sections). If you are planning to delay pregnancy until you are older, you may choose to speak with a genetic counsellor so that you are fully informed of all the risks.
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Genetic counselling
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Genetic counsellors work with couples who have an increased risk of having a baby with certain medical conditions. Counsellors offer a range of information and services including:
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- information regarding the risk of birth defects or genetic problems
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- information regarding medical conditions like cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, spina bifida, cleft palate, thalassaemia
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- organisation and optimal timing of prenatal investigations
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- counselling and help with decision-making.
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The Royal Women's Hospital Genetic Counselling Service also runs sessions covering important information for women aged over 37 years who are planning a pregnancy.
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Further information and contacts
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Women's Health Information Centre
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Royal Women's Hospital
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Tel: (03) 8345 3045 or 1800 442 007 (rural callers)
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Email: whic@thewomens.org.au
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The Billings Family Life Centre
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Tel: (03) 9481 1722
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Prospective Lesbian Parents
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Tel: (03) 9513 1412
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Family Planning Victoria
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Web: http://www.fpv.org.au
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Last updated Jan 2008
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