News

I’m a fertility expert – what you should be doing one year, six months and one month BEFORE trying for a baby 0 195

Stanley Myrick

THERE’S a lot involved in having a baby, but you might not realise that preparation starts well before you’re pregnant

Hannah Pearn, a fertility specialist who runs clinics in South London, says women should be planning up to one year before conceiving.

Women should be making changes up to a year before considering falling pregnant Hannah Pearn is a fertility specialist who runs clinics in South London

Here, Hannah tells Fabulous exactly what you should be doing one year, six months and one month before falling pregnant.

Plus, the first things you should do when you find out you’re expecting.

ONE YEAR

Come off contraception

More on pregnancy and birth

PREGNANCY PLAN

What appointments you need if you’ve just found out you’re pregnant

DUE DATE

We’re baby experts – how to know when you’re in labour and about to give birth

“For some people, it can take up to a year for a good, fertile menstrual cycle to be re-established,” Hannah says.

This is especially important if you went on contraception for cycle issues in the first place, including painful periods and irregular periods.

Vaginal Health tests

Hannah says: “Make sure you’re up to date with your smear test and test for any sexually transmitted infections which will need to be addressed.”

Most read in Fabulous

UNHEIRED

Meghan appealed to fans to share her podcast motto – only 60 have on Instagram

CLAUS FOR CELEBRATION

Money-saving guru reveals the 3 Christmas gifts you should buy NOW

PERFECT FIT

I bought the viral TikTok swimsuit – it’s so expensive but made me look great

HOW'S THAT?

I'm a school drop out…I make £16.5k a month, my mum retired early & does it too

NAIL FAIL

I got a pedicure but it’s so bad people think the beautician was blind-folded

FASHION SOS

My Shein haul was an absolute fail…my boobs were falling out of the bikini

These could impact your ability to conceive and cause complications when you do get pregnant, she explains.

Evaluate your general health

Before you think bout getting pregnant, it’s important to check if any medications you’re taking are safe during pregnancy and give yourself time to switch if needed.

Hannah says you should also stop smoking, drug taking and reduce your alcohol intake.

6 MONTHS

Check sperm

“Up to 50% of fertility issues are due to male factors so the sooner you get a proper investigation the sooner you can address any problems,” Hannah says.

She also noted that it takes about 3-6 months to see improvements in sperm health.

“So give yourself time to make improvements,” she says.

Track your cycle

According to Hannah, monitoring and learning about your cycle is one of the best ways to optimise your fertility.

“Learn when your fertile time is,” she says.

You can do this by learning how to spot your cervical mucus, she explains.

She adds: “Address any cycle issues you’ve identified, including painful periods, heavy periods, or irregular cycles, which could impact your ability to conceive.”

Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for sperm and egg health,” Hannah says noting the importance of healthy food.

“Folic acid (400mg daily) is recommended by the NHS for anyone who is trying for a baby. Plus Vit D is a good idea as so many people are low in this in the UK,” she explains.

According to the fertility expert, a good diet with fruit and veg and lots of protein is best, noting the Mediterranean diet is great for fertility.

And like with sperm health, it takes about 3-6 months to positively impact good hormones and egg quality so give yourself time.

ONE MONTH

Know when you’re fertile

On average, there are only five days each month when women are fertile, so it’s important to get it right.

“Tracking you’re cervical mucus (egg white and stretchy) is your most reliable sign that you’re fertile so use this to know when to have sex,” says Hannah.

Don’t always rely on tech

Ovulation tracking apps are a great idea for some but Hannah says they’re not always reliable.

Hannah explains: ” Your app uses an algorithm and your time of ovulation can move every month.”

Have sex

Here comes the fun part – the sex. And make sure you do lots of it, Hannah says.

In fact, you shouldn’t just be having sex in your fertile window but other days of the month too.

“Having sex or ejaculating will keep the sperm fresh and optimized for your next cycle if you’re not successful during [the current] one,” says Hannah.

When you find out you’re pregnant:

`There are a few things you need to do when you find out you are pregnant, and while it might be obvious to some, it’s not always the case.

Stop drinking

This refers to alcohol, but Hannah says expectant mums should assess their caffeine intake too and reduce it as much as possible.

Avoid some foods

In Hannah’s opinion, undercooked or raw meats/fish should be avoided. So too should unpasteurized dairy and raw or undercooked eggs.

Hannah says: “Continue to take the folic acid and Vitamin d, and continue eating well.”

Stay active

Read More on The Sun

JUDI’S TEARS

Loose Women star Judi Love breaks down in tears and starts sobbing live on air

PARK AND CHIDE

My cheeky neighbour blocks my drive – I think she has a secret plan

Hannah says: “If you were active before you were pregnant then carry on if you feel like it.

“But slow down if you’re not feeling it and build up slowly if you’re starting new activities.”

Previous ArticleNext Article

Porn and Mental Health: The Challenges and Strategies for Coping in the Industry 0 178

Alice Trout

Pornography is a billion-dollar industry that has gained widespread popularity across the globe. However, while it may be a source of entertainment for some, the industry can be challenging for performers’ mental health. The pressure to perform and meet the expectations of producers and viewers can take a toll on performers’ mental wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that the porn industry poses to mental health and strategies for coping with them.

The Challenges

  1. Stigma and Shame

The porn industry is still stigmatized, and performers can face a lot of shame and judgment from society. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, making it difficult for performers to seek help and support when needed.

  1. Pressure to Perform

Performers in the porn industry are expected to meet certain expectations and perform at their best every time. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

  1. Isolation and Loneliness

Performing in the porn industry can be a lonely experience, with performers spending long hours on set or on their own, away from friends and family. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can take a toll on mental health.

  1. Trauma and Abuse

The porn industry is not immune to issues such as sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation. Performers may experience these traumatic events, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Strategies for Coping

Seek Professional Help

Performers in the porn industry should seek professional help and support when they need it. There are many therapists and counselors who specialize in working with performers in the industry and can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for performers in the porn industry. Taking breaks when needed, exercising, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help performers manage stress and promote mental wellbeing.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Having a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues can make a big difference in performers’ mental health. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of the industry and offer non-judgmental support can help performers cope with the stresses of the job.

Address Trauma and Abuse

Performers who have experienced trauma and abuse in the industry should seek support and address these issues head-on. This may involve therapy, reporting incidents to the authorities, and taking legal action if necessary.

Conclusion

The porn industry poses significant challenges to performers’ mental health, from stigma and shame to pressure to perform and trauma and abuse. However, with the right strategies, performers can cope with these challenges and maintain good mental wellbeing. Seeking professional help, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and addressing trauma and abuse are just a few strategies that can help performers in the porn industry maintain good mental health.

Navigating Consent and Boundaries in the Porn Industry: A Guide for Newcomers 0 165

Alice Trout

Consent and boundaries are crucial aspects of the porn industry, and it’s essential for newcomers to understand how to navigate these issues. In this article, we’ll provide a guide for those who are new to the industry on how to approach consent and boundaries in a professional and respectful manner.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that consent is always required in the porn industry. This means that every actor must give explicit and enthusiastic consent to any sexual act that is portrayed on camera. Consent can be given verbally or non-verbally, but it must always be clear and enthusiastic.

In order to ensure that consent is obtained, communication is key. Actors should have open and honest conversations with their scene partners and the director prior to filming. They should discuss what they are comfortable with and what their boundaries are, as well as any specific instructions or concerns.

It’s also important for actors to feel empowered to set their own boundaries and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe during filming. This means that if an actor does not want to perform a particular act or if they feel that their boundaries are being pushed, they have the right to stop the scene and speak to the director about their concerns.

It’s also essential for actors to be aware of their own physical and emotional limits. This means that they should take breaks as needed, communicate with their scene partner and director about any discomfort or pain, and engage in self-care practices to ensure that they are physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of the job.

Finally, it’s important for actors to have a support system in place. This can include talking to other actors who have experience in the industry, seeking out counseling or therapy, and having trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support.

Navigating consent and boundaries in the porn industry can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. By following these guidelines, newcomers to the industry can ensure that they are approaching these issues in a professional and responsible manner.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks