Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant [Paperback]

Debra Fulghum Bruce (Author), Samuel S. Thatcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2000

You may have waited a long time. You may have tried and tried.
Now your chances of having a baby are better than ever!

There have been remarkable advances in fertility technology and choices in the last few years, with pregnancy success rates skyrocketing. Now Making a Baby provides the information you need to become your most fertile--and increase your chances for having the baby you've always wanted. Up-to-date, comprehensive, written with compassion and clarity, this book reveals how to protect, increase, and extend your fertility, with essential information on:

- The optimal frequency, timing, and sexual positions for getting pregnant
- Surprising new findings on which foods and exercise programs boost fertility--and which ones actually decrease your chances
- Advances in baby-boosting medications--and a complete assessment of risks, costs, and alternatives
- Breakthrough medical techniques that help achieve pregnancy without the risk of multiples
- Avoiding the common--and often hidden--threats to fertility at work, at home, and in public places
- Choosing the A.R.T. (assisted reproductive technology) that's right for you
- Special issues for midlife mothers
- What every man should know about his long-term reproductive health
- How to minimize emotional stress and keep your relationship strong
- How to work with your HMO to get the right treatments--at the right cost

This detailed, insightful, and meticulously researched book will help guide you to a wonderful new beginning as a parent!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to authors Bruce (a prolific health writer) and Thatcher (a reproductive endocrinologist), five to eight million couples in the U.S. currently experience difficulties conceiving a baby. To assist them, and others who may confront the prospect of infertility in the near future, Bruce and Thatcher present a comprehensive examination of the options and technologies available today. From "conception 101" to cutting-edge procedures, this clearly written book guides couples through the causes of infertility and the options available to counteract it. While stressing that certain problems can't be controlled (a parent's age or an inherited disorder, for instance), the authors claim that there has "never been a better time than now to get pregnant." Along with familiar "BMTs" (baby making tips), such as the best positions for conception, they offer a wide range of practical information--including which sexual lubricants may actually interfere with sperm motility, which over-the-counter medications to avoid and how excessive exercise can adversely affect fertility. Lifestyle issues (use of alcohol, nicotine and drugs) as well as environmental and workplace hazards are discussed, with the focus on ways to promote the health of both parents even before conception. The causes and treatments of infertility in men as well as women are covered in depth, making this a valuable volume for both wanna-be parents. Lucidly explicating new and complicated medical procedures, the text helps couples decide on which ART (assisted reproductive technology) may be right for them. This is an essential guide for infertile couples hoping to beat the clock. Also included is a useful appendix of medical acronyms and glossary. (July)

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Today, there are several hundred thousand in vitro fertilization (IVF) babies around the world, and new discoveries and techniques in the field of reproductive medicine increase the success rate every year. Yet for anyone faced with infertility, the future may appear frightening and uncertain. The authors, an expert health writer and a reproductive endocrinologist, provide a readable, informative, and sympathetic guide to this new world of baby-boosting medicines, IVF, sperm injection, and egg donation. They explain how the male and female reproductive systems work and detail the many common, and sometimes hidden, threats to fertility. They offer practical, low-tech solutions, such as lifestyle changes, as well as the more advanced therapies. Understanding how one's body works and one's specific infertility problem, the authors argue, will help readers become empowered participants in their own care. High-tech, low-tech, natural, and complementary therapies are all discussed, as are the pros and cons of current tests and treatments. A glossary of terms, a list of acronyms and abbreviation, and other helpful lists round out this resource. A useful book full of advice and explanations offered with insight and understanding; for all consumer health collections.DJodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1 edition (July 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345435435
• ISBN-13: 978-0345435439
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book addresses both "how to" and infertility issues, January 11, 2002

By 

Donna C (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant (Paperback)

After reading the other reviews, I can see how some reviewers didn't feel this book was for them. It does focus a lot on infertility treatment. I bought the book because my doctor suspected that I might have difficulties either getting pregnant or staying pregnant. But, I also couldn't remember all the advice my doc gave me on what days were my most fertile. I found this book and it covered everything I wanted to know, including: why I might have trouble conceiving/staying pregnant; what types of treatment are available; how to tell when you are ovulating; and the proper timing to ensure optimum chances of conception. I got pregant (naturally) the month after I bought this book and I know exactly when I conceived. I personally enjoyed reading about the infertility challenges and treatments. But I can understand how some people who don't have those concerns would prefer to have a book focused strictly on "how to" make a baby without using medical intervention. So, I'd recommend this book for those who are trying to conceive the old-fashioned way, but who may have infertility issues and want to understand those issues and how they can be treated.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Vague and general, January 16, 2005

By 

boxfordshire (Medford, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant (Paperback)

We were looking for scientific, comprehensive information about fertility and conception. We found this book to be vague and general, which is OK if you need some background on general infertility or fertility issues. If you want a much more specific "how-to" on identifying fertile days, knowledge of fertility signs, and how to make detailed charts that will be useful for you and your doctor, then we very strongly recommend Toni Weschler's "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" instead.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent & comprehensive resource--Natural therapies ..., March 31, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant (Paperback)

Superb book on the problems leading to infertility and what can be done to resolve these. The section on Male Infertility was enlightening--and a must-read for all couples struggling to have a baby. So often we look at the woman when conception does not occur--and half the time it's a "male" problem. Get it checked out--because there is treatment, according to these authors. I was most impressed with the natural therapies sections in the book--and the part on reducing stress was most helpful for me and my wife.