Category Archives: Полезные статьи

Insulin resistance (IR), a condition in which the body’s cells become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, plays a critical role in various aspects of health, including reproductive health. This metabolic disorder is increasingly associated with difficulties in achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

EFFECT ON OVULATION

Elevated insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens and estrogen (male and female sex hormones), which suppress ovulation. The most recognizable characteristic of chronic anovulation irregular periods or even missing your period for months. This is an alarming symptom that you should notify your gynecologist about.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Insulin resistance and subsequent hormonal disturbances are closely related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a complex condition that presents with a number of symptoms, including:

• increased androgen levels
• impaired glucose tolerance
• excess weight or obesity
• multiple ovarian cysts
• irregular menstruation
• skin manifestations: increased hair growth (hirsutism), acne, hyperpigmentation
• mental health problems: depression, anxiety, etc.

The consequences of PCOS do not only include infertility. The syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease.

WHY DOES INSULIN RESISTANCE INTERFERE WITH PREGNANCY?

On the one hand, insulin resistance suppresses ovulation, and without ovulation, fertilization cannot occur.

On the other hand, IR affects the endometrium (uterine lining). Studies have shown that in women with IR, there is a reduced receptivity of the endometrium to the embryo, which would prevent implantation, respectively the achievement of a successful pregnancy.

Last but not least, maternal IR can be a risk factor for miscarriage and fetal complications.

HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCES OF GETTING PREGNANT?

While insulin resistance can pose a fertility challenge, the good news is that lifestyle changes can help improve your reproductive health. They include:

• Appropriate diet. Switching to a balanced low glycemic index diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This means eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, dairy products, and healthy fats. Aim to make gradual changes to your diet so they can become a lifestyle.
• Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity. Both aerobic and weight exercises have shown positive effects on reproductive health. Workouts that are too intense, especially if you are inexperienced, can become demotivating. So start with some small changes such as daily walks or using the stairs.
• Make sure you dedicate enough time to sleep and rest. Adults should sleep at least 7 hours. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance.
• Consultations with specialists. Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. Therefore, it is necessary that your condition be monitored not only by a gynecologist, but also by an endocrinologist, who, if necessary, will prescribe treatment.

Insulin resistance, with its implications for reproductive health, poses challenges to women who wish to conceive. However, active lifestyle changes and timely medical attention can greatly improve your chances of getting pregnant.

ВЛИЯНИЕ НА ЗАТЛЪСТЯВАНЕТО ВЪРХУ РЕПРОДУКТИВНОТО ЗДРАВЕ

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a revolutionary step in reproductive medicine, offering hope to couples struggling with infertility. One intriguing aspect of IVF is its association with an increased likelihood of twin pregnancies. As the demand for assisted reproductive techniques increases, understanding the considerations surrounding twin pregnancy resulting from IVF becomes paramount.

IVF IN A NUTSHELL

IVF is an assisted reproductive technique in which, after hormonal stimulation and ovarian follicle puncture, fertilization of eggs takes place outside the body, with the resulting embryo(s) subsequently implanted in the uterus. Depositing the embryos into the uterine cavity is called embryo transfer. The best quality embryos are selected for the transfer. Usually 1 to 3 embryos are transferred, depending on the patient’s age and medical history.

WHY ARE TWINS MORE COMMON WITH IVF?

Twin pregnancy with IVF is usually explained by the transfer of several embryos. Identical twins are quite rare. Current recommendations favor the transfer of 1 embryo, except in some very specific cases. The transfer of more than one embryo is affected by various factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the embryos and the presence of previous unsuccessful IVF attempts.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TWIN PREGNANCY

While the prospect of twins can be exciting, it presents challenges for expectant parents and their chosen medical team. Twin pregnancies are considered high risk because of the increased likelihood of complications for both the mother and the babies. They include:

Occurrence of potentially life-threatening complications for the mother such as pre-eclampsia and hemorrhages. Pregnant women with twins also have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Twins are often born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) and they may have low birth weight (under 2.5kg). In the case of twins, it is more common for one or both babies to remain for observation and treatment in a neonatal unit.

If you are expecting twins, this does not mean that you will necessarily have a complicated pregnancy. However, it is possible to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist for more frequent check-ups. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to choose a medical team you trust.

This extremely dynamic period lays the foundation for good health for the future. One of the key components to ensure a healthy start is regular preventive examinations (child consultation) during the child’s first year. They play a vital role in monitoring child development, diagnosing potential problems early, and providing basic guidance on how to raise a child.

In this article, we will emphasize the essence of preventive examinations of children in their first year. Preventive examinations for children up to the age of 18 are regulated in the Children’s Health Program of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). They are completely free.

The first year of a child’s life is a remarkable journey filled with rapid growth, constant change and countless milestones.

WHO CAN CARRY OUT PREVENTIVE EXAMINATIONS FOR CHILDREN?

It is imperative that parents choose a general practitioner (GP) for their child as soon as possible after birth.

To reduce stress, it is advisable to find out about your options before the birth. The initial selection of a general practitioner is carried out with the «Registration form for the initial selection of a general practitioner», which can be printed from the website of the NHIF, and is filled in together with the relevant doctor. If the parents wish, the follow-up of the child’s health status until reaching the age of 18 can be carried out by a pediatrician. For this, a one-time referral from the GP is required. Despite this possibility, the child’s immunizations are carried out by the GP.

PREVENTIVE EXAMINATIONS AFTER BIRTH

Until reaching the age of one month, the newborn has the right to two preventive examinations. The first must be done within 24 hours of discharge from the maternity ward, which explains why it is important to choose a doctor for the child as quickly as possible. If this has not happened, the first examination takes place within 24 hours after the choice of GP or pediatrician. During the first examination, a detailed anamnesis will be taken regarding the birth: how it went, were there any complications. Have the records from the maternity ward ready for your child’s doctor to review. The child will then be examined. You will be given guidance and advice on baby care — breastfeeding, hygiene, sleep, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no one expects you to know everything about parenting. The second examination usually takes place 1-2 weeks after the first. According to the requirements, the baby is examined at home until the 28th day after birth.

FROM 1 MONTH TO 1 YEAR Your child is subject to a monthly preventive examination (child consultation).

Different activities are planned for each visit to the GP (examinations, immunizations according to the current Immunization Calendar, etc.). What they all have in common is that you will be questioned about the health of the child (taking an anamnesis), he will be examined, weighed, height, chest and head circumference will be measured. One of the most important components of a child’s consultation is the assessment of neuropsychological development. Through it, the doctor dynamically tracks the motor, speech and behavioral changes that are characteristic of the individual stages of child development.

AT 1 AND 4 MONTHS, the baby is subject to examination of the hip joints.

It aims at early detection of hip dysplasia. An examination by an orthopedist can be scheduled at discretion.

AT 6 MONTHS, an ultrasound of the baby’s excretory system is scheduled.

A general assessment of hearing and vision is performed. This is the time for the first preventive laboratory tests — blood and urine. If necessary, additional tests are appointed.

AT 1 YEAR laboratory tests are repeated.

Hearing and vision are again assessed. After reaching 1 year of age, child consultations are held at greater intervals. The described activities are the mandatory minimum determined by the competent institutions. If necessary, your child will be referred for relevant additional tests (laboratory, imaging, microbiological, etc.), as well as consultations with a specialist. Preventive examinations in the first year are indispensable in terms of timely diagnosis and solution of potential health problems. By investing in our children’s health from the very beginning, we not only protect their immediate well-being, but also lay the foundation for a fulfilling life.

BREASTFEEDING: WHY IS IT GOOD FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR CHILD?

It is believed that the beginning of stem cells research was established in the 1960s by Canadian scientists Ernest McCulloch and James Till.

Simply said, they are unique in their ability to divide, multiply, replace damaged cells and become cells characteristic of different tissues.

Sources of stem cells are bone marrow, the circulation, or blood taken from the umbilical cord after birth. Their formation begins in the very initial phase of embryo development — at the age of 3-5 days.

Most often, they are needed for the treatment of certain malignant or genetic diseases that are passed on in the family. Scientific research in the field of stem cells gives many people hope for the treatment of diseases such as Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Osteoarthritis, etc.

How are they retrieved after birth?

First of all, it is absolutely painless and safe for the baby and the mother. The umbilical cord contains two types of stem cells: hematopoietic, found in the blood of the umbilical cord, and mesenchymal, found in the tissue of the umbilical cord. Usually, both blood and part of the umbilical cord itself are taken immediately after it is cut. The whole procedure happens in the process of birth itself in a special sterile, pre-provided set. After transportation to the relevant laboratory, samples are taken for the presence of sexually transmitted infections such as spina bifida, syphilis, hepatitis, etc. and a sterility test. The number and viability of the isolated cells is determined, and if the results meet the standards, freezing is started. According to some scientists, the term for the storage can be unlimited if the cells are stored under the required conditions.

Types :

• Embryonic stem cells — collected immediately after the birth of the child
• Adult /somatic/ stem cells — found in tissues, such as bone marrow, blood
• Hematopoietic — Generated during embryonic development
• Mesenchymal stem cells — originate from the connective tissue that surrounds the body’s organs.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells — created in a laboratory

Whether another family member can use the stored cord-derived stem cells or a so-called allogeneic transplant can only be determined after tissue-compatible antigen testing is done to determine the degree of genetic proximity that would allow their use.

HOW LONG DO STEM CELLS KEEP?

Generally speaking, the storage period lasts until the onset of disease necessitating treatment by their transplantation. If not used at an earlier stage, the stem cells are stored for a period of 20 years.

After its expiration, the contract with the respective bank can be renewed by the already grown child. If you want guaranteed access to your donated stem cells, you must store them personally in a tissue bank of your choice. The other option for stem cell donation is to the National Public Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Donor Bank. There, the storage is free, but the difference with private tissue banks is that in the public one, the preserved biological material is made available to the people who need it, whether they are donors or those in need.

Source: AptekiZapad

STEM CELLS HARVESTING AT BIRTH

WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE?

— sulfur-containing tripeptide, which is produced intracellularly in the liver from three Ak — cystine, glutamate and glycine.

It is contained in every cell of the human body, making it excl. an important factor in the body’s immune and detoxification function. The body uses glutathione to fight inflammation, stress and toxins. Optimal glutathione levels also benefit the gut, brain dst, CVS, vision and fat burning ability. In addition, glutathione enhances the work of other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, which makes them even more effective in removing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and reducing inflammatory processes.

Benefits:

— reduces oxidative stress

— reduces damage to hepatocytes / liver cells /

— improves insulin resistance — reduces the symptoms of a number of autoimmune diseases

— supports fertility

— more and more studies show a positive relationship between optimal levels of glutathione and the treatment of infertility in both sexes.

Due to its natural antioxidant activity, glutathione improves sperm health and egg quality by maintaining a good metabolic balance. Especially in women, glutathione protects eggs from damage caused by oxidative stress during folliculogenesis.

Application: For optimal results, infusion therapies are recommended for 28 days — once every other week / duration 50 min

WHAT IS RESVERATROL?

POWERFUL Antioxidant Resveratrol is an essential compound of the polyphenol family, which are powerful antioxidants. Known for its beneficial effects on health, it can be found in grape seeds, strawberries, nuts, red wine and other plant products.

Resveratrol is beneficial for health, having anti-inflammatory and anti-cardiovascular properties, improves metabolism, reduces the risk of diabetes mellitus, positively affects metabolic pathways and glucose tolerance. Taking Resveratrol improves heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels, increasing good cholesterol levels, and regulating blood pressure. As one of the most studied phytochemicals, Resveratrol is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and its multiple health benefits, which are as follows:

• helps improve heart and vascular health by reducing levels of «bad» cholesterol and increasing levels of «good» cholesterol.
• improves the immune system by protecting the body from infections and diseases.
• helps reduce inflammation and has anti-inflammatory properties that have a positive effect on diseases such as arthritis and diabetes.
• improves the health and elasticity of the skin and protects against the harmful effects of UV rays.
• helps improve sleep quality.
• helps in the fight against aging by slowing down the process itself.
• it also protects against degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• helps control blood pressure and improves blood circulation.
• improves metabolism and participates in blood sugar control and prevention of diabetes
• helps improve brain function, memory and mental abilities. the function of the endocrine system – the secretion and regulation of hormones.
• supports fertility and the function of the female and male reproductive system — egg and sperm production.

CORRECT ACCEPTANCE AND DOSAGE OF RESVERATROL 500MG: The product is intravenous, dissolve the vial and pour into a 100ml jar. sodium chloride. The maximum intake is 500 mg 3 times a week. Recommended number of treatments 5 spread over 28 days.

BICORNUATE UTERUS — WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

One of the causes of infertility in women is congenital anomalies of the reproductive system. One of them is the bicornuate uterus.

It is caused by incomplete fusion of 2 embryonic structures called Müllerian ducts. This means that 2 «horns» are formed in the upper part of the uterus, which give it a heart-like shape.

SYMPTOMS

The condition is usually asymptomatic. It is possible for women to suffer from painful or heavier periods. If there are other congenital anomalies (usually of the kidneys) complaints from the urinary-excretory system could be expected. In women trying to conceive, spontaneous abortions are more frequent.

PREGNANCY AND BICORNUATE UTERUS

Pregnancy in women with a bicornuate uterus is considered risky but not contraindicated. Expect more frequent OBGYN visits, as well as the possibility of the baby being born prematurely. Due to the unusual shape of the uterus, in about 50% of cases the fetus is  breech, which means a higher frequency of c-sections.

Other possible pregnancy complications in women with a bicornuate uterus include:

Low birth weight of the baby (due to the smaller uterine cavity)

Arterial hypertension during pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

Postpartum hemorrhage

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis can be made with an ultrasound. 3D ultrasound is considered to provide 99% specificity in the diagnosis of a bicornuate uterus. Other tests that may be recommended to you are MRI, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. It is recommended to have your  urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder) checked out as well, because in rare cases concomitant abnormalities are possible.

TREATMENT

Treatment is not required except in cases of recurrent miscarriages. Surgical correction of the uterus aims to remove the tissue forming the two horns, and the operation is laparoscopic.

Despite its challenges, a bicornuate uterus doesn’t necessarily mean the end of motherhood dreams. With advances in medical technology and personalized care, many women with this condition can carry out successful pregnancies. Regular monitoring and close collaboration with obstetricians greatly helps to mitigate potential risks and ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY IN WOMEN?

HYPERTENSION DURING PREGNANCY

Breastfeeding has been considered the best source of nutrients for the newborn.

Do I have enough breast milk?

This is the main question that every mother asks herself from the moment the baby is first put to the breast.

Does he or she have enough milk – is everything okay…?

In the first days after birth, the amount of colostrum that your breasts produce is completely sufficient for the nutritional needs of the baby. In the next few weeks after birth, the babies need to nurse very often because their stomach is small, they get tired quickly and cannot take large amounts of breast milk to satisfy their needs for long periods of time.

In the beginning, it can be difficult to know if the food is enough for the baby. The simplest rule to help you is to keep track of diapers. During the first month of a child’s life, stools are an extremely sensitive indicator and can guide you when everything is fine and when you need to seek for help. It is known that sometimes bottle feeding can cause the baby to wean, and nursing mothers are often warned against using bottles.

But there are situations when complementary feeding is expected to be a long-term and essential part of the feeding plan, or the baby is in a more serious condition that requires feeding to take a minimum of effort, then parents choose the bottles. However, since bottle feeding does carry a risk to breastfeeding success, it is important to do it in a way that closely resembles and preserves breast feeding skills.

We will focus on several important points when choosing a bottle and teat:

The bottle — The only important thing when choosing a bottle is the material from which it is made. Because of serious doubts about the health risks of BPA, it is preferable to choose plastic bottles that have been proven to be free of BPA — or glass bottles.

The teat — The success of combining breast and bottle depends to a large extent on two things: The strength of the stream and the speed with which the milk is poured into the mouth. How similar the position of the baby’s lips and tongue on the teat is to the breastfeeding position.

Carefully monitor your baby’s pacifier for the following: How big an angle is achieved in the corner between the baby’s lips — sharp or obtuse?

When breastfeeding, we aim for the lips to be wide open with an angle of more than 120 degrees, and it is important that the same happens on the bottle. How do the lips lie on the teat – are any of them pressed and sucked in? Are there holes in the corners of the mouth where milk leaks out? The answers to these questions will guide you to what extent the pacifier you use allows you to mimic breastfeeding as well as possible.

The goal is for the baby’s lips to be wide open, without being tense and without the upper one being bitten inward.

The vacuum they create around the teat should be good and there should be no leakage of milk from the sides. Rubber or silicone? It’s a matter of personal preference. Rubber teats made of natural material are softer and may be more comfortable for a newborn baby. Their disadvantage is that they wear out quickly. Silicone is a harder and fully synthetic material, but it is significantly more resistant, which — combined with its attractive transparency — makes it a favorite of most mothers.

BREASTFEEDING: WHY IS IT GOOD FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR CHILD?

Summer is in full swing, and high temperatures are a fact.

How to protect the baby from the heat?

– is a question every mother asks herself.

What we should keep in mind and what to watch out for – you can read in the following lines.

During the first months of the newborn, his thermoregulation is still imperfect.

It is unable to respond adequately to sudden temperature changes occurring in its surroundings. Because of these physiological features, babies in the first months are more susceptible to both cooling and overheating. Overheating, especially in the summer months, often affects older children as well, but overheating in childhood can be the result of many factors — climate, inappropriate clothing, high temperature in the children’s room, thick blankets, etc. The sweat glands are not yet functional during the first months after birth, and this is also the reason why the body cannot cool itself by sweating.

In the following lines, we will pay attention to several signs that are associated with overheating and for which we should be careful:

• Increased body temperature and manifestations of drowsiness

• Rapid breathing

• Redness of the face or other parts of the body

• Sweating in the head or forehead area

• State of nervousness

• Nausea or vomiting

• A rash characterized by small red pimples on the face, neck, the abdomen, back, chest, groin and other parts of the body.

How to avoid overheating the baby?

1. The room temperature should be in the healthy range of up to 24 degrees

2. Avoid exposing the baby to direct sunlight, especially in noon, when the sun is at its strongest.

3. Do not dress the child in more layers of clothing than you wear yourself in the moment — if possible, the clothes should be made of natural material.

4. Never leave your baby unattended in your vehicle.

5. During the summer months, after a bath, avoid applying creams and lotions to the baby or oils.

The mild rash, which appears as a rash, does not have serious consequences for the child’s health, it is just a temporary discomfort.

However, overheating in a higher degree can lead to vomiting, pressure of the electrolyte balance, dehydration and other more serious problems. What to do if this still happens:

-as quickly as possible, provide a cool room to put the child in

— provide wet towels with lukewarm, but not cold water and apply to the skin — if possible give frequent small sips of water

— measure the temperature and if it does not fall below 39 degrees — contact your doctor

In conclusion, it is clear that with proper behavior in different seasons and avoiding the causes leading to overheating during the hot summer months, we could save ourselves unpleasant experiences, both for the baby and for the whole family.

SOURCE: APTEKI ZAPAD

GENTLE CARE – ADVICES FOR LITTLE ONES

The success rate of IVF (in vitro fertilization) can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of the infertility, the quality of the eggs and sperm, the number of embryos transferred, and the experience of the reproductive health center you choose.

In general, the success rate is higher in younger women and decreases with age. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), fresh embryo transfer IVF success rates for women under 35 are typically around 40-50% per cycle, while for women over 40 the success rate is lower, ranging from 10 -20% per cycle. However, these percentages may vary depending on individual circumstances.

HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF SUCCESS?

1. 1. Choose a reputable reproductive health center: Look for clinics that specialize in ART (assisted reproductive techniques) and have experienced reproductive health professionals.

    

   2.Make positive lifestyle changes to optimize fertility. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress. If you suffer from a chronic disease such as arterial hypertension or diabetes, it is important that it is well controlled.

    

   3.Strictly follow the prescribed medications and treatment protocols provided by your reproductive health professional. This may include taking various pills, or injecting yourself or examinations at your reproductive health center.

    

   4. Consider preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): it can help identify chromosomally normal embryos, which would increase the chances of successful implantation, reducing the risk of miscarriage.

    

   5. Psychological support: IVF can be emotionally challenging. Seeking counseling or joining support groups can reduce stress and improve overall well-being during the process.

    

   6. Be informed and ask questions: Educate yourself about the IVF process, potential risks and success rates. Ask questions and communicate openly with your reproductive health professional to make sure you understand the treatment plan and have realistic expectations.

If you have had an unsuccessful IVF procedure, remember that this does not equal failure. It is important to consult with a qualified professional in the field who can provide personalized advice based on your particular situation.

I AM 40. IS IT TOO LATE TO HAVE A BABY?

The appearance of the new member in the family is associated with many emotions, excitement and sometimes with fears, especially if we become parents for the first time.

The reason for this is the uncertainty we feel, the power of responsibility we assume as parents and at the same time the desire to give the best to our baby. In fact, our fears are completely unfounded.

Let’s not forget that our child carries our genetic «material» and his sense of comfort approaches ours. It is very important to be calm in the first weeks after birth in order to learn to recognize the signals that the baby is giving us — so we will provide him with what he needs.

Often in the first months we receive a lot of different and sometimes contradictory advice.

How to decide which advice to take? — well, it’s simple. Imagine the advice you’ve been given, how it will affect you if you apply it to yourself — and instantly you’ll feel whether it’s good and suitable or not — for

your baby.

For example, if we expect our baby to eat at a precise interval — a precise amount, we should think about whether we would be as happy if we had to consume a precise amount at a precise time.

We certainly won’t like it.

Sometimes we sleep longer, sometimes we just ate more and won’t be hungry at the appointed time, so modes are a subjective concept and the only important thing for our baby is to get what he wants according to his needs and desires. The same rule applies to the conditions under which we raise our baby and the maintenance of his personal hygiene.

For example, how would we feel if we had to sleep with a hat or with limited movements, or how would we feel if we didn’t know we were in the bathroom and someone poured water on our back, we would immediately react by tensing our body. Therefore, we must approach in every action to our baby as we want and approach ourselves. It is very important to mention the attention we must pay to inform ourselves in detail about the reception, storage, method of use, period of use of every single thing that we had to give to the baby.

Most often, in the first months, these are drops for colic, probiotics, vitamins and medications that facilitate bowel movements.

Accurate and specific information would certainly help us feel at ease and at the same time save us from some rather unpleasant situations arising from underestimating the importance of this action. Thus we come to the conclusion that calm, secure and informed parents certainly create conditions for their children to grow up healthy, calm and happy.

GENTLE CARE – ADVICES FOR LITTLE ONES

APTEKI ZAPAD