Introduction; Section 1 Fertility facts: making it happen 8; The Biology and Mechanics. When to have sex. Ovulation, conception and fertilization. Implantation and first vital few days. Twins, triplets, genetics. How to read your own fertility signs. Fertility awareness. Age of mother and father. Risk assessment for older parents with regard to certain genetic disorders. Myths and received wisdom about what encourages pregnancy. Choosing to conceive a boy or girl? What medical conditions can cause fertility problems? Section 2 Priming for pregnancy - mind and body 32; What is preconceptual care and why does it make a difference? Assessing your health - how fit and well are you right now? Get gynae-fit: testing for a range of possible gynaecological infections which can affect fertility. Dieting, drinking and smoking: the true effects they have on fertility. Your contraception: what have you been using? And why this may matter. His health: weight, diet, anxiety, depression, infections - sex drive, smoking and drinking. Stress and fertility for men and women: the concrete biological reasons, the facts, the figures, the research. At home: how's your relationship with your partner? At work and outside the home: physical aspects (standing/lifting), stress quotient. Fertility foods and a good diet made easy. Detoxing at work and at home. Section 3 Enhancing your fertility with complementary therapies 74; Relaxation and visualization; Herbs; Homeopathy; Acupressure; Reflexology; Feng Shui; Self Hypnosis; Nutritional Therapy; Bach Flower Remedies; Colour Therapy; Chinese Herbalism; Section 4 If you need medical treatment - what's available? 124; What your doctors may do for you. Frequently used treatments for the most common fertility problems in men and women. Section 5 Pregnant? 136; First signs, pregnancy test reliability, daily relaxation, continued good nutrition. Index 140; Acknowledgements 144
