Natural Family Planing

Natural family planning is the avoidance of pregnancy without the use of drugs, devices, or surgical procedures. It only involves abstinence from sexual intercourse during the fertile period of women. There are two accepted methods of natural rhythm contraception: temperature method and mucus or Billings method.

Temperature Method

The temperature method involves the daily recording of basal body temperature. The temperature is obtained using an oral or axillary thermometer while in bed, right after waking in the morning. The temperature is taken and recorded daily. A rise in the basal body temperature occurs after the ovulation period. As an indicator of fertility, the basal body temperature can detect only the end of the fertile phase because the temperature remains elevated for about three days after the shift. When using this method, intercourse is avoided during the start of menses until three days after the temperature rise. Intercourse is allowed after this day until the start of the next menstruation.

Mucus or Billings Method

This method involves the evaluation of vaginal secretions (mucus). Safe periods (dryness) is characterized by thick, tacky and opaque secretions. Mucus of this type breaks easily when held between the thumb and forefinger and stretched. There is a sensation of dryness in the vulva. Abstinence period (wetness) is characterized by clear, watery and abundant secretions. If held between the thumb and forefinger, it stretches for several inches before it breaks. Abstinence must be maintained throughout the time when mucus changes until three days after the peak of mucus secretion.

Advantages of rhythm contraception

  • No drugs or devices
  • Improved communication between partners
  • Religious acceptability

Using the two accepted methods improve the identification of fertile days and increases the efficacy of natural family planning. Reference: http://www.healthypinoy.com/health/articles/naturalfamilyplanning.html

Tips to Healthy Pre-Pregnancy Planning

If you're thinking about getting pregnant, consider the following nutrition and lifestyle tips

  • Conceiving is more difficult if you are underweight or overweight. Being close to your ideal body weight before you become pregnant can also reduce your risk of complications.
  • Smoking is related to decreased sperm quality in men, as well as a higher risk of infertility and pregnancy problems with women.
  • Women who consume over 500 milligrams of caffeine a day have been shown to take longer to get pregnant.
  • When trying to conceive, men and women should avoid alcohol. Even less than five drinks per week has been shown to affect fertility.
  • Women who eat no red meat and supplement their diet with mostly vegetables and salads can stop ovulating. Vegetarian eating should be closely monitored when trying to conceive. Make sure all the necessary nutrients are included in a vegetarian diet.
  • Vitamin C and zinc are two nutrients that are essential for men and women who are trying to increase their fertility.
  • Women involved in competitive sports may have to monitor their exercise and body weight and fat when trying to conceive. Regular exercise is important, but you may need to slow down extreme activity.
  • Men and women need to avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides, radiation, fumes from paint, extermination chemicals and glue, and high temperatures.
  • Make a pre-pregnancy visit to a health-care provider and plan to follow a before-baby eating program. Resource: Buy from Amazon - Eating Expectantly : A Practical and Tasty Guide to Prenatal Nutrition