We are pregnant! It's a tree!

We are pregnant! It's a tree!

An expectant mother burst into laughter and tears as her overexcited husband broke the news to his friends - after finally receiving his wife's ultrasound results - confirming the existence of a six-month-old boy in her womb. The couple considered the miracle of pregnancy nature: she is forty-three, he is forty-five. During their six years of marriage, the couple looked for natural alternatives to get pregnant. She refused Assisted Reproductive Technologies that her doctor prescribed. She is needle phobic and easily nauseous when inhaling or taking medications. He is a considerate husband who fully supports his wife's request to follow the natural ways to get pregnant. The couple called the entire process a tree-planting pregnancy, similar to caring for a plant that requires hard work and determination. The couple's efforts were both rewarded when nature responded positively...they now have...a tree...er, a baby.

With the advent of available, medically sound technologies to aid reproduction and pregnancy, women experiencing problems with infertility and inability to conceive can now receive treatment/therapy to ensure pregnancy. According to various studies and medical research, the inability to conceive turned out to be a result of advanced female age. The female ovarian reserve, which is responsible for a woman's fertility potential, declines as women approach the age of 30 and above.

The chances of becoming pregnant are low in women of advanced age. Statistics show that healthy 30-year-old women have a 20% chance of becoming pregnant per month. The likelihood is lower in women aged 40 and over, estimated at a 5% chance of pregnancy per month.

Nevertheless, forty women tried their chances by engaging in clinical and doctor-prescribed procedures and fertility methods. Many aspiring mothers are successful in this endeavor, although medical research has found an increased risk to mothers when women become pregnant at advanced ages, even though medical technology is safe and available. Some, like my friend mentioned above, could barely follow the strenuous process of assisted reproductive technology; Therefore, the natural way of getting pregnant is the best option.

Natural remedies such as herbal and homeopathic treatments that improve fertility in women have a positive effect on the hormonal system, improving sex drive and protecting the reproductive organs. Herbs that help balance hormones are now available in capsules, drinks and foods to stimulate the glands to produce sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone).

The traditional Chinese herb Cimcifuga racemosa is now valued for its effectiveness in improving hormonal function and its unique property to prevent miscarriage, and can also be used as a therapy for menopause.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis) is also an herbal remedy that helps correct hormonal imbalance. Improving libido as well as improving sexual pleasure and overall improvement in systemic reproductive health.

My friend decided to grow these medicinal herbs in her garden to symbolically support her cause of a naturally induced pregnancy.

Planting trees may be a more successful endeavor than conceiving a baby through natural remedies, but it is worth a try for those "mommy wannabes" who are not amenable to procedures of artificial, medically approved technologies in today's market.