What Does IVF Actually Cost in Connecticut? The Real Numbers

IVF pricing in the United States varies considerably by clinic, location, and the complexity of your treatment. In Connecticut, a single standard IVF cycle typically falls between $12,000 and $20,000 before medications, with the national average sitting around $12,000–$18,000 for a base cycle, according to data from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

But that headline number rarely tells the full story. Here's how costs typically break down for a complete IVF cycle in Connecticut:

• IVF cycle (monitoring, egg retrieval, embryo transfer) $12,000 –$18,000
• Frozen embryo transfer cycle $4,500–$8,000
• Fertility medications $3,000 – $8,000
• Anesthesia $500 – $1,500
• Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) $3,000 – $6,000
• Embryo freezing and storage (annual) $500 – $1,000
• Sperm analysis / preparation $200 – $600

For LGBTQ+ families, single parents by choice, or those using donor eggs, donor sperm, or surrogacy, additional costs apply — and we'll cover each of those below.

💡 The national average cost of a single IVF cycle in the US is approximately $12,400 — but when medications, genetic testing, and additional services are factored in, the real out-of-pocket cost is typically $20,000–$30,000 per cycle. Connecticut patients deserve to know this before they start.

Why IVF Costs What It Does: The Science Behind the Price

Understanding what you're paying for makes the numbers easier to navigate. IVF is not a single procedure — it is a carefully sequenced series of medical interventions, each requiring specialist expertise, laboratory infrastructure, and precision monitoring.

A typical IVF cycle involves ovarian stimulation (injected hormones to encourage multiple follicles to develop), serial ultrasound monitoring across 10–14 days, a surgical egg retrieval under mild sedation, laboratory fertilization of eggs with sperm, 3–5 days of embryo culture in a specialized incubator, and finally an embryo transfer into the uterus.

The laboratory component alone — the embryology lab where fertilization and culture occur — requires significant ongoing investment. A 2018 analysis published in Fertility and Sterility found that laboratory costs represent one of the largest fixed-cost components of IVF treatment, contributing significantly to the per-cycle price that patients see.

Medications are the other major variables. Ovarian stimulation drugs (gonadotropins) are biologics — complex, expensive to manufacture, and not always well-covered by insurance. Your medication protocol depends on your ovarian reserve, age, and how your body has responded to stimulation in the past. Patients with diminished ovarian reserve, for example, may require higher medication doses, which pushes costs upward.

IVF Costs in Connecticut: The Local Picture

Connecticut is one of the most favorable states in the US for fertility treatment, and not just because of the quality of its clinics. Connecticut has a fertility insurance mandate — one of the strongest in the country.

Under Connecticut state law, insurers that cover pregnancy-related care are required to cover medically necessary fertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF, for insured individuals. This mandate applies to most employer-sponsored group health plans governed by state law.

What this means practically:

• Many Connecticut residents with employer-sponsored insurance have some IVF coverage
• Coverage levels vary — some plans cover one cycle, others cover multiple
• Self-funded employer plans (common at large corporations) are governed by federal ERISA law and are not subject to the state mandate
• Individual and marketplace plans vary widely

Navigating insurance is one of the most time-consuming and confusing parts of the fertility journey. At New England Fertility Institute, our team includes dedicated insurance and financial counselors who review your specific plan, confirm your benefits in writing, and help you understand your true out-of-pocket exposure before you start treatment — not after.

Stamford's position in Fairfield County also means many of our patients are employed by major corporations headquartered in the greater New York metropolitan area. A significant number of Fortune 500 companies now offer fertility benefits as part of their employee health packages — including IVF coverage, egg freezing, and donor services.

How New England Fertility Institute Approaches Pricing — and Why It Matters

At New England Fertility Institute, transparent pricing is not a marketing promise. It's a clinical philosophy.

We believe that financial uncertainty during fertility treatment adds an unnecessary layer of stress to what is already an emotionally demanding process. That's why we provide itemized cost estimates before treatment begins; insurance verification support, financing options, and a clear explanation of what is — and isn't — included in each quoted price.

What makes our pricing approach different:

• In-house donor program. Our patients who need donor eggs or embryos, working with our in-house donor program removes the coordination layer and the associated cost markups that come with using external agencies. Our donors are screened, matched, and supported within our practice — streamlining both the process and the cost.

• Mini IVF as a genuine option. For appropriate candidates, our minimally stimulated IVF protocol reduces medication costs significantly while maintaining strong success rates. This is particularly relevant for patients who have had difficult responses to high-dose stimulation, older patients, and those with certain medical conditions.

• LGBTQ+ family building expertise. For same-sex female couples using reciprocal IVF (where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy), same-sex male couples using surrogacy and donor eggs, or single individuals building their families, cost planning is inherently more complex. We provide tailored financial packages with consultation for every family structure — because a one-size-fits-all pricing sheet doesn't serve the diversity of our patient community.

• International patient program. Many of our patients travel to Stamford from outside Connecticut — and some from outside the United States — for fertility care that is either unavailable or prohibitively expensive in their home country. Our international patient coordinator helps with scheduling, logistics, and cost planning for patients traveling for treatment.

• Financing options. We work with fertility financing partners to offer payment plans, multi-cycle programs, and refund programs for eligible patients. Our financial counselors will walk you through every option.

As a member of the CSG.BIO Group — a global network of fertility and stem cell services — NEFI also benefits from shared clinical expertise and research partnerships with sister practices including Hanabusa IVF in San Diego, a clinic renowned for its minimally invasive IVF protocols.

IVF Cost Breakdown for LGBTQ+ Families and Third-Party Reproduction

For LGBTQ+ families and those requiring donor services or surrogacy, it's important to understand the additional cost layers involved. These are some of the most common scenarios we guide patients through:

• Same-sex female couples — reciprocal IVF: One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval; the other partner receives the embryo transfer. Costs are similar to a standard IVF cycle for the retrieving partner, plus an additional transfer fee. Both partners are actively part of the medical process — an option many couples find deeply meaningful.

• Same-sex male couples — donor eggs + gestational surrogacy: This pathway involves the most components: egg donor selection, IVF cycle for the donor, sperm preparation, embryo creation, and gestational carrier coordination. Total costs for this pathway — including surrogate compensation and medical costs — typically range from $90,000 to $200,000+ depending on the specifics.

• Donor sperm IVF: For individuals or couples using donor sperm, the cost of a sperm donor (from an FDA-regulated sperm bank) typically adds $500–$1,500 per vial, with 1–2 vials commonly used per cycle.

• Donor egg IVF Using a donor egg adds the donor's compensation, screening, and cycle costs. With our in-house donor agency, we are able to offer more transparent and competitive donor egg pricing than external agency routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover IVF in Connecticut? Connecticut has one of the strongest fertility insurance mandates in the US, requiring most state-regulated health plans to cover medically necessary IVF. However, coverage varies by plan type — our insurance team verifies your specific benefits before you begin treatment and provides a written summary of your coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs.

How much do fertility medications cost for IVF in Connecticut? Fertility medications typically add $3,000–$8,000 to the cost of a standard IVF cycle. The exact amount depends on your protocol, your ovarian reserve, and how you respond to stimulation. Patients pursuing mini-IVF may have significantly lower medication costs. We can help you source medications through speciality pharmacies and explore manufacturer assistance programs if applicable.

Is mini-IVF cheaper than standard IVF? Yes, in most cases. The procedure and monitoring costs are comparable, but the significant saving comes from reduced medication use — which can bring the total medication cost down from $4,000–$6,000 to under $1,500 in some cases. Not all patients are eligible for mini-IVF because of each individual infertility situation, but for those who are good candidates, it represents a genuinely cost-effective pathway.

Does New England Fertility Institute offer payment plans or financing? Yes. We work with fertility financing partners to offer multi-month payment plans and multi-cycle programs. We also offer refund programs for eligible patients. Our financial counsellors will discuss every available option during your consultation.

How much does surrogacy cost for same-sex male couples? Surrogacy is one of the most significant financial undertakings in family building, with total costs — including surrogate compensation, legal representation, medical costs, agency fees, and IVF — commonly ranging from $90,000 to $200,000+. Connecticut is a highly surrogacy-friendly state legally, which reduces some of the legal complexity and cost compared to less permissive states. Our team includes surrogacy specialists who will walk you through a detailed and realistic cost picture from the start.

Start Your Journey with Full Financial Clarity

The cost of IVF in Connecticut is real — and we will never minimize it. But financial uncertainty shouldn't be what stands between you and your family. At New England Fertility Institute, we combine world-class clinical care with genuine transparency: no hidden fees, no surprises, and no one-size-fits-all pricing that ignores the unique shape of your family.

Whether you're an individual exploring egg freezing, a same-sex couple planning your next step, or someone who has been through IVF before and is looking for a fresh, personalized approach — we are here to help you understand exactly what your path will cost, and to make it as accessible as possible.

→ Book Your Free Consultation

Your consultation is free, no-obligation, and includes a full review of your insurance benefits and a personalized cost estimate. Our team speaks with you as partners in your journey — not as a billing department.

Whether you're a same-sex female couple considering reciprocal IVF, a same-sex male couple exploring surrogacy and egg donation, a single LGBTQ+ parent by choice, or a trans or non-binary individual planning fertility preservation before or after transition — your path exists, and it is well-traveled.

The growing landscape of LGBTQ+ family building

LGBTQ+ family building has moved from the margins of fertility medicine to a clinical specialty in its own right. According to data from the Family Equality Council, an estimated 63% of LGBTQ+ millennials are considering expanding their families using assisted reproduction, foster care, or adoption — a sharp increase from previous generations.

For same-sex female couples, the most common paths are intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm, standard IVF with donor sperm, and reciprocal IVF — where one partner provides the egg and the other carries the pregnancy. For same-sex male couples, family building typically involves an egg donor, IVF to create embryos, and a gestational carrier (surrogate) to carry the pregnancy. For trans and non-binary individuals, options often include fertility preservation (egg or sperm freezing) before or alongside gender-affirming care.

💡 The shift in numbers: An estimated 77% of LGBTQ+ adults aged 18–35 in the US say they want to become parents — and the majority will pursue assisted reproduction to get there, according to Family Equality research.

What's changed in the last decade isn't just patient demand. It's clinical infrastructure: insurance coverage in states like Connecticut, in-house donor agencies, transparent surrogacy programs, and clinics that have rebuilt their intake forms, consent processes, and patient education to be inclusive from the first email.

The science: what the research says about LGBTQ+ fertility outcomes

Clinical outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients pursuing IVF are excellent — often better than the general infertility population, because many LGBTQ+ patients aren't dealing with underlying infertility at all. They're using reproductive medicine because their family structure requires it, not because their bodies have failed.

A 2026 study in JAMA examining outcomes for same-sex female couples undergoing reciprocal IVF found pregnancy rates comparable to or higher than heterosexual IVF populations, with the authors noting that the predominantly healthy reproductive status of the partners contributed to favorable outcomes.

For surrogacy, a 2020 systematic review in ScienceDirect examining gestational surrogacy outcomes reported live birth rates per embryo transfer of 40–60% in well-screened gestational carriers using high-quality embryos — figures that match or exceed live birth rates for the average IVF cycle in the general population.

The genetic safety of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for LGBTQ+ embryo creation is also well-established. Research in Cureus has consistently shown that PGT-A (aneuploidy screening) improves implantation rates per transfer in patients of all family structures, particularly when the egg source is age 35 or older — a relevant consideration for couples using known or known-donor eggs.

The clinical takeaway is direct: LGBTQ+ family building through IVF and surrogacy is a well-established, evidence-supported pathway. The variable that most affects outcomes isn't sexual orientation or gender identity — it's the quality of the clinic and the lab.

Why Connecticut is one of the most LGBTQ+-supportive places to build a family

Geography matters more than many patients realize when they begin LGBTQ+ family building. Some US states still have restrictive surrogacy laws, ambiguous parental rights, or limited insurance protections. Connecticut sits at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Connecticut is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states for assisted reproduction. The state recognizes second-parent adoption, has clear gestational surrogacy laws under the Connecticut Parentage Act (effective 2022), and offers some of the strongest insurance mandates for infertility treatment in the country. Same-sex couples and single intended parents have the same legal standing as opposite-sex couples in establishing parentage from birth.

Stamford, Connecticut, in particular, sits in a strategic location for fertility care. It's roughly 40 minutes by train from Manhattan, easily accessible from New York City, Westchester County, Boston, Philadelphia, and the entire Northeast corridor. For international intended parents — particularly those from countries where LGBTQ+ family building is restricted or where commercial surrogacy is prohibited — Stamford's proximity to major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) makes it a practical destination for treatment cycles.

For couples comparing options across the US, the combination of Connecticut's legal framework, the state's robust infertility insurance mandate, and access to specialized LGBTQ+ fertility clinics in the Stamford area makes the region one of the strongest hubs for LGBTQ+ family building in North America.

How New England Fertility Institute supports LGBTQ+ family building

New England Fertility Institute (NEFI) is a full-service fertility clinic in Stamford, Connecticut, with deep specialization in LGBTQ+ IVF and family building. The clinic has built its practice around the principle that every family deserves the right to grow — and that the medical, legal, and emotional path to parenthood should be navigated by a team that understands all of it.

A few features distinguish NEFI for LGBTQ+ patients:

• Specialized LGBTQ+ programs. NEFI has developed clinical protocols specifically for same-sex female couples (including reciprocal IVF), same-sex male couples (egg donor + gestational carrier coordination), trans and non-binary fertility preservation, and single parents by choice. Care isn't adapted from a heterosexual default — it's designed from the start to reflect how LGBTQ+ families actually form.
• In-house donor agency. Many fertility journeys require a sperm donor, an egg donor, or both. NEFI's in-house donor agency means intended parents work with one third party coordinator rather than navigating a fragmented network of outside agencies. This typically reduces both cost and timeline. Learn more about the NEFI donor egg program.
• Surrogacy program with global reach. As a global leader in surrogacy and minimally invasive IVF, NEFI runs an established surrogacy program with experience supporting both US-based and international intended parents. Same-sex male couples building families through gestational surrogacy benefit from clinical, legal, and matching expertise under one roof.
• Transparent pricing and insurance guidance. Cost is one of the most common barriers to LGBTQ+ family building. NEFI publishes pricing transparently and provides individualized insurance guidance — particularly important for Connecticut residents who may have coverage under the state's infertility insurance mandate. Explore the full NEFI IVF and surrogacy services.
• Sister practice in San Diego. NEFI is part of the CSG.BIO Group and is the sister practice of Hanabusa IVF in San Diego, California. This network provides bi-coastal options for international and traveling patients and brings combined clinical expertise — including specialized protocols for complex cases such as diminished ovarian reserve, fertility after 40, and gentle stimulation IVF.

The clinic's tone, from intake to delivery, is built around something simple: families are families. The medicine is rigorous; the welcome is warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an LGBTQ+ IVF and surrogacy journey typically look like? For same-sex female couples, the path usually involves choosing a sperm donor, optional fertility testing, and then IUI or IVF — including reciprocal IVF if both partners want a biological role. For same-sex male couples, the journey involves selecting an egg donor, an IVF cycle to create embryos, and matching with a gestational carrier. NEFI coordinates the medical and donor/surrogate steps in one integrated process.

How much does LGBTQ+ family building cost in Connecticut? Costs vary significantly by path. A reciprocal IVF cycle, donor sperm IUI cycle, IVF with donor egg, or full surrogacy journey each have different price points. Connecticut has one of the strongest state infertility insurance mandates in the US, which may cover portions of IVF treatment depending on your plan. NEFI provides transparent pricing and individualized insurance review during your free consultation.

Is surrogacy legal for same-sex couples in Connecticut? Yes. The Connecticut Parentage Act (effective 2022) provides clear legal pathways for intended parents — including same-sex couples and single intended parents — to establish parental rights through gestational surrogacy. Connecticut is widely considered one of the most LGBTQ+-supportive jurisdictions for surrogacy in the US.

Can international LGBTQ+ couples come to NEFI for treatment? Yes. NEFI supports international intended parents seeking IVF, donor egg cycles, and gestational surrogacy in the US. Stamford's proximity to major New York-area airports makes travel logistics manageable, and the clinic team coordinates remote consultations, cycle planning, and on-site treatment scheduling.

What is reciprocal IVF, and is it right for same-sex female couples? Reciprocal IVF — sometimes called partner IVF or co-IVF — is a process in which one partner provides the eggs (egg retrieval), and the other partner carries the pregnancy (embryo transfer). It allows both partners to play a biological role in the family. Reciprocal IVF is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ family building options for same-sex female couples, and NEFI offers full reciprocal IVF programs.

Your family, your timeline, our team

Building an LGBTQ+ family is a personal journey, and no two paths look exactly alike. Whether you're at the beginning — wondering what's possible — or further along and ready to start a cycle, the right clinic should meet you where you are with expertise, transparency, and care that doesn't ask you to translate yourself.

New England Fertility Institute has spent years building the kind of practice LGBTQ+ families deserve specialized, inclusive, transparent, and clinically excellent. Your consultation is free, your timeline is yours, and your team is ready.

→ Book Your Free Consultation

That is why every NEFI graduate qualifies for a complimentary AlphaCord newborn stem cell collection kit — a $850 value, included at no cost. It covers cord blood collection, processing, shipping, and your first full year of storage.

For families whose babies are donor-conceived, cord blood banking is not just worth considering — it carries a particular significance that most general resources do not address. We’ll explain why, and what you need to know before your due date.

What Are Newborn Stem Cells, and Why Is Birth the Only Moment That Matters?

Newborn stem cells are biological building blocks found exclusively in the umbilical cord and placenta at the time of birth. Once the cord is clamped and the placenta delivered, that biological window closes permanently. There is no second opportunity, no alternative source, no way to retrieve them later.

💡 The placenta contains up to 10 times more stem cells than cord blood alone — and is discarded by default at delivery unless you choose to preserve it.

Three distinct stem cell types are collected at birth, each with its own clinical profile:

• Cord blood contains haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) — the blood-forming cells that sit at the foundation of over 30 years of clinical medicine. HSCs have been used to treat more than 80 conditions including leukaemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, aplastic anaemia, and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Cord blood transplantation is not experimental — it is an established, peer-reviewed treatment modality used in hospitals worldwide.
• Cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), found within the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord. MSCs behave very differently to HSCs: rather than reconstituting blood and immune systems, they are involved in tissue repair, inflammation regulation, and regenerative processes. They are currently the subject of more than 1,000 active clinical trials exploring applications in conditions ranging from cerebral palsy to autoimmune disease.
• Placental tissue is among the most stem-cell-rich biological materials available at birth. Preserving it alongside cord blood and cord tissue significantly expands the biological resource available to your child and their family across a lifetime.

AlphaCord's 3-in-1 collection kit captures all three sources in a single, coordinated procedure performed by your delivery team immediately after birth. It is entirely non-invasive for mother and baby, and is compatible with delayed cord clamping when arranged in advance with your care team.

The Science Behind Cord Blood Banking: What the Research Shows

The clinical case for cord blood banking is built on decades of peer-reviewed evidence — not marketing claims.

A landmark 2016 review published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation confirmed that cord blood transplantation is an effective treatment for over 80 haematological and immunological conditions, and highlighted the particular value of autologous (self-donated) cord blood in cases where a matched related donor cannot be identified through family or public registries.

The regenerative applications of MSCs from cord tissue are advancing rapidly. A 2020 phase II clinical trial published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine found statistically significant improvements in gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy who received infusions of their own banked cord blood, with the strongest outcomes observed in children who received their own autologous cells rather than donor cells. The biological match is a meaningful clinical variable — not a minor footnote.

Beyond these established applications, there are currently over 4,000 active clinical trials registered globally that involve cord blood or cord tissue stem cells, exploring potential future treatments for conditions including type 1 diabetes, autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, stroke recovery, and spinal cord injury. The cells you bank today may have applications that do not yet exist in clinical practice.

Cryopreserved stem cells do not age. At ultra-low temperatures, cellular processes essentially pause. Cells banked at birth remain viable for decades — meaning a collection made in the delivery room today could be available to your child at 20, 40, or beyond.

Why Donor-Conceived Children Have a Particularly Compelling Case for Cord Blood Banking

This is the part that most cord blood banking resources overlook — and it matters deeply for NEFI families.

Standard discussions of cord blood banking often mention the possibility that a sibling's banked stem cells could be used to treat another family member. That is a genuine benefit. But for donor-conceived children, the family dynamics that underpin this assumption are fundamentally different.

If your baby was conceived using donated eggs, donated sperm — or was carried by a surrogate — they may share genetics with half-siblings whose existence, identity, and whereabouts are unknown or uncertain. Even where donor-sibling registries exist and connections have been made, asking a genetic half-sibling to undergo stem cell donation involves complex legal, ethical, and logistical questions that cannot be resolved at the moment of medical need.

More practically: the international bone marrow and stem cell registries, while large, are underrepresented in many ethnic backgrounds. Families who used donors of East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, or mixed heritage may find that public registry matches are harder to identify — a documented and ongoing challenge in transplantation medicine.

Your donor-conceived child's own cord blood, cord tissue, and placental stem cells are their perfect biological match — guaranteed, immediately available, and entirely free of the uncertainty that surrounds family or registry donors.

No search. No waiting list. No ethical complexity. If your child ever requires stem cell therapy, their banked newborn cells are already there, already matched, and already yours.

This is not fear — it is informed planning. At NEFI, we have guided thousands of families through paths that are anything but standard, and we believe access to accurate, complete information is part of the care we owe every patient.

Cord Blood Banking for NEFI Families in Connecticut and Beyond

New England Fertility Institute is based in Stamford, Connecticut, and serves a substantial population of international patients who travel to NEFI for specialist fertility care. Connecticut has one of the most educated and health-aware patient populations in the country, and NEFI families consistently arrive with detailed questions and high expectations. We take that seriously. Providing access to complimentary cord blood banking through our partnership with AlphaCord is one expression of that commitment — removing a financial barrier to a decision that, once the birth window passes, can never be revisited.

AlphaCord was founded in 2002 by parents who believed that cord blood banking should be affordable and accessible to every family — not just those with premium budgets. Their laboratory is AABB accredited and FDA registered, operating under the same standards of quality and compliance that NEFI holds itself to. AlphaCord is part of the CSG.BIO Group, the same family of healthcare companies that includes NEFI — meaning this partnership reflects a shared commitment to integrated, high-quality reproductive and regenerative medicine.

The NEFI complimentary kit offer covers the collection kit itself, full processing, and your first year of storage — an $850 value with no strings attached. After the first year, ongoing storage is $150 per year, with upgrade options available at checkout.

Whether you are delivering at Stamford or any other US states, your delivery team can use the AlphaCord kit with minimal coordination. You simply register, receive your promo code, and pack the kit in your hospital bag before your due date.

How NEFI Makes This Easy for Every Graduate

At New England Fertility Institute, our commitment to your family does not end at egg retrieval or embryo transfer. We understand that reaching the delivery room is the beginning of a new chapter — one that deserves the same level of intention and support you brought to building your family in the first place.

Here is exactly how to claim your complimentary AlphaCord kit as a NEFI graduate:

Step 1 — Register: Ask your care team at NEFI to provide you with the registration link, it takes under a minute.

Step 2 — Receive your promo code: Your promo code arrives by email and covers the full cost of your kit, processing, and first year of storage.

Step 3 — Kit ships to you: Pack it in your hospital bag before your due date. Everything your delivery team needs is inside.

Step 4 — Collection at birth: Your midwife or obstetrician collects cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue after delivery. It is painless, takes minutes, and does not interfere with your birth plan.

Step 5 — AlphaCord handles the rest: Temperature-controlled courier collection, lab processing within 24 hours, and long-term cryopreservation in their AABB-accredited facility.

You can also explore more about our fertility services, our approach to LGBTQ+ family building, and our third-party reproduction programs on the NEFI website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cord blood collection interfere with delayed cord clamping? No. AlphaCord's collection protocol is designed to be compatible with delayed cord clamping. You should inform your care team and hospital in advance that you have an AlphaCord kit, so they can coordinate the timing appropriately. Most hospitals are familiar with cord blood banking kits and will accommodate your preferences.

My baby was conceived with donor eggs — are the cord blood cells still my child's own? Yes, completely. The cord blood, cord tissue, and placental cells collected at birth are entirely your child's own biological material. They carry your child's own DNA — the genetic contribution from the egg donor does not affect the stem cells collected from the cord and placenta. Your child's banked cells will always be a perfect match for themselves.

What happens if my child never needs their banked stem cells? The cells remain safely stored and available at no medical risk to your family. Many families think of cord blood banking the way they think of insurance — you take out a policy hoping never to use it, but knowing it is there if circumstances change. Some families also choose, at the end of their storage term, to release cells to public research programs or public banks.

Can the stored cells benefit siblings or other family members? Cord blood stem cells can sometimes be used to treat siblings or close family members if there is a suitable HLA match. For donor-conceived families, the genetic relationships within the household may differ from traditional family structures, making your child's own autologous cells — which are always a perfect self-match — especially important as a first resource.

Is AlphaCord an accredited, regulated facility? Yes. AlphaCord's laboratory is AABB accredited and FDA registered. AlphaCord has been operating continuously since 2002 and is part of the CSG.BIO Group — the same organisation that encompasses New England Fertility Institute. Quality, compliance, and long-term stability are central to how both organisations operate.

Your Baby Arrived Against the Odds. Their Stem Cells Deserve the Same Care.

Every family we see at New England Fertility Institute has a story. Most of those stories involve persistence, heartbreak, hope, and the decision to keep going. The baby arriving in your delivery room is the result of all of that — and of extraordinary science, and of the people who supported you along the way.

Preserving their newborn stem cells is one of the quietest, most forward-looking things you can do in those first hours after birth. It costs you nothing as a NEFI graduate. It takes minutes. And it ensures that, whatever the future holds, your child carries their most valuable biological resource with them — always matched, always available, always theirs.

If you have questions about the AlphaCord offer, your delivery plan, or anything else as your due date approaches, your NEFI care team is here.

→ Schedule a Free Consultation or speak with your NEFI care coordinator directly about claiming your complimentary AlphaCord kit before your due date.

It is estimated that at least 20% of women now wait until after the age of 35 to have their first child. Because more women are waiting to start a family, age-related infertility has increased in recent years. A woman’s peak fertility occurs in her 20s. From age 30 to 35, women experience a gradual decline in fertility. After age 35, fertility begins to decline more quickly. Be age 40, pregnancy potential is reduced by up to 50 %.

Infertility is generally defined as the failure to conceive after a full year of unprotected intercourse. Women over 35, because they have less “time to waste,” should speak to their doctor after just six months of unsuccessfully trying to conceive.

There are many factors that may contribute to reduced fertility, including irregular ovulation and conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). But the most important factor affecting fertility in women over age 35 is a decrease in egg quality. This decrease in quality impairs fertilization and embryo development, and reduces the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

The same factors that reduce egg quality also increase the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities such as those that cause Down’s Syndrome. New research suggests that there are things you can do to improve egg quality, which will increase the ability to conceive and improve your chances for a healthy baby.

Nutrients for Women Over 35 Trying to Conceive

Coenzyme Q10 for Improved Quality

Ovulation is an energy-intense process. Mitochondria are the energy production factories int eh body’s cells, and the human egg contains more mitochondria than any other cell.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a crucial role in energy production inside the mitochondria. As people age, cellular production of CoQ10 decreases, so an older woman’s eggs are less efficient at producing energy. This reduced energy production can lead to poorer fertilization and early embryo loss.

Emerging research shows that taking supplemental CoQ10 as a form of “mitochondrial energy nutrition” for the egg, can help improve egg quality and potentially lead to a better chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

CoQ10 is fat-soluble nutrient. This means that it has to be specially processed by the body for proper absorption, and it is best to take Co Q10 with a meal containing fat. Even so, most CoQ10 supplements are not very well absorbed, especially those in tablet form. Some also claim to be formulated for better absorption, but without any proof. Look for a Co Q10 supplement formulated with VESIsorb®, a colloidal delivery system that has been show to improve the absorption and bioavailability of supplemental CoQ10 by more than 600% compared with other Co Q10 supplements.

DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE FOR IMPROVING OVARIAN RESERVE

Ovarian Reserve (OR) is the ability of a woman’s ovaries to produce high-quality eggs. OR naturally decreases as women age, and is often the reason that women over 35 have a harder time getting pregnant.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. DHEA level typically peak at about 20 years of age, and decline rapidly after age 25. Research indicates that 75 mg of DHEA per day increases the number of eggs and embryos, improved embryo quality, and increases live birth rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because the effects of DHEA take some time, it is thought that DHEA should be supplemented for at least six weeks prior to starting an IVF cycle.

INOSITOL FOR WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

While not specific to women over 35, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition affecting as many as one out of fifteen women in the U.S. It is caused by hormonal imbalances that prevent ovulation and make getting pregnant more difficult for women of any age. This imbalance contributes to weight gain and other symptoms such as acne and excess facial hair. Most women with PCOS develop small cysts on their ovaries.

Inositol is a vitamin-like carbohydrate compound. Taking a certain form of inositol, myo-inositol, may help induce ovulation in women with PCOS by improving the way the body uses insulin.

VITAMIN D and Pregnancy

Achieving an optimal vitamin D level is important before and during pregnancy. A recent study showed that women who became pregnant through VIF had significantly higher vitamin D levels than women who didn’t get pregnant. Women with a normal vitamin D level were four times more likely to get pregnant than women who were vitamin D deficient.

Low vitamin D levels are common among pregnant women, and have been associated with complications of pregnancy. Typical prenatals provide only 400 IU of vitamin D, which is likely an inadequate amount for most women. Speak to your doctor about whether you should have your vitamin D level checked, and how much vitamin D you should take. Recent research has found that doses of 2,000 and 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day were safe for pregnant women and effective in achieving normal vitamin D levels.

DIET and LIFESTYLE CHOICES FOR MAXIMIZING FERTILITY

Diet and lifestyle choices can have a big impact on your fertility. A large study conducted by Harvard researchers showed that women who adhered to a combination of five or more lifestyle factors, including specific changes to their diets, were at a 69% lower risk of ovulatory disorder infertility than women who did not engage in any of these factors. The women with the highest fertility scores ate more monounsaturated fats rather than trans fats, more vegetable rather than animal sources of protein, more low-glycemic, high-fiber carbohydrates, more iron from vegetable foods and supplements, and surprisingly, more high-fat rather than low-far dairy. The women with better fertility also took a daily multivitamin, had a lower body mass index (BMI), and exercised more.

Other studies have associated a Mediterranean diet (rich in vegetables, vegetable-based oils, legumes, and fish) with increased chances of pregnancy. One study found that following a Mediterranean diet pattern increased the chances of pregnancy in couples undergoing IVF.

The following guidelines will help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Limit foods containing trans fats, such as vegetable shortenings, some margarines, baked goods, pie crusts, frostings, and fried foods. Trans fats will be listed on the Nutrition Facts Panel, or in the ingredients list as “hydrogenated” or “Partially hydrogenated” vegetable oil.

Increase foods rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, and canola oil.

Replace a serving of meat each day with vegetarian sources of protein such as beans, lentils, legumes, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and nut butters.

Choose slowly digested carbohydrates that are rich in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, and legumes.

Eat more vegetarian sources of iron, such as spinach, beans, legumes, raisins or raisin bran, prunes, and cashews.

Start taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin as soon as you begin trying to conceive. A good prenatal should provide a complete range of nutrients including extra folic acid, choline, and vitamin D. Folic acid and choline are important for the early development of a baby’s nervous system, which occurs during the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. Maintenance of a normal vitamin D level is also important for fertility and healthy pregnancy.

Choose whole milk, full-fat yogurt, or a small bowl of ice cream each day while trying to conceive.

Achieve a healthy body weight. Being over or underweight can interrupt normal menstrual cycles and impair ovulation and thus fertility. Research indicates that it takes longer for overweight or obese women to conceive, and they are at a higher risk of miscarriage than normal-weight women. Fertility treatment is generally less successful in obese women. The best range for fertility seems to be a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20 to 24.

Get active. Moderate physical activity is best while trying to get pregnant. A recent study found that for women who are overweight or obese, adding any type of physical activity improves fertility. For women who are underweight or normal weight, too much vigorous activity increased the time it took to conceive. When these women switched to moderate activity, their fertility improved.

Limit caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant found in food and beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, and “energy” drinks. Although research is inconclusive, some studies show that even 300 mg daily (the amount in a 16-ounce coffee at your local coffee shop) can decrease your chances of conception and increase the risk of miscarriage. It is best for women trying to conceive ti keep their caffeine intake at 200 mg per day or less.

There are several tests which can predict whether a woman has a faster biological clock, such as the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test. This simple blood test helps to estimate what is called “ovarian reserve” because its level can reflect the size of the remaining egg supply in the ovary at a particular time.

“The test can’t tell you exactly how many eggs you have left – or the quality of those eggs – but it can tell you if there is an inadequate supply,” he says.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, AMH testing is especially useful for women who have a higher risk of reduced ovarian reserve including:

• Women who are over age 35 years;
• Women with a family history of early menopause;
• Women with only one ovary;
• Women with a history of ovarian surgery, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy;
• Women with unexplained infertility; and
• Women who have shown poor response to ovarian stimulation.

“With the test results in hand, we can discuss their reproductive options and develop a plan. If a woman is not in a situation to get pregnant quickly, she may choose to have her eggs frozen for the future.”

Dr. Lavy advises women to seek the help of an infertility specialist if they have been trying to get pregnant for six months or more. They should also seek the care of a specialist if they have had more than one miscarriage or are considering their options for fertility preservation.

“Knowledge can be empowering,” Dr. Lavy adds. “We can help you make an informed decision.”

Strictly speaking, infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a full year of unprotected intercourse. At that point, couples should seek professional assistance. And while the support of a fertility doctor may be crucial, there are also steps you can take on your own to help improve the chances of conception.

What are the Causes of Male Infertility?

When the semen analyses are abnormal, the urologist’s evaluation may reveal the source of the problem. The possible causes include:

Varicocele
A varicocele is a condition in which the veins surrounding the testicle become swollen and dilated. It is fairly common, affecting about one in every seven men. Men with a varicocele have about a 50% chance of having an abnormal sperm count. Treating the varicocele, which is usually done with a minor surgical procedure, will often correct the problem.

Infection
Infections of the prosate or epididymis (a duct behind the testicle) can have a major impact on a man’s fertility. Such an infection would usually be diagnosed by the finding of numerous white blood cells in the semen. If infection is suspected, the urologist may request a semen culture and may recommend treatment with an antibiotic.

Hormonal Problems
Sperm production is under the control of special hormones that come both from the pituitary gland (FSH, LH) and from the testicle (testosterone). If the blood levels of these hormones are abnormal, sperm production may be very low or even completely absent. This type of problem is diagnoses with simple blood and saliva tests and, if present, may be correctable with medication.

Genetic Abnormalities
We now realize that many cases of male infertility are caused by genetic abnormalities. These include cases in which whole chromosomes are broken or misshapen, where either a whole chromosome is missing or an extra one is present, or where individual genes on the Y chromosome are damaged.

Another type of genetic problem is known as sperm DNA fragmentation. IN this condition, the DNA strands, which contain the genetic information in the sperm head, are filled with many breaks and nicks. This is believed to be due, in many instances, to oxidative stress.

Oxidative Stress
Recent scientific evidence has revealed that a condition known as oxidative stress may in fact be a common factor in some of the causes of male and female infertility. Oxidative stress is caused by the presence of certain molecules known as reactive oxygen in the semen. These molecules, also known as oxidants, can damage the sperm cell membrane and DNA. Oxidants are normally kept under control by the presence of antioxidants in the semen.

When the amount of oxidants in the semen exceeds the amount of antioxidants, we say that oxidative stress is present. Oxidative stress has been clearly shown to reduce fertility. Some studies have shown that oxidative stress may be present even when a standard semen analysis appears normal.

Blockage of Sperm Flow
Sperm are produced in the testicles and then move into the epididymis, a small duct behind the testicle, where they become fully mature. After several days in the epididymis, the sperm swim up a tube called the vas deferens toward the ejaculatory duct. There are several conditions that can lead to a blockage of the path from testicle to ejaculatory duct. Such a blockage could cause the sperm count to be extremely low or even crate a condition known as azoospermia, in which no sperm are present in the ejaculate. Sometimes a blockage can be repaired. And if repair of the blockage is not possible, a pregnancy should be achievable through IVF.

Medications and Treatment Side Effects
Certain medications or medical treatments can interfere with sperm production. Radiation treatment for cancer can impair testicular function. Many chemotherapy drugs will have a permanent effect on production. Some drugs, such as testosterone replacement therapy, can have a temporary effect that should reverse when the medication is stopped.

When taking a medical history, the urologist will ask about any medications or illnesses that have occurred in the past.

IMPROVING MALE FERTILITY THROUGH DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Whether your semen analyses are normal or not, there is a good evidence that diet and lifestyle can have a major impact on a man’s fertility.

Smoking
Several studies have linked cigarette smoking to lower sperm count, motility, and morphology. Smoking also increases levels of oxidative stress in the semen and can lead to sperm DNA damage and genetically abnormal sperm. If you’ve tried to quit without success, seek help from your family doctor.

Alcohol and Drug Use
Excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to impair normal sperm. The evidence regarding moderate alcohol intake is less clear, but most experts agree it is best to avoid more than one drink per day.

Sexual Activity
The likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant is much higher when you have intercourse in the three days immediately leading up to and including ovulation. Some experts call these three days the fertile window. You can determine when the woman ovulates either by using basal temperature charts or with an over-the-counter ovulation predictor kit.

The frequency of intercourse during the fertile window generally doesn’t matter. Although earlier studies seemed to show that several days of abstinence might increase sperm counts, more recent findings indicate that more frequent intercourse may in fact be better.

Avoid the use of any artificial lubricants, which can be toxic to sperm.

Avoid Excessive Heat
It is well-known that the testicles should be cooler than the rest of the body for sperm production to be at its best. The harmful effect of a varicocele on sperm production is believed to result from the extra warming of the area caused by the dilated veins. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that boxer-style shorts are better than Jockey type, it is important to avoid other sources of heat exposure to the testicles such as hot tubs, laptop computers, high-temperature work area, or prolonged baths.

Proper Diet
Eating a healthful diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be beneficial for sperm function and male fertility. Drinking enough water to stay well-hydrated is also important.

Exercise
Moderate exercise may be beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.

Caffeine
Try to limit coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages to one serving per day.

Environmental Hazards
If your work or hobby brings you in contact with environmental dangers such as pesticides, solvents, organic fumes, or radiation exposure, you may be unknowingly affecting your fertility by impairing sperm production.

Harmful Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements that provide hormone-like substances such as DHEA or “andro” can actually impair fertility by stopping sperm production. If you are taking any of these types of supplements, or other products intended to build muscle mass, it’s probably best to stop immediately.

BENEFICIAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

There is substantial scientific evidence to suggest that certain nutritional supplements may help improve male fertility. A recent Cochrane Review found that antioxidants increased pregnancy and birth rates, and improved sperm motility in sub-fertile males.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Vitamins C and E are essential antioxidants that protect the body’s cells from damage from oxidative stress and free radicals. Vitamin C is one of the most abundant antioxidants in the semen of fertile men, and it contributes to the maintenance of healthy sperm by protecting the sperm’s DNA from free radical damage.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect the sperm’s cell membrane from damage. Studies have shows that vitamin E improves sperm motility (movement). Vitamin C functions to regenerate vitamin E; thus, these vitamins may work together to improve sperm function. Vitamin C has been shown to increase sperm count, motility, and morphology. Men with low fertilization rates who took vitamin E supplements for three months showed a significant improvement in fertilization rate. Vitamin E supplementation in infertility men resulted in increased pregnancy rates.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D has several important roles in the body, including regulating the immune system, improving muscular function, and potentially offering protection from a variety of health conditions. Vitamin D is important for male reproduction and androgen (testosterone) status. In a recent study, men with normal vitamin D levels had better sperm motility than men who were vitamin D deficient.

Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that functions as an antioxidant. Selenium supplements have been shown to increase sperm motility, ad a combination of selenium and vitamin E has been shown to decrease damage from free radicals and improve sperm motility in infertile men.

Lycopene
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant and carotenoid (plant pigment) that is abundant in tomatoes. This phytonutrient is found in high levels in the testes, and research has shown that lycopene supplementation improved sperm parameters in infertile men.

L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative produced y the body that functions to transport fat so it can be broken down for energy. L-carnitine is though to also have antioxidant properties. L-carnitine’s primary benefit is to provide energy for sperm, and therby increase sperm motility.

Zinc
Zinc is an essential trade mineral that plays a role in sperm formation, testosterone metabolism, and cell motility. Zinc supplementation has been shown to increase testosterone levels, sperm count, and sperm motility.

Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for DNA synthesis. Low levels of folic acid have been associated with a decreased sperm count and decreased sperm motility. In a recent study, the combination of zinc and folic acid results in a 75% increase in total normal sperm count in sub-fertile men.

CHOOSING A NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT

A number of combination-type products are currently for sale on the internet and elsewhere that claim to promote male fertility. However, the lack of government oversight of the dietary supplement industry create significant concerns about the purity and content accuracy of these products. It’s best to choose a supplement that has been independently certified for content accuracy and purity (by NSF or USP). In particular, since it is extremely difficult to standardize the content and purity of plant extracts, supplements with any herbal content should be considered with care, and probably avoided completely if they have not been independently certified.

EVALUATING MALE FERTILITY:

The Semen Analysis
Couples having trouble conceiving often seek the advice of their family physician or the woman’s gynecologist. Usually, as part of the initial evaluation, that physician will suggest that the man undergo a semen analysis.

How many specimens are needed?
Considerable variation in semen quality can occur from day to day or week to week. For this reason, it’s usually best to do two separate specimens at least two weeks apart.

How should the specimens be collected?
Semen specimens should be obtained by masturbation, and collecting the specimen properly is very important. First, you should abstain from ejaculation for at least three days before each specimen. Second, be sure to use a sterile collection container. Your doctor’s office or the lab should provide this. Finally, it’s best to product the specimen at the lab so it can be tested immediately. If you must produce the specimen at home, be sure to et it to the lab within 30 minutes, and protect it form extreme heat or cold.

What do they test for?
The three most important measurements taken are the sperm count, motility, and morphology. The count simply means the number of sperm present. The motility means determining the percentage of sperm seen that are actively moving. The morphology is reported as the percentage of sperm that are shaped normally. Individual labs have slightly different standards of what is normal for each of these measurements.

What if the results are abnormal?
If the semen analyses are abnormal, the man should be evaluated by a physician, usually a urologist, who specializes in male infertility. This evaluation should start with a comprehensive history and physical examination and then may go on to include blood work, ultrasound testing, genetic testing, or specialized test on the semen.

What if the results are normal?
A normal result on two semen analyses usually means that the man has normal fertility potential. However, there are certain situations (see “Oxidative Stress” section) in which a man’s fertility may be low despite a normal semen analysis.

But as she grew, that spirited girl’s dream changed. Instead of being just a princess, she wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer or the CEO of a business kingdom. So she went to college and focused on her career—all the while still dreaming of the little princesses and princes she would cradle in her arms… someday.

Sounds like a fairytale, huh? Well, today many women are indeed choosing to have it all—a satisfying career and a family. But delaying marriage and then motherhood does present some obstacles to having a baby. But fear not! A relatively new process for egg freezing called “vitrification” is offering women the ability to essentially “stop the clock” until they are ready to realize their dream of growing a family.

USE IT (YOUR EGGS) OR LOOSE IT? NOT NECESSARILY SO.

Unlike the 1950s when many young women said “I do” just a year or two after graduating from high school, more and more women (and men) are choosing to walk down the aisle for the first time while pushing 30. According to U.S. census data, women are getting married at 27 and men at 29, on average.

Although this trend is great news for women as it relates to education and earning power, it’s not so good news for their proverbial biological clock.

According to Dr. Gad Lavy, a fellowship-trained Reproductive Endocrinologist and Practice Director at New England Fertility Institute, a woman’s eggs begin to diminish in quantity and quality as she ages. “A recent study found that women lost 90 percent of their eggs by the time they are 30 years old, and 97 percent are gone by the age of 40,” she says. “This means that as a woman ages, her odds of getting pregnant drop significantly.”

Dr. Lavy is among the growing number of infertility specialists offering the option of egg freezing, or cryopreservation, to women who are choosing to delay motherhood. It is also an option for adolescents who have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious diseases and must undergo fertility-threatening treatments.

“Today many women are choosing to focus on their careers before settling down and starting a family,” Dr. Lavy says. “I have seen patients who are in medical school or those who haven’t met their spouse yet. They know in their hearts they want to have baby in a few years—but not yet.

“If you are in your late 20s or early 30s and hoping to conceive in the next several years, egg freezing is something to seriously consider,” he says.

“The relationship between stress and infertility is complex,” says Dr. Gad Lavy, a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist at New England Fertility Institute. “Psychological stress does not appear to cause infertility, but infertility is certainly a major cause of psychological stress for our patients.”

Facing infertility can cause a profound emotional strain that most couples don’t expect. Studies have shown that up to 40% of women meet diagnostic criteria for anxiety or depression at the time of their initial visit with a fertility specialist, and many women go on to report their experience with infertility and its treatments as the most stressful event of their lives.

“Infertility can be very isolating,” Dr. Lavy says. “Many women have a hard time talking with their family members, friends, or even their partners about such personal issues, and often end up suffering in silence as a result.”

Social pressures commonly add to the emotional burden of infertility. Reminders of infertility are everywhere—a baby photo on a social media site, a birth announcement in the mail, a holiday dinner with nephews and nieces… These everyday encounters may lead to social withdrawal in some women, while others experience symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, weight changes, or difficulty concentrating.

Dr. Lavy believes encouraging stress reduction and healthy coping techniques is an essential part of his role as a fertility specialist. “Stress is the #1 reason people abandon fertility care—not treatment failure, not financial concerns—simply overwhelming emotional stress.” Although studies have shown that stress reduction doesn’t directly lead to higher pregnancy rates, Dr. Lavy explains that it does ultimately help more couples to reach their goal of becoming pregnant: “It helps them to keep trying.”

Women and men undergoing fertility treatments can effectively reduce their stress in a number of different ways. Acupuncture, yoga, art, music, sports, dance, and exercise are all commonly used, and couples are also encouraged to stay engaged with their social support networks. Meeting with counselors or local support groups can also be beneficial, particularly for combatting feelings of isolation and hopelessness that may occur. Resolve has a number of online resources that many couples find helpful, including a directory of local infertility support groups.

“The journey to parenthood can be challenging, but it helps to know that you are not alone,” Dr. Lavy offers.

Until recently, the only method for preserving eggs for fertilization at a later date was a slow-freeze method. But unlike sperm, which has been successfully frozen and used for many years, eggs contain a lot of water, which makes freezing more difficult. With slow-freezing, ice crystals can form within the egg, and these ice crystals can destroy the cell’s structure.

“With vitrification, the egg freezes so quickly that ice crystals don’t have time to form,” Dr. Lavy says. “When the woman is ready to try pregnancy, the thawed eggs can be fertilized using ICSI, a technique that injects one sperm directly into one egg.”

In 2012, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine declared egg freezing no longer experimental because eggs frozen with vitrification are similar to fresh eggs in terms of their ability to lead to pregnancy.

“Worldwide, the number of babies born from frozen eggs is growing, and we are seeing good results,” Dr. Lavy says.

Your nutritional choices before, during, and after pregnancy have a major impact on the long-term health of both you and your baby. Prepare for a healthy pregnancy by eating a balanced diet, taking a high-quality prenatal supplement, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle including regular physical activity.

BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT
It’s never too soon to begin preparing for your baby. As soon as you are actively trying to get pregnant, start taking a prenatal supplement that provides a complete range of nutrients including extra folic acid, choline, and vitamin D. Folic acid and choline are important for the early development of a baby’s nervous system, which occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. Maintenance of a normal vitamin D level is also important for a healthy pregnancy.

For women over 35, taking a supplement containing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be beneficial for healthy ovarian function. Research indicates that CoQ10 may support mitochondrial energy production in the ovary for improved egg quality in women age 35 and older.

EATING RIGHT DURING PREGNANCY
In addition to taking a high-quality prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplement, mothers-to-be need to east a variety of healthful foods every day.

A balanced diet to support your healthy pregnancy consists of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains (whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, quinoa, couscous), lean protein (milk beans, tofu, and lean meats and poultry), and healthful fats (olive oil, walnuts, almonds, avocados).

AN OVERALL HEALTHY LIFESTYLE DURING PREGNANCY AND BEYOND
A lifestyle that includes healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and refraining from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and substance abuse will support the lifelong health of your entire family. Remember, when a child reaches adulthood, they tend to eat what their parents at, and follow the lifestyle patters they learned early in life. So making good choices now can influence your child to lead a health lifestyle into adulthood.

Most women can be moderately physically active throughout their pregnancy. In fact, a fit woman may experience an easier labor and faster recovery due to her strength and endurance. Talk to your doctor to see if you need to make any modifications to your exercise program.

KEY NUTRIENTS FOR PREGNANCY
There are many different prenatal supplements on the market. It is important to find one that is easy for you to swallow, and that you tolerate well. A high-quality prenatal should generally contain the following nutrients.

Vitamin D
Optimal vitamin D levels are important for a healthy pregnancy

Low vitamin D blood levels are common among pregnant women and have been associated with numerous complications of pregnancy. Low intake of vitamin D during pregnancy has also been associated with low infant birth weights and increased risk of childhood asthma. Typical prenatals provide 400 IUI of vitamin D, which recent research suggests is inadequate. For example, one study showed that even with 800 IUI of vitamin D per day, most pregnant women and their infants did not achieve a normal vitamin D level.

Recent studies tested 2000 and 4000 IUI of vitamin D per day in pregnant women. The researchers found these doses were safe and effective in achieving normal vitamin D levels. Pregnancy complications such as preterm labor and infection were lower in women with higher vitamin D levels at delivery. Look for a prenatal with 2000 to 4000 IUI vitamin D3, the preferred from of vitamin D, per daily dose.

Folic Acid
Folic acid is critical during the first trimester to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects.

Choline
Choline is important to promote your baby’s brain development.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may help reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Iodine
Iodine promotes normal thyroid function and nerve and brain development.

Iron
Increased iron is recommended to meet your increased needs during pregnancy.

Biotin
Biotin is broken down more rapidly during pregnancy.

DHA
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is beneficial for your baby’s brain and visual development)

UNIQUE NUTRIENT NEEDS FOR LACTATION
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do to support your baby’s health, and good nutrition plays a key role in your baby’s growth and development. Moms who breastfeed have unique nutrient needs — different from during pregnancy or any other time in a woman’s life. Taking a nutritional supplement specifically formulated for breastfeeding moms, along with a balanced diet, will provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed during this time.

Vitamins A and C
While you are breastfeeding, you need slightly more vitamins A and C than most prenatal supplements provide. Higher amounts of these vitamins are needed for yor breast milk to meet your baby’s nutritional requirements. Look for a lactations supplement that contains the Recommended Daily Allowance for vitamin A (4000 IUI) and vitamin C (120 mg)

Choline
Your requirement for choline, a nutrient that supports your baby’s growth and brain development, is higher during lactation than at any other time during your life. This nutrient is often left out of prenatal supplements because it is bulky; however, it is estimated that only 10% of American meet their daily choline needs. Foods rich in choline include egg yolks, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, milk and some meats. Look for a lactation supplement with 200 -300 mg of choline to help meet the recommended amount for breastfeeding mothers (550 mcg)

DHA
DHA is beneficial for your baby’s brain and visual development. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is important during pregnancy and lactation because of its role in infant brain and eye development. The amount of DHA in your breast milk is directly related to the amount of DHA in your diet (from fatty fish such as wild caught salmon) and your supplements, so it is important to get enough while you are breastfeeding. Look for a lactation supplement with 300 mg DHA.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for your baby’s overall growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed infants receive 400 IU vitamin D drops each day to prevent vitamin D deficiency and rickets. This is because most women don’t have enough Vitamin D in their breast milk. It is important that babies get enough, but not too much, of this important nutrient. Early research suggests that if mothers take very high doses of vitamin D, there may be enough in breast milk. However, it is not yet clear exactly how much vitamin D is needed. Until the exact amount is known, a lactations supplement should contain about 1000 IUI of vitamin D3 to support your nutrient needs without providing too much to your baby. Talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about vitamin D for you and your baby.

Folic Acid
Although you needed more folic acid in early pregnancy to support your baby’s growth and neural tube development, your folic acid needs are lower during lactation. There is some controversy about supplementing with high doses of folic acid for long periods of time, so it makes sense to take higher doses only before and ruing pregnancy, when it is really needed. Look for a lactation supplement with 400-600 mcg of folic acid.

Iron
Your iron needs are much lower while breastfeeding than during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding exclusively, you likely will not have your period for 4 to 6 months after giving birth. Without menstrual blood loss each month, your iron needs decrease. If you are anemic after giving birth, however, you may need additional iron supplementation. Look for a lactation supplement with 9 mg of iron, the Recommended Daily Allowance during breastfeeding.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VITAMIN D AND PREGNANCY
Recent studies indicate that low vitamin D levels are common among pregnant women in the US and in the UK, even among those taking a standard prenatal multivitamin, which usually contains 400 IUI. Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy can affect the well-being of the mother as well as the newborn. Adequate vitamin D during pregnancy is important for skeletal development, as well as general growth and development of the fetus. Because a newborn’s vitamin D level depends on the mother’s vitamin D status, deficiency during pregnancy can lead to rickets (bone softening and weakening) in the child. A recent study confirmed that a mother-to-be’s vitamin D level was related to her child’s bone health. Children whose mothers had insufficient vitamin D levels during pregnancy were more likely to have reduced bone mass at age nine. Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of numerous complications, including gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy), preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure) and bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina ). One study found that mothers-to-be with vitamin D deficiency were almost four times more likely to require a Cesarean section.