Fertility, Pregnancy, and Wellness

1st Edition - February 9, 2022
Editors: Diana Vaamonde, Anthony C. Hackney, Juan Manuel Garcia-Manso
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 1 8 3 0 9 - 0
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 1 8 3 1 0 - 6

Fertility, Pregnancy, and Wellness is designed to bridge science and a more holistic approach to health and wellness, in particular, dealing with female-male fertility and… Read more

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Fertility, Pregnancy, and Wellness is designed to bridge science and a more holistic approach to health and wellness, in particular, dealing with female-male fertility and the gestational process. Couples seeking to solve fertility issues for different reasons, whether failed assisted reproductive techniques or the emotional impact they entail, economic or moral reasons, are demanding more natural ways of improving fertility. This book explores the shift in paradigm from just using medications which, in the reproductive field, can be very expensive and not accessible to the entire population, to using lifestyle modifications and emotional support as adjunctive medicine therapies.

This must-have reference brings together the current knowledge – highlighting the gaps – and delivers an important resource for various specialists and practitioners.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
List of contributors
About the editors
Preface
Chapter 1. The importance of healthy lifestyles in helping achieving wellbeing
Abstract
Relation between lifestyle and health
The study of number of publications: bibliometric analysis
Relationship between lifestyle, habits, and wellbeing
Role of wellbeing and lifestyles in women’s reproduction
Conclusions
References
Part I: Background
Chapter 2. Male reproductive system
Abstract
Anatomy of the male reproductive system
Physiology of the male reproductive system
References
Chapter 3. Female reproductive system
Abstract
Female anatomy and introduction to physiology for the female reproductive system
Detailed physiological aspects of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian–endometrial axis
The ovarian cycle
The endometrial cycle: proliferative and secretory phases and establishment of embryo receptivity (window of implantation)
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4. Conception and pregnancy
Abstract
Introduction
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5. Genetics and epigenetics of healthy gametes, conception, and pregnancy establishment: embryo, mtDNA, and disease
Abstract
Gametogenesis and genetic healthy gametes
Gametic mitochondrial DNA and embryo quality
The genetics of fertilization
Embryonic genome activation
Embryo implantation
Mitochondrial diseases
Epigenetic modifications
Genomic imprinting and developmental disorders
Epigenetic reprogramming in the gametes and embryo
Environmental factors and epigenetic changes
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References
Part II: Fertility - IIA
Chapter 6. A contemporary view on global fertility, infertility, and assisted reproductive techniques
Abstract
Introduction
Male infertility
Causes of male infertility
Female infertility
Overview of fertility evaluation
Assisted reproductive technology
The effects of stress on fertility and assisted reproductive technology outcome
Conclusion
Acknowledgement
References
Chapter 7. Epidemiologic evidence of the impact of diverse chemicals on fertility
Abstract
Historical background
Legislative aspects to be protected
Classification and labeling of chemical substances which affect reproduction: mutagenic substances
Toxicological aspects of interest: toxic-kinetic, maximum allowable concentration and quantitative structure–activity relationship (chemical structure relation activity)
Prevalence of adverse effects on reproduction
Chemical agents capable of causing effects on fertility
Risk assessment on reproduction
Reproductive toxicity test
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8. Effect of exercise and lifestyles on male reproductive potential
Abstract
Introduction
Exercise-related consequences of resistance and endurance training
Medical conditions and male reproductive potential: related exercise consequences
General nutritional recommendations to improve reproductive potential
Importance of correcting unhealthy lifestyles
Environmental factors: endocrine disruptors and male fertility
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9. Nutrition and exercise intervention for female fertility
Abstract
Introduction
Fertility
Prepregnancy and pregnancy
Body weight status, fertility, and energy intake (macronutrient) needs with pregnancy
Exercise considerations
Additional considerations
Conclusions
References
Part II: Fertility - IIB
Chapter 10. Psychological distress and infertility: prevalence, impact, and interventions
Abstract
Infertility
Reproductive medical treatment
Infertility-related distress
Psychosocial support and infertility-related distress
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11. Mindfulness and yoga approach for fertility: the benefits of mindfulness in human reproduction treatments
Abstract
Introduction
Mindfulness: origin and meaning
Yoga: origin and meaning
Effect of mindfulness and yoga practice in assisted reproduction treatment
Implications to the field and conclusions
References
Chapter 12. Epigenetic and biological consequences of unmanaged stress during prenatal, perinatal and early childhood periods
Abstract
Psychoemotional health and well-being in the perinatal period
The negative consequences of stress and distress
Maternal stress and health behaviors
Effects of maternal prenatal stress on the offspring
Biological and epigenetic basis for alterations
Childhood maltreatment as intergenerational transmitter of fetal programming
HPA axis alterations, inflammation, telomere shortening, and well-being
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13. Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and fertility
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic approaches to fertility
Optimizing fertility with traditional Chinese medicine
Fundamental elements of traditional Chinese medicine
Common patterns of imbalance
Causes of illness
Tools of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis
Traditional Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods
Acupuncture
Chinese herbal medicine
Nutrition
Lifestyle guidance
Summary
Ayurveda: general concept
Ayurveda in health maintenance
Ayurveda in the treatment of disease
Ayurveda and reproduction
Summary
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 14. Biofield and manipulative therapies for emotional wellbeing and fertility
Abstract
Introduction
Energy therapies
Manipulative therapies for fertility and pregnancy
Conclusions
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 15. Diverse complementary therapies for fertility-related emotional and physical wellbeing
Abstract
Introduction
Hypnosis and emotional wellbeing in relation to fertility
Aromatherapy and emotional/mood issues in fertility
Touch, massage, and emotional wellbeing
Sound and music and fertility
Ayurveda and emotional wellbeing in relation to fertility
Conclusion
References
Further reading
Chapter 16. Phytotherapeutic support for infertility: evaluating the evidence
Abstract
Gametogenesis and early embryogenesis
Factors in infertility
Nutraceuticals overview and regulation
Historical applications and infertility
Contemporary nutraceuticals in fertility management
Summary of key points
Conclusion
References
Part III: Pregnancy - IIIA
Chapter 17. Nutrition for a healthy pregnancy and environment
Abstract
Introduction
What do we understand by a “healthy” diet in the adult?
The most relevant modifications during pregnancy with an impact on the nutritional needs of the expectant mother
Nutritional needs in expectant women
Dietary recommendations for the expectant mother
Take home message
References
Chapter 18. Exercise and pregnancy
Abstract
Introduction
Physical and physiological changes during pregnancy
Prepregnancy exercise
Exercise recommendations during pregnancy
Exercise in clinical conditions and common discomforts
Benefits of exercise for mother and baby
Elite athletes and pregnancy
Exercise in the postpartum period
Female pelvis and pelvic floor
Characteristics of the main pelvic floor dysfunctions
Pre- and postpartum pelvic floor exercises
Conclusion
References
Part III: Pregnancy - IIIB - Holistic, mind-body and complementary approaches for a healthy pregnancy
Chapter 19. The importance of a healthy psychological approach to life and how trauma can influence health, pregnancy, and children
Abstract
What is good psychological health? What is good mental health?
What are the factors that influence one’s mental health, and how does maternal mental health impact overall health and psychology of mother and child?
To which extent does mental health impact the fetus and infant into childhood?
What is trauma and how does it impact mental health?
Trauma across the generations and the role of epigenetics
Benefits of addressing maternal mental health
Beneficial strategies to improve maternal mental health
Labor, delivery, and lactation
Conclusion
References
Chapter 20. The importance of yoga and mindfulness during pregnancy
Abstract
Introduction
What is yoga?
Effects on the mother and fetus
Prenatal yoga practice
Yoga in clinical conditions and common discomforts
Yoga asana and pranayama in preparation for labor
Yoga asana and pranayama in the postpartum phase
What is mindfulness?
Levels of action and benefits of interventions through mindfulness
Meditation as the basis of mindfulness
Mindfulness and pregnancy
Mindfulness and maternal health
Limitations and strengths of mindfulness-based intervention studies
Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 21. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic care during pregnancy
Abstract
Introduction
Part one: Traditional Chinese medicine
Part two: Ayurveda
Diet and Pregnancy
Risks and drawbacks of Ayurvedic medicine
Ayurveda in the treatment of conditions and disease that interfere with reproduction and gestation
Postpartum
Other uses of Ayurvedic medicine: contraception
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 22. Prenatal bonding: the importance of connecting with body and baby
Abstract
Introduction
Human stress responses
Effects of stress, attachment, and love on physical, psychological, and social wellbeing
Women of the childbearing age and preconception
Fetal development
Postpartum depression and infant wellbeing
Promoting connections between parents and unborn children
Connections before birth
Examining myths of mindfulness practices
Take-home message
Key points
Conclusion
References
Chapter 23. Aromatherapy, music, and acupuncture for optimizing emotional wellbeing in pregnancy
Abstract
Introduction
Complementary medicine and pregnancy
Aromatherapy for emotional wellbeing during pregnancy
Enhancing emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy using aromatherapy
Combining aromatherapy with other therapies
Using aromatherapy when medical complications affect the pregnancy experience
Using sound and music for emotional wellbeing during pregnancy
Acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure in traditional Asian treatments
Conclusion
References
Chapter 24. Nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic support in pregnancy
Abstract
Supporting maternal wellbeing with nutraceuticals
Limitations, precautions, contraindications, and special considerations
Summary of key points
Conclusion
References
Chapter 25. Ethics in fertility and pregnancy management
Abstract
Ethics of fertility treatments
Counseling and shared decision making
Examples of fertility treatments for ethical considerations
Mitochondrial DNA transfer
Misconceptions
Summary
Ethics, informed consent, and childbearing
References
Chapter 26. Conclusion
Abstract
Index

Diana Vaamonde

Human Anatomy and Embryology Professor since Dec 2004 (Degrees of: Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy). Professor of Master’s Degree in Assisted Reproductive Techniques. Clinical embryologist. Pre-congress course coordinator of the PCC8 Andrology of the 32nd Annual Meeting of European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Helsinki, Finland. July 2nd, 2016 (title: “The impact of exercise, sport and doping on human fertility”). Invited sessions versing on the effect of exercise on gamete quality (Helsinki, Istanbul). Director of three Ph.D. theses on the effect of exercise on reproduction (animal model) and antioxidant therapy. Director of end of degree works on the areas of fertility and exercise and fertility (titles: “The role of the nurse in assisted reproduction”; “Effect of physical exercise during pregnancy”; “The impact of women´s emotional status on assisted reproduction”; “Effect of physical exercise on the outcome of an assisted reproduction cycle”; “Use of complementary and alternative therapies in fertility”) Ad-Hoc Reviewer of the scientific journals Fertility and Sterility and Human Reproduction, among others and member of scientific and editorial committees of others.

Anthony C. Hackney

Dr. Anthony C. Hackney is a Professor of Exercise Physiology and Nutrition at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His research group studies how stress affects the hormonal responses of the endocrine system. In particular, his focus is on the dysfunctions and dysregulations that develop from stress exposures which can ultimately compromise physiological responses and adaptations. Dr. Hackney is an editor and author of the successful books Endocrinology of Physical Activity and Sport and Sex Hormones, Exercise and Women, as well as author of the Elsevier book Exercise, Sport, and Bioanalytical Chemistry: Principles and Practice. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed research papers and book chapters, given over 150 national and international scientific conference presentations, and has had current and previous research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, USAID, and the National Academy of Sciences. He is an Editorial Board member for five exercise science, sports medicine, and physiology journals; has done visiting professorships in Uruguay, Kosovo, Norway, New Zealand, Germany, and Estonia; and is on the Board of Directors of the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, UNC-CH. A recipient of three Fulbright Scholar awards, he was named Fellow, American Academy of Kinesiology (2010), Montoye Research Scholar, the American College of Sports Medicine (2015), Fellow, Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine (2015), and Kean-Pogue Senior Research Scholar, University of North Carolina (2016), among other honors and awards.

Affiliations and expertise

Schools of Public Health and Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Juan Manuel Garcia-Manso

B.A. – Exercise Science M.A. – Elite Sports Performance Ph.D. – Sports Sciences Author of twenty-eight books in sports training and over 100 research articles, some versing on the effects of exercise on both male and female fertility.

Affiliations and expertise

University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Island, Spain