INNOVATIVE RESEARCH GETS TO THE HEART
OF COUPLES TRYING TO GET PREGNANT

Seventy-Two Percent of Couples Trying to Conceive Have Sex
at Least One to Four Times a Week

New York – July 6, 1999 – According to the TUMS^® & FIRST RESPONSE^® Pregnancy Planning Survey, couples trying to conceive are having sex more often, but they may not be doing it at the right time. Seventy-two percent of couples trying to have a baby have sex one to four times a week. The average number of times they have sex per month increases 47% from six to almost nine times. However, more than 80% of women surveyed incorrectly believe their ovulation lasts from two to five days. Additionally, almost 40% of women surveyed indicated that their menstrual cycle has been frequently irregular which can make it difficult to calculate when ovulation occurs. The TUMS & FIRST RESPONSE Pregnancy Planning Survey, based on a National Family Opinion On-line Panel of more than 500 women, focuses on the behavior and impact of the relationship of couples during the pregnancy planning period. Respondents were also asked questions regarding the importance of good nutrition, exercise and general lifestyle habits before and during pregnancy.

Planning & Stress

The process of planning to get pregnant and trying to conceive can be very enjoyable, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and stress. Of the women surveyed, 65% indicate that trying to get pregnant puts stress on a relationship. However, more than half of all women surveyed (55%) report that their feelings towards their partner are unchanged. Twenty-three percent of women state that trying to conceive has had both a positive and negative effect on the way they feel towards their partner and in 21% of cases, it has brought them even closer.

On average, the women surveyed say they and their partner have been trying to get pregnant for more than 14 months. Knowing exactly when a woman is ovulating will increase the odds. According to the survey, 74% of women say that they know approximately when they are ovulating, yet 64% believe the window of fertility lasts between two to three days, and almost 19% believe the fertile period lasts five days.

"The medical fact is that ovulation lasts about 24 hours a month," said Dr. Kelly Shanahan, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice in California. "Using the new FIRST RESPONSEÔ Pregnancy Planning Kit, which includes seven ovulation predictor test sticks along with other pregnancy planning tools, takes the guesswork out of planning. This will relieve some of the stress and help a couple have a more enjoyable sexual relationship and thereby maximize their chance of conception."

Spontaneity & Intimacy

More than half of the women surveyed feel that trying to get pregnant takes the spontaneity out of sex. With an average sex session lasting 23 minutes, most couples have more frequent intercourse to improve the chances of becoming pregnant. The number of times a couple has sex per month increases from six to almost nine times (47% increase). When a couple jointly decides to have a baby and wants the child equally, this clearly affects the quality of their sexual relationship, increasing the rate of orgasms per month by 30%.

Lifestyle & Diet

In addition to changes in the frequency of sex, women trying to become pregnant also tend to seek advice and may change lifestyle and diet to improve their chances of having a child.

Eighty percent of women who have had previous problems getting pregnant are more likely to consult a doctor. When it comes to advice, women have many sources of information on family planning issues. The survey indicated the most relied upon sources of information on family planing are:

Doctors	57.3%
Spouse/Friend	16.4%
Books	13.2%
Other	7.0%
Internet	4.3%
Mother/Relative	1.8%

Almost all (99%) of the women surveyed are highly concerned about diet. The following statistics show that overall, the study participants are trying to achieve healthy lifestyles –

• 56% of women are trying to lose weight despite the fact that they are trying to get pregnant
• 5% are trying to gain weight
• 88% of women surveyed exercise regularly -- working out on average almost one hour (58.5 minutes) per week
• Less than 20% of women drink alcohol on a regular basis
• 85% of women surveyed take vitamins or supplements

Calcium & Pregnancy

Building a strong healthy foundation is key for a woman expecting a child. "One of the most important things that a woman can help control before, during and after pregnancy is her diet, with calcium being one of the key contributors to the health of mother and child," said Dr. Shanahan. "Calcium helps to keep both the mother’s and baby’s bones strong, is beneficial for production of breast milk, helps prevent osteoporosis and lowers the risk of hypertension disorders during pregnancy."

According to government surveys, ninety percent of women are not getting the recommended daily allowance of calcium in their diet. When a woman is pregnant, her body provides a developing baby with calcium from her own reserves, so it is very important for a woman to start building up her calcium intake while trying to have a child. Once a woman is pregnant, she requires 1,200 mg of calcium daily. "Good sources of calcium include dairy products, fortified foods, and green leafy vegetables. If a woman can not get adequate calcium through her diet, she should consider a supplement, such as TUMS, to help bridge the gap," adds Dr. Shanahan.

"For example, each TUMS E-X tablet has 300 mg of elemental calcium, the same as an 8-ounce glass of milk. In fact, the FIRST RESPONSE™ Pregnancy Planning Kit contains a starter supply of TUMS to start a woman on a healthy regimen of including calcium in her daily diet.

New Complete Kit Designed to Maximize a Woman’s Chance of Becoming Pregnant

In addition to the TUMS & FIRST RESPONSE Pregnancy Planning Survey, the two companies have joined forces to provide women with the first complete kit – the FIRST RESPONSEä Pregnancy Planning Kit – to assist in the planning of having a baby.

"This new kit from FIRST RESPONSE and TUMS is ideal in providing a woman with all the necessary tools to better understand her cycle, detect pregnancy, maximize her chance of conception, start to build a healthier diet, and plan for an overall healthy pregnancy" said Dr. Shanahan.

The kit, which is currently available at major supermarkets, drug store chains and mass merchandisers (for an average retail price of $29.99) includes the following –

• 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Tests (7 Tests)
• 1-Step Pregnancy Test (1 Test)
• TUMS E-X Calcium Supplement (16 Tablets)
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Pregnancy Planning Calendar Worksheet

For more information on conceiving and planning for a pregnancy, and a copy of "FIRST RESPONSE Steps to Pregnancy" 12-page brochure call 1-800-367-6022 or visit the FIRST RESPONSE website at www.1stresponse.com.

For additional information on the vital role of calcium during pregnancy, contact the Calcium Information Center at 1-800-321-2681, or visit the calcium information website at www.calciuminfo.com.

TUMS^® & FIRST RESPONSE^® PREGNANCY PLANNING SURVEY:
FERTILITY GROUPS & STATISTICS BACKGROUNDER

Four Groups Are Based on History and Past Fertility Problems

New York – July 6, 1999 – According to the TUMSÒ & FIRST RESPONSEÒ Pregnancy Planning Survey, which polled more than 500 women on pregnancy issues, 276 couples have had problems getting pregnant. Among those couples, about 55% (151 couples) have not given birth previously.

Based on the history of fertility problems and having given birth previously, couples trying to conceive were divided into four groups. The following statistics define the differences:

First Timers – (No past problems getting pregnant and have not given birth previously)

• 19% of the total respondents
• Average age of the women is 32
• The couples have spent the least amount of time together (an average of 7 years)
• 28% of the women in this group have experienced irregular menstrual cycles
• 66% of women in this group exercise and 48% are trying to lose weight
• 7% are smokers

It Worked Before – (No past problems getting pregnant and have given birth before)

• 27% of the total respondents
• Slightly older than "First Timers" with the average age of the women being 33 and the couples have been together, on average, almost 9 years
• Having had a baby in the past reduces the level of pressure of the ticking biological clock
• 36% of women in this group have experienced irregular menstrual cycles
• 56% of women in this group exercise and 56% are trying to loose weight
• 6% are smokers

Let’s Beat The Odds – (Had problems getting pregnant in the past, but have given birth previously)

• 25% of the total respondents
• This is the oldest age group (the average age of the women is 34)
• The couples in this group have been together the longest – on average more than 10 years
• 50% of the women in this group have experienced irregular menstrual cycles
• 52% of women in this group exercise and 62% are trying to lose weight
• 11% are smokers

Don’t Give Up – (Had problems getting pregnant in the past and have not yet given birth)

• This is the largest segment with 30% of the total respondents
• Women in this group are slightly younger than in "Let’s Beat the Odds" with awareness of the biological clock being the highest
• 50% of the women in this group have experienced irregular menstrual cycles
• 59% of women in this group exercise and 57% are trying to loose weight
• 13% are smokers

Additional Statistics On When To Have A Baby, Stress & Arguing About Sex

When to Have a Baby

• Out of the 506 women surveyed, 246 have not previously given birth (nearly 50%)

• Of the 246 women, almost 50% (122) expressed that they want to have their first child when they are between 30 and 40 years of age

• One in five women are having their first child after the age of 35

• 74% of all respondents think that having a baby between 40 and 50 is too old

• One-third of couples will encounter infertility at the age of 35

Stressful Times

• 65% of women surveyed agree that trying to get pregnant puts stress on the relationship

• Less than half of the couples who are trying to get pregnant for six months or less, reported to be stressed

• With couples that have been trying for two years or more, 84% feel that there is pressure on the relationship

Arguing About and the Quality of Sex

• Before trying to conceive, about 12% of the couples argued about sex at least once a month or more

• Once a couple tries to conceive, only 4% of the couples argue more

• 56% of women do not agree that trying to conceive takes the romance out of sex

• While couples are trying to conceive, the women achieve, on average, one more orgasm per month than before

PREGNANCY & CALCIUM
INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

HOTLINES
FIRST RESPONSE Consumer Information Center 1-800-367-6022

By calling the 800 #, consumers can receive a free copy of "FIRST RESPONSEÒ Steps to Pregnancy," a 12-page booklet including information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, plus valuable coupons. Callers can also get answers to any questions regarding FIRST RESPONSE products.

Calcium Information Center (CIC) 1-800-321-2681

The CIC provides current information on calcium research, offers free literature and answers callers’ questions. The Center is based at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and the Oregon Health Science University.

WEBSITES
FIRST RESPONSE Information Resource Center	www.1stresponse.com
(An on-line resource center regarding pregnancy planning, fertility, ovulation and other pregnancy-related issues)
www.CalciumInfo.com	www.calciuminfo.com
(An on-line calcium resource provided by SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare)
Kelly Shanahan contributes to the following websites -	www.1stresponse.com
	www.obgyn.net
	www.betterhealth.com
	www.mylifepath.com
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists	www.acog.com
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF)	www.nof.org

BOOKS
"The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy: Or Everything Your Doctor Won’t Tell You"	by Vicki Iovine
"What to Expect When You’re Expecting"	By Arlene Eisenberg et al./ Workman Publishing Company

TUMSÒ & FIRST RESPONSEÒ PREGNANCY PLANNING SURVEY

FIRST RESPONSEÔ Pregnancy Planning Kit includes seven 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Tests, a 1-Step Pregnancy Test, two rolls of TUMS E-XÒ , as well as instructions and a Pregnancy Planning Calendar Worksheet. The kit is currently available at major supermarkets, drug store chains and mass merchandisers for an average retail price of $29.99. Contact: Karen Peart, Stawasz & Partners, 212/610-3887.

DR. KELLY SHANAHAN

Dr. Kelly Shanahan’s interest in the emotional and physical aspects of infertility is not just professional. For more than three years, Dr. Shanahan and her husband Jeff, tried to have a child. In life there are happy endings – both Kelly and Jeff are enjoying their new baby girl, Hunter Katherine Shanahan Turney. Dr. Shanahan is currently working in private practice in South Lake Tahoe, California as a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist.

At the young age of 11, Dr. Shanahan knew she wanted to become a doctor. After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, Dr. Shanahan began her medical training at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. At that school she reached a crossroad – she performed her first delivery. From that moment, she knew she wanted to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. After completing her residency in 1991 at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shanahan went into private practice.

Dr. Shanahan’s education has continued with her involvement in professional organizations, as a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and as a member of the American Medical Women’s Association. She also continues to share her knowledge as a Women’s Health Expert for www.betterhealth.com, as the Women’s Health Advisor & California Representative for www.obgyn.net, as an "ask the expert" for Blue Shield of California at www.mylifepath.com, and most recently as "ask Dr. Shanahan" for www.1stresponse.com.

FIRST RESPONSE™ Pregnancy Planning Kit Product Fact Sheet

A Complete Kit, With A Cost Savings
to Help Women Plan Their Pregnancies

The FIRST RESPONSE™ Pregnancy Planning Kit contains everything a woman needs to plan her pregnancy. The new and first-of-its-kind kit combines seven ovulation predictor tests, a pregnancy test, and TUMS-EX^® Antacid/Calcium supplements, as well as an instructional insert and calendar worksheet.

The kit will help prepare a woman's body for pregnancy, maximize her chances of becoming pregnant by predicting ovulation, and alert the woman when she has conceived.

"I recommend the FIRST RESPONSE Pregnancy Planning Kit to all my patients who want to become pregnant," said Dr. Kelly Shanahan, a board-certified obstetrician in private practice in California. "What makes this new product so powerful is the ovulation predictor tests which measure the LH (luteinizing hormone) level in a woman's urine to predict ovulation 24-36 hours in advance. In addition, this kit meets the untapped need among women today by providing all the products that a woman needs for a month’s worth of pregnancy planning. There is nothing else on the market which gives women a complete pregnancy planning experience."

Combining all the items into one kit also allows for large savings to the consumer. By combining the items, this results in up to a $23.00 savings when compared to purchasing the items separately.

The product is available at major supermarkets, drug store chains and mass merchandisers. It contains:

• FIRST RESPONSE^® 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Tests (7 Tests)
• FIRST RESPONSE^® 1-Step Pregnancy Test (1 Test)
• TUMS-EX^® Antacid/Calcium Supplement (16 Tablets)
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Pregnancy Planning Calendar Worksheet

Average retail price: $29.99

For more information, call 1-800-367-6022 or visit the FIRST RESPONSE website at www.1stresponse.com.