Tips for a Newbie...

bumpuser10258960

So I've been doing a lot of research and reading and trying to get a grip on what I should be doing now to prepare for TTC starting in May (there's a lot of information out there!!!) My pre-conception appt with my Dr. is tomorrow and I have a list of questions I need to ask and info to share, so I think I've got that ready. I'm off coffee (except for a cup or 2 of decaf on the weekends) and I'm working on getting my body in better shape and eating healthier.

I'm curious about the next steps for me like getting off BC and charting. I've been thinking that I may try to get off BC when I'm done with this months prescription (in about 3 weeks) and starting to chart and just TTA until May when we officially want to start TTC. I've been taking my BC for so long that I think it may linger in my body for awhile so I think I should try to stop it earlier rather than later.  I tried charting back around 2009 I think and I used FF, so I think I've got a little of the basics down, but I'd love any additional info and tips you can share regarding the next step.

Davie813

Hmmm...not much to add. I'd start taking a prenatal vitamin (if you're not already). I also take extra folic acid, because I've read that high doses prior to conception can actually help prevent Down Syndrome and other trisomies. (Don't know if it's true, but I figure it can't hurt.)

The other thing I'd suggest is not to count on the BC lingering in your system if you don't want to get pg right away. It can, but some people are more fertile right after they get off the pill. I conceived DD in my 3rd cycle off the pill. It's taking longer this time, and although it might just be because I'm older, there might really be a post-pill fertility surge that's worth taking advantage of.

Good luck!

hooligans4

I would stop the pill now and just use condoms till you are ready to ttc in May. My cycles were off for months after I stopped BC. So if you don't wNt to take the chance of a few wonky cycles when you are ready I would stop now.

Good luck tomorrow

bumpuser10258960

Good points. I planned on talking to my doc tomorrow about the prenatals and I'll add to ask her about folic acid too. Do you think I should schedule a regular dr appt as well? I saw articles that suggested getting immunizations and having blood work done to give the doc a better idea of my overall health as well.

bumpuser10258960

Good points. I planned on talking to my doc tomorrow about the prenatals and I'll add to ask her about folic acid too. Do you think I should schedule a regular dr appt as well? I saw articles that suggested getting immunizations and having blood work done to give the doc a better idea of my overall health as well.

gabbagal

**previous pregnancies mentioned**

If you don't think you're up to date on your immunizations, I think it can't hurt to see your doc. I never used to get a flu shot, then after I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I went to my doc to get one. Even though they say it's safe and even recommended for pregnant women, I was nervous and wished I had gotten it before (even though I did the exact same thing with my second pregnancy and didn't get one until after I found out!)

BeckyP005

Hello and welcome to the board! Everyone has given you some great advice! I've never charted so no help there. I'm only on prenatals which I forget to take half the time. Yikes...def don't follow my program lol. I'm also using donor eggs.

Good luck!

Davie813

A visit to your GP can't hurt.  Also, I'd schedule a dental checkup so you can take care of any problems you might have before you get pregnant.

URMySunshine77

I would echo the PPs' thoughts. Also, I have read that a Nurses' Health Study recommends drinking whole fat milk while TTC. While looking for the study, I found this Newsweek article that might be interesting: https://www.newsweek.com/how-diet-affects-fertility-94591

KirstenAlecia

Welcome! Great advice given so far!

ewenner

I agree with pp to go off BC sooner rather than later. I stopped the pill in September and my cycles are still really wonky six months later.

indianaalum

I guess my biggest recommendatiion is to start charting from Day 1..Don't "wing" it a few months and then freak out. After 35, they say "give it 6 months and then see an RE". I feel like I wasted a few of those months by not charting immediately

bumpuser10258960

@indianaalum, that's great advice. My doc told me not to "bother" with charting because unless you are perfect at it, it's highly inaccurate. I don't remember it being inacurate when I previously charted, and I figure it couldn't hurt.

She recommended, if I so desired, to get an ovulation kit and do that for three months to verify that I am indeed ovulating and get a better idea of when I do. She said the same thing about seeing her in 6 months if, with an ovulation kit, I do not concieve within 6 months.

kindershlitz

Welcome and Good luck! Lots of people use the wondfo strips for opks-cheap on Amazon.

indianaalum

@mamabear. Yes, ovulation kit and/or charting. Never hurts to have more information than less

annalisel

It sounds like you had a good preconception appointment. 

I'd echo the "don't mess around for a few months" sentiment. OPK use to time sex and temping to confirm ovulation are helpful as long you're not the obsessive type. 

Did your doctor give any recommendations about going off hormonal bc? There was a thread on my bmb where people were talking about bc and how they got pregnant the first cycle off bc. They were surprised it happened so quickly but when they went to their OB, several were told that many women are very fertile immediately after stopping hormonal bc.

Good luck! May your stay on the board be short.

bumpuser10258960

@annalisel, the Doc told me that with hormonal BC like Nuvaring, women's fertility bounces back pretty quickly (assuming there are no other issues present). So within a few months, my cycle should be back to norm. She did, of course, mention that by going off the ring I could get pregnant right away, but with us getting ready to start TTC in May, I wouldn't exactly be devastated if it happened early, if you know what i mean.