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Pre TTC Questions
I was reading an email I got from the bump on things to start doing 1-3 months before you start TTC. I had a few silly questions on some of the things. Since we are not telling family we are going to start trying I figured all my bumpies could shed some light.
1. Check it Out
Schedule a preconception checkup for yourself and your partner. Address any health or lifestyle issues that might interfere with your ability to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy sooner rather than later.
What exactly happens at a preconception checkup? Is this with my OB/GYN or primary doctor?
2. Clean out your cabinets
Check your medicine cabinet for ingredients that could affect fertility or harm your baby-to-be. Don?t take chances. Ask your doctor about what?s safe for you and your partner to take once you start trying to conceive.
What medicine's are the one's I should stay away from? Are there any I can still take if I have a headache or cough?
3. Put your money where your mouth is
Gum disease increases has been associated with the risk of a preterm delivery, so you want to make sure that you?re in good dental health before getting pregnant. Schedule a good oral cleaning, and take care of dental treatments, x-rays, or medications before you start trying to conceive.
Can I still get regular cleanings?
4. Keep your cool
Hyperthermia (overheating) related to hot tub use has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. The experts advise that prospective mothers avoid any activity that could cause their temperature to soar above 102?F. That includes vigorous exercise on hot days, too.
I take really hot showers. I put the water as hot as I can take it. Does this need to stop?
Thanks in advance for your help and sorry for all the questions 
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Pre TTC Questions
1. I think they just mean a regular check up to make sure you are both in good health. DH can also have everything checked out since it's less invasive and less expensive.
2. Some prescription medications can stay in your system longer than others, some such as Accutane can have harmful effects on a baby even if taken months before conception. At your checkup, you can ask your doc what medications you should stop taking. I took some Alka-Seltzer while I was pg b/c I didn't know yet and I had a horrible headache. Two days later I found out I was pregnant!
3. You can still get regular cleanings, just tell your doc if you become pregnant so they don't do dental x-rays.
4. Showers are not a big deal. They mean prolonged exposure to heat, like being in a hot tub or sauna or working out outdoors in the heat. Overheating the body is harmful to the baby, but this is while you're actually pregnant.
IMO, you don't know exactly when you are going to get pregnant so you are not going to stop doing some of the things that are part of your routine. Just pay attention to your body so that once you do find out your pg then you can take good care of yourself. The best thing to do while TTC is take a prenatal or at least a Folic Acid supplement.
Happy TTC and enjoy the process!
For headaches, Tylenol is safe. I haven't taken Advil since TTC. Not sure aobut cough meds.
And make sure DH stays away from hot tubs too! That can hinder his swimmers
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
1. I told my primary doctor we were TTC. She just wanted me to stop taking any meds for my back problem (which I did) and we made sure my blood work was up to date. I saw my gyno less than a year ago and he told me I should be able to conceive just fine so I don't really feel the need to go back for another pre-conception check up.
2. I only know that you should definitely stay away from ibuprofen or anything with ibuprofen in it. Tylenol is ok. Mucinex and Robitussin and other decongestants are also okay (and actually increase cervical mucus, which doesn't hurt).
3. I think the point is to get a cleaning and x-rays done before TTC, just in case they need to do any work in there that requires medication that you wouldn't be able to take when you were pregnant.
4. And as for the hot baths, I think they're ok before ovulation (and before you're actually TTC). I read somewhere that the water is too hot if you have to ease your foot into it. k.
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