What to do before TTC
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Planning Pregnancy (trying for baby)
Forum Name: Planning Pregnancy (trying for baby)
Forum Description: Trying to get pregnant? Going through fertility treatment? Just planning your first or second child? There are many people out there in the same boat to help and listen and share with
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15474
Printed Date: 19 August 2025 at 6:35am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: What to do before TTC
Posted By: muppet
Subject: What to do before TTC
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 8:29am
|
Hi everyone,
My husband and I are planning to start TTC later in the year. I was wondering what I should do to prepare for this. How long before TTC should I come off the pill? I'm guessing that it's good to allow a few months for my body to get back to 'normal'? (I've been on the pill for nearly 7 years) I've heard about taking folic acid. How long before TTC is it recommended to take it? Should I see my doctor at some stage? Is there anything else I should do other than trying to stay healthy? Any opinions would be great 
Thanks, Claire |
Replies:
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 8:41am
|
folic acid recommended 3 months before and up till 13 weeks. I personally didnt see my doctor but its possibly a good idea..they say things like cutting out caffeine and getting regular exercise(I didn't though) and having a good healthy diet.. and no alcohol i guess in a perfect ttc world.
in terms of the pill i dont think there's a set time..it probably is good to allow for a few months though.. oh and relaxing...apparently stress makes things more difficult! ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 9:24am
|
Start saving your pennies too. If you can get used to living on one income and saving the rest you will have a sweet time of it later.
Folic acid 800mg 3 months before is ideal. Also make sure you are getting iodine (iodized salt instead of sea salt). As kawwwww said, start shifting towards a healthy diet and excersing a lttle if you dont already. It all helps and makes you feel good too  I wouldnt cut out alcohol completely but maybe cut out any benders (although those generally go with getting pregnant )
Basically I would concentrate on just being as healthy as you can wihtout being ridiculous. Cut out the junk food, and diet coke (aparently can reduce fertility) Good luck! |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 9:36am
|
Same as the lovely ladies above said re: folic acid and generally being healthy.
Regarding the pill I was on it for nearly 10 years when we decided to TTC. I stopped taking it and was pregnant after 3 months so if you decide to stop using your pill but aren't ready for TTC yet make sure you use something else. -------------  
|
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 4:35pm
|
my folic acid was cheaper (as i have no community service card) at chemist than on prescription.. was 11 $ for 3 months worth. (apofolic) ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 6:48pm
|
My doctor did send me for a blood test to make sure my imms were up to date. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: catie
Date Posted: 20 March 2008 at 7:00pm
|
It's probably a good idea to visit the Dr to have your iron levels checked, rubella immunity etc.
Lots of pretty obvious stuff -eat well, give up smoking, exercise sensibly, cminimise caffeine, blah blah, and make sure your DH does too - and he needs to keep the swimmers cool - so minimise hot baths etc. The key time for folic acid is pretty much immediately after conception and for the first couple of months, so before you even know you're prg - therefore the advice to start it as soon as you start ttc. and like the others have said, 800 mcg. good luck
|
Posted By: Gazelle
Date Posted: 29 March 2008 at 4:10pm
|
It sounds like we might be ttc around the same time
I have been thinking about ttc for a while and I found the book "Stay Fertile Longer" by Mary Kittel really helpful. It explains all the sorts of factors that can contribute to sucessful conception and what you can do now to help that. I found it really good cos you may think you don't have to do anything until 3 months out (folic acid etc) but there is heaps of stuff that it is imporatnt to start working on even 1 year before ttc (I am a natural planner so I think thats why I liked it so much). It is not just physical stuff either, but having discussions with your partner on how you will bring up the child (religion, disciplne etc), making sure you are ready (in right job, reduced stress), environmental factors etc. I got the book from Borders but you could try your library for this or similar books.
|