Advice TTC at 33

[BelliniButterfly]

Hi everyone,

First post on mumsnet :) Quick introduction, I'm Denise aged 33 a teacher from Glasgow. Been married for 7 years and we are just about to start TTC in the New Year! Very excited.

Hoping for some advice on the basics. I've started taking folic acid alongside my regular multi-vitamin. Are there any other vitamins I should be taking/avoiding?

I've lost 6 stone this year so far and have started a regular exercise regime so I'm trying to be as healthy as possible. Would appreciate any advice as I am a bit worried about being in my 30's and trying to conceive. My hubby has just turned 35 and had an operation for an undescended testicle aged 9 so this is also playing on my mind.

Many thanks

[Heatherbell1978]

There are a lot of new mums and mums to be on MN a lot older than you so I wouldn't worry about your age. I was 36 when DS1 was conceived, 37 when he was born. It sounds like you're doing all the right things. My biggest tip would be ovulation testing sticks! It's all well and good being healthy but if you don't know your cycle and when you're ovulating it's a lot more of a random thing. The first month I used them I conceived!

[Pinklily1]

Hi Bellini!

I almost 33 and have just started TTC this month. I'll admit that I was worried I was a bit older, but actually when you start chatting with people on here and in real life, I think its much more common to have babies in our 30's nowadays. In my friendship group, we are all either having first babies or TTC the first in our 30s.

I'm taking folic acid and vitamin D, and generally just trying to eat healthily. Loosing all that weight is a brilliant start. I lost 6.5 stones a few years ago and the difference it made to my energy levels was amazing (and I think we'll need lots of energy when TTC . I also came off the pill in September, to try to give my body time to get back to normal, so perhaps if you are on the pill think about stopping now and using alternative protection until you TTC?

Has you OH had any tests or is there any indication that the testicle problem could be an issue?

[Mermaid36]

I came off the pill in July aged 35 (after 16 years)...starred taking conception vitamins (and got my DH some too). I used a fertility app to track periods and temperature etc so that we were having (more) sex during my fertile window.

I am now 8 weeks pregnant and will be 36 when I have my first child

I'd say ditch any contraception now, especially hormone based, because it will probably take you a while to conceive.

If you're already exercising and quite healthy then that's a good thing. I don't drink and exercise quite a bit, so I think that fell in my favour. I'm still overweight though, so don't hang up too much on your size.

[Fazi27]

Hi all, first post here too. I'm 32, married and aiming to start unofficially TTC next year. I have 2 pill packs left so will be finishing them up around end of February or so.

Good tip about the OPKs I might look into getting them. I'm normally pretty healthy, eat well, exercise a good bit etc but going to take extra measures starting in the new year including cutting down on alcohol. I don't drink a massive amount but have a pretty active social life along with work functions.

My husband is massively keen on kids and I've been holding him off the past few years to be honest! Am still getting my head around the idea to be totally honest but almost there.

Will be nice to hopefully have some similar people's stories and situations on here to keep track of!

[Osirus]

I started trying at 30 and have just had IVF at 33 - now pregnant, thankfully. You never know which way it's going to go but the chances are you'll be fine. Good luck!

[ChefsFloozie]

I was 33 when we started trying too and I was concerned. Hubby is 41 and in a profession known to increase infertility.

I gave myself a time frame of 6 months where we would just try in a chilled out way then worry/get tests etc. Stayed healthy, did gentle exercise ate a balanced diet (including alcohol and caffeine just not in mega quantities) and tried not to focus on it too much. Took four months and now 18 weeks pregnant so relax and enjoy would be my advice!

[Doilooklikeatourist]

I was 33 when we started TTC
Took foils acid , but didn't do any apps or anything ( weren't invented then )
Was pregnant 2nd month
Same again age 35 when we wanted a second baby
Just go for it :)

[Fazi27]

Great advice girls, think I'll aim for the same just take the folic acid, relax and set a check point of 6 months later and see where we are then. We have a 2 week trip abroad planned in May and plan to treat it like another honeymoon with lots of time in between the sheets!!

Did you find you tested early or wait until you had a proper missed period?

[Fazi27]

Bellini - I've kinda hijacked your thread sorry! Best of luck with TTC in the new year. Well done on losing 6 stone wow that must have taken a lot of dedication. You must be well into a healthy regime now though so your body will certainly be primed.

One thing my doctor told me the last time I was there and mentioned TTC - I told her I already take multibionta multivitamin and that has 200mg of folic acid - she said that's fine to take with a folic acid supplement up until you conceive but that with the awareness now around taking too much vitamin A once pregnant that once I (hopefully) fall pregnant to ditch the multivitamin and just concentrate on a healthy diet.

[Flamingoblue1]

Hey girls. My mum was 34 when she has me and feel first month. My best mate is 33 and pregnant and my other mate just has her first at 34! I'm the baby of the group at 29 but been trying since October. Not panicking yet as only had one period in that time damn post pill hormones! Good luck x

[smellsofelderberries]

Just a quick note- please switch to a TTC vitamin instead of your regular multi, as the regular ones have vitamin A in them and vitamin A is a huge no-no in pregnancy. I'm sure the amount in a regular shouldn't be an issue, but too much vit A in pregnancy can have serious consequences so best not mess about with it.

[IrisPurple1]

Hello ladies, can I just say please don't wait around to come off the pill or delay after stopping the pill - we never know how long it's going to take or what will happen.

I am 34, husband 40. W

[IrisPurple1]

Sorry - tried to close an advert and other posted my draft -

We conceived the 3rd cycle post pill, however it ended in MC, and it took 3 months, visit to EPAU and a course of tablets to try and get my hormones back to normal - i still don't know if it's worked - and now it's 7 months since I came off the pill with nothing to show for it.

Regarding supplements - you can take Floradix if you're pregnant. I'm taking it at the mo to combat tiredness and generally feeling run down. I'm also on seven seas folic acid with vit D.

Good luck TTC ladies

[smellsofelderberries]

Also seconding what Iris said, came off the pill 1 year ago, started TTC in March, finally fell pregnant on cycle 8 and I'm about to miscarry at 10 weeks along I understand sometimes it's a case of sorting jobs for mat leave/waiting til you buy a house but expect for it to take a while.