Doctors appointment tomorrow for planning to get pregnant

@Leleophants

Especially as many of us have put off pregnancy years due to careers etc so are really anxious about doing it right.

Basically nothing you can do about diseases in nursery. The children are contagious before any symptoms arise so really nothing you can do. Just practice good hygeine yourself and wish for the best!

To be fair to the OP, Mumsnet itself has a whole section on how you should go to the Dr for a pre conception check up. I think it's a natural worry as I feel like there is so much to think about and it's not something we are officially told anywhere. Especially as many of us have put off pregnancy years due to careers etc so are really anxious about doing it right.

Agree that when it comes down to it, appointment isn't really needed. Only as I've spoken to so many friends though!

As long as you’ve had chicken pox yourself then you don’t need to worry about an outbreak at nursery. If you haven’t then the vaccine might be the way forward before you start TTC. I don’t think hf&m is an issue apart from getting a fever in the first trimester so again I wouldn’t worry and you can read all this on the NHS website.

Most apps are American and they suggest seeing a ob/gyn as they will have to find one and register with them if they don’t already have one. As they pay for all medical care I’m dubious anyway about the need to see anyone pre-natally unless you’ve been trying for a long time.

NHS site is definitely the way forward. Off the top of my head, they will test for rubella antibodies at the first midwife appointment. Slapped cheek/fifth disease is one to look up the info for too.

Well done, OP glad you've cancelled. I think lots of stuff you can read about TTC is American and they see docs in a v different way there - it is confusing!
I really rated the NHS site for everything pregnancy-related. Everything's there.
I remember asking my GP DH how much folic acid I should be taking... he didn't know and told me to look it up on the NHS site it told me more than him!
Good luck.

@beckyboop1 we went to the doctors last week. She was lovely and encouraging but didn't tell us anything we didn't already know! I just thought I was doing the right thing

I had my first over 5 years ago and I called my Dr's as I wanted a general health check prior to ttc. They suggested I see a nurse who could check me over, talk to me about any questions I had and I found that helpful. I'd had mental health issues previously so I guess I wanted some reassurance and advice. The nurse was lovely, so I'd say if you want to speak to someone in person, maybe chat with the reception team as it should all be completely confidential and they'd be able to point you in the right direction.

Good grief you can't get a Drs appointment here if your arm is hanging off!

Oh gosh no, you don't need to go to your doctors.

Take folic acid and good luck.

Sorry but I'm not sure why you'd waste a GP appointment for this - especially when you say you're not trying until mid year?! Unless you have a pre-existing condition? There's plenty of information available online, in books etc. I'd seek guidance form there instead.

Heratnumber7 you need to make sure you are getting enough folic acid.

Just read the NHS website - all the info you need if there and to be honest I suspect if you turned up and asked those question the dr would just check there themselves and it’s not information they would normally need to know unless they wanted to ttc themselves.

There are so many services and online information for this I'm quite surprised it would even cross your mind to see a GP using NHS resources.

Not sure you should be wasting doctors time. Plenty of advice online about what you should be doing when starting to ttc or speak to a pharmacist?

I am TTC and have not been to the GP.

I don't think you even need "prenatal vitamins". Are they any different from the usual vitamins you get from eating food?
No they aren't. They are a waste of money.

Agree with others, no need for a doctors appointment. Leave them for others that are in genuine need.

There is loads of info online, but pretty much take folic acid and stop smoking if that applies. I didn’t cut down drinking until I was actively ttc and still had small amounts of alcohol occasionally until I actually fell pregnant.

Pp's are right. Even when you fall pregnant don't waste your time going to the doctors.

Also 29 and going to start TTC in June/July (dependent on promotion).

I’m going to start taking prenatal vitamins & folic acid in April, and that’s about it.

You don’t even need to see the GP when you are pregnant. Unless appointment is 8am I’d call & cancel so someone who needs it can have it.

Very exciting for you though OP, best of luck TTC

Please don't make a gp appt. the services are stretched enough.

Agree with previous posters you really don't need to see a GP for this. They really are overstretches with seeing sick patients. The NHS website has loads of info on planning for pregnancy and most of its pretty obvious. I didn't even see the GP when I found out I was pregnant: just a self referral to the midwifery team.

Just take folic acid and stop drinking 3 months before ttc and you’ll be fine.

This shouldn’t be a gp appointment.

If you really want to see someone ask for the nurse?