Page 27 | Preparing to TTC in 2023

DanisEndo · 2022-10-31T09:36:01+00:00

Hi, I'm part of a lovely thread which was started in 2021 for those planning to start TTC in 2022 and it was such a supportive group! we've now seen lots of positives and given each other a lot of support and tips through ups and downs. I'm now 'pausing' TTC until after my wedding in 2023 and thought it'd be nice to start up a similar thread to see if there is anyone else now prepping and getting excited for next year! On the last thread everyone introduced themself by saying their age, what they're trying for and when they plan on starting - I'll then keep a list up to date and post so everyone can easily see others who are at the same stage as them! I'll go first: Age: 27 TTC no: 1 Starting: Sep 23 Between now and then I'm going to be taking folic acid, try and loose some lbs to get closer to a healthy BMI, save some money in a baby pot and enjoy some 'baby free' activities (i.e., wine, gin, sushi and surfing!). I have endometriosis and PCOS so going to try and get my periods more regular and pain management via diet.

PeopleAreToads · 15/12/2022 16:23

A bit late to the party but joining too! 28 and TTC no.1

Had my implant out in July but found out I didn't have Rubella antibodies so needed to have another course of MMR before TTC. Been cycle tracking and using opks for a few months to get familiar with my cycle to give me something focus on while we waited

AF due 21st December, so officially TTC from around NYE

Firsttimetrying2022 · 15/12/2022 13:41

123ROLO · 15/12/2022 13:24

Hi @Firsttimetrying2022

I am a bit early to start thinking of tracking etc as I'm not planning to start trying till the second half of 2022.

But in terms of strategies these are the things I'm planning to do, and perhaps I suggest trying, as the way I see it, even if it does not have an impact on fertility, it puts you in better standing to be healthy through the pregnancy and have a speedier recovery, they are not particularly extreme measures to take so I don't think there's any risk of being seen as neurotic or obsessive, just some reasonable steps to take.

I preface this by saying, you are still very early into trying, and statistically, it does not often happen straight away, so there is most likely nothing wrong, you may just be going through a glitchy couple of months.

1.) Getting a full bloods profile, there is quite a lot of evidence out there that things like b12, b6 ferritin, vitamin D deficiencies can reduce fertility, and lead to an increase chance of pregnancy complications. I would always request the results to analyse yourself, as the NHS / UK standards on what is acceptable is quite poor, for example, a ferritin level of 14 is classed as "within range" when really, a woman of childbearing age should have ferritin of 80 plus. Most of these things can be sorted through supplements and diet.

2.) Working on reducing inflammation in the body, again, there is evidence that some fertility issues is caused by autoimmunity issues in the uterus. This one is probably a bit far-fetched, but again, no harm in considering it. But I will work on a lot of lifestyle things to reduce stress/inflammation in my body, and I will try to follow a Mediterranean diet, avoid inflammatory foods, and eat more foods with antioxidants. Lots of berries, fish, avocado, nuts etc.

Apart from that, assuming everything is fine with my bloods, I plan on just taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid, and apparently grapefruit juice is meant to be good but I don't know if that's just an old wives tale! I like grapefruit juice so I may incorporate a glass of it a day into my routine.

Great suggestion on getting your bloods done. I've got an unrelated general check up in January which involves getting bloods done so will definitely ask to see the results

Almondbut · 15/12/2022 13:26

I want to say “I’ll be relaxed” but I know I’m a type A planner and will be probably tracking and working myself up over it which will do nothing for my stress levels (or regularity of period which I’ve only just got regular through acupuncture!)

First few months I hope I’ll just try and DTD every day or so around when I get egg white mucus…

123ROLO · 15/12/2022 13:24

Hi @Firsttimetrying2022

I am a bit early to start thinking of tracking etc as I'm not planning to start trying till the second half of 2022.

But in terms of strategies these are the things I'm planning to do, and perhaps I suggest trying, as the way I see it, even if it does not have an impact on fertility, it puts you in better standing to be healthy through the pregnancy and have a speedier recovery, they are not particularly extreme measures to take so I don't think there's any risk of being seen as neurotic or obsessive, just some reasonable steps to take.

I preface this by saying, you are still very early into trying, and statistically, it does not often happen straight away, so there is most likely nothing wrong, you may just be going through a glitchy couple of months.

1.) Getting a full bloods profile, there is quite a lot of evidence out there that things like b12, b6 ferritin, vitamin D deficiencies can reduce fertility, and lead to an increase chance of pregnancy complications. I would always request the results to analyse yourself, as the NHS / UK standards on what is acceptable is quite poor, for example, a ferritin level of 14 is classed as "within range" when really, a woman of childbearing age should have ferritin of 80 plus. Most of these things can be sorted through supplements and diet.

2.) Working on reducing inflammation in the body, again, there is evidence that some fertility issues is caused by autoimmunity issues in the uterus. This one is probably a bit far-fetched, but again, no harm in considering it. But I will work on a lot of lifestyle things to reduce stress/inflammation in my body, and I will try to follow a Mediterranean diet, avoid inflammatory foods, and eat more foods with antioxidants. Lots of berries, fish, avocado, nuts etc.

Apart from that, assuming everything is fine with my bloods, I plan on just taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid, and apparently grapefruit juice is meant to be good but I don't know if that's just an old wives tale! I like grapefruit juice so I may incorporate a glass of it a day into my routine.

Firsttimetrying2022 · 15/12/2022 11:25

Mushroo · 15/12/2022 09:58

@Almondbut it feels very real now! DH has started stalling a bit and suggested waiting a month so we can detox / be healthy but I’m leaning to just cracking on, he’s not going to become an athlete in a month!

@Firsttimetrying2022 i hope it all goes well with the GP. Have you been taking any new vitamins? They can mess with your cycle a bit at the start. Or I had a terrible cold a couple of months ago which also delayed ovulation by a few days.

No new vitamins or anything like that. I've got a bit of cold now but nowhere near when I think I might have ovulated.

I'm sure it'll be fine. I've given up hope that it's anything other than a fluke and we'll just start properly again in January.

What is everyone planning on doing? Tracking or not tracking? Any particular strategies to increase chances?

Almondbut · 15/12/2022 10:25

@Mushroo are we married to the same person? DH said the same last night 🤯 I’m keen to crack on but will see if he persuades me 😆 Agree neither of us are becoming marathon runners in a month!

@Firsttimetrying2022 hope your appt goes well today 🤗

@Hopingforno2in2023 i know what you mean - my periods go haywire if I’m stressed!! So frustrating!

Mushroo · 15/12/2022 09:58

@Almondbut it feels very real now! DH has started stalling a bit and suggested waiting a month so we can detox / be healthy but I’m leaning to just cracking on, he’s not going to become an athlete in a month!

@Firsttimetrying2022 i hope it all goes well with the GP. Have you been taking any new vitamins? They can mess with your cycle a bit at the start. Or I had a terrible cold a couple of months ago which also delayed ovulation by a few days.

Firsttimetrying2022 · 15/12/2022 08:37

Hopingforno2in2023 · 15/12/2022 08:28

Welcome Firsttime! Could the lack of AF be due to the anxiety? I had such reliable cycles before TTC my first and then as soon as I started they went a bit haywire and I think it is because I was so focused on them and stressed about any little difference. Appreciate it is hard to stop the anxiety however!

Maybe but I've struggled with anxiety for ten years now and never missed a period. Even while cancelling and planning multiple weddings during Covid etc I've always been incredibly regular so it's just a bit odd. Will see what the GP says tomorrow.

Its just so frustrating that there is no way to control any of this isn't it?

Hopingforno2in2023 · 15/12/2022 08:28

Welcome Firsttime! Could the lack of AF be due to the anxiety? I had such reliable cycles before TTC my first and then as soon as I started they went a bit haywire and I think it is because I was so focused on them and stressed about any little difference. Appreciate it is hard to stop the anxiety however!

Firsttimetrying2022 · 15/12/2022 07:43

Can I join? Been trying to conceive since September, we're taking a break for December as my fertile window is right at Christmas when my family are staying with us.

I've been really struggling with anxiety throughout and am currently 4 days late but getting BFNs consistently so I think there might be another reason for AF not showing. I've never missed a period in my life so I'm a little concerned. Speaking to private GP tomorrow as NHS won't see me until three periods in a row have been missed but not knowing if something is wrong is severely impacting my anxiety.

For next year my goal is to try and find a routine for TTC that makes it feel less intense and to start consistently using BBT and OPKs to give me reassurance that I'm ovulating and hopefully help with anxiety a little. Also considering paying for at home fertility blood tests for an extra bit of reassurance

Hopingforno2in2023 · 15/12/2022 07:42

Welcome GlosGal!

Almondbut · 14/12/2022 20:22

Mushroo · 14/12/2022 14:13

How’s everyone getting on?

My AF arrived today so once she’s gone we’re officially ditching the goalie 😂.

I don’t ovulate until around new year but can get some practice in. Drinking a bit over Xmas will be ok right do we think?

I know the ideal if no drinking when TTC but honestly, the level of questioning would be off the charts and I don’t want people to know we’re trying.

@Mushroo i also got AF today and will also ‘be ditching the goalie ‘ (I love this phrase 😆) once it’s over…eeekk!!

GlosGal · 14/12/2022 17:23

Hi
hoping you don’t mind me joining, first ever post here!
still very new to all of this. Had my copper coil out today after returning from our honeymoon, got married at the beginning of the year.
im 32 and my husband is 38 and we’re trying for the first time. Excited but nervous and haven’t shared this with anyone so nice to find a supportive place to discuss where needed.
lovely to meet you all & merry Christmas.

Foreverhope82 · 14/12/2022 16:07

@Mushroo I’m sure some drinking will be fine it’s not in the TWW so enjoy it!

im just waiting for AF to finish and counting down to O which should be about 23rd then going try to enjoy the festive period which in reality should help me get through the TWW a lot of distractions!

Hopingforno2in2023 · 14/12/2022 16:02

It will be fine mush :)

Had a call from one of the clinics today and they have emailed through info. First step is an AMH test for me and then a consultation.

Mushroo · 14/12/2022 14:13

How’s everyone getting on?

My AF arrived today so once she’s gone we’re officially ditching the goalie 😂.

I don’t ovulate until around new year but can get some practice in. Drinking a bit over Xmas will be ok right do we think?

I know the ideal if no drinking when TTC but honestly, the level of questioning would be off the charts and I don’t want people to know we’re trying.

Hopingforno2in2023 · 13/12/2022 16:17

It will be here before you know it ROLO :)

So I have just sent off enquiries to the two clinics and I picked up some folic acid :)

123ROLO · 13/12/2022 13:39

I keep having regrets about booking my wedding so far into the year as I'm so desperate to start ttc 😂. Though I'm going to start the 'journey' much sooner into the year by starting the vitamins/supplements.

We were reading yesterday the theories of trying for a girl/boy, pretty sure they are BS but it made for an interesting discussion regarding speedy sperm and sex positions over a Costa while Christmas shopping 😆

(We aren't bothered about gender - was more just reading out of curiosity)

Foreverhope82 · 13/12/2022 12:50

Thanks @DanisEndo

im I waiting on AF to finish then will be due to O on about 23rd so we’re going to try this cycle and see what happens

CRbear · 13/12/2022 10:30

Thanks @DanisEndo - I’m so sorry to hear what a challenging time you’ve had! Hope the festivities are giving you some distraction. Regarding work- I’m similar in that I’m not loving my job right now. So not too fussed about taking time out - buzzing for it in fact!

P.S. I’m 32 and TTC no.1 - realised I might never have said that. Less than 3 weeks to go for us. I’m about to start my period and then I’m TTC cycle 1 - so exciting and scary. I usually ovulate around day 22-23 so a bit of time to go yet.

Hopingforno2in2023 · 12/12/2022 16:49

Thanks for adding me to the list Danis

I am so sorry to hear about your loss

I am going to get in touch with the two fertility clinics nearest to use tomorrow and book us into their open evenings in January!

Original poster

DanisEndo · 12/12/2022 16:33

We're getting so busy now!!!
Welcome to all our newbies, sorry to hear some of you have been struggling a while. Hopefully we'll be able to celebrate with you in the near future.

Ive been off here a little while, wedding planning, sadly lost a dear family member, some early festive celebrating, working hard, and sitting around being as broody as ever. OH is showing more and more signs of interest which warms my soul.

Still havent lost any weight but we've decided to go on a household diet together which'll make things so much easier! hopefully anyway..... its been really nice discussing recently what we want from next year, some TTC and wedding related but lots just based on us as a couple and fun things to do.

Its interesting hearing other peoples working and money plans, on one hand i worry about career development taking time out... on the other i really am looking forward to time off and all the bonding opportunities. BUT i also dont love where i am right now so wonder if thatll change once i move to a firm i like more. who knows. OH is full time WFH and we've both said itd be so nice to have him around for lunch a tea breaks to squeeze in extra cuddles.

Im just so excited for all of it! excited and terrified!

OP posts:

Original poster

DanisEndo · 12/12/2022 16:04

Pregnant!

@marleyandme 27, No.1

Trying

@Weefreetiffany No.2
@WanOvaryKenobi 30, No.1
@louloulollipop 31, No.1
@Tophy124 30, No 2
@Foreverhope82 40, No.1 (welcome!)

TTC 2023

January

@Mushroo 31, No.1
@Almondbut 31, No.1
@bethhop85 37, No.1
@TrudyProud 36, No.2
@Mummymidwife33 33, No.3 (welcome! let me know if you're aiming for a different month! :))
@Hopingforno2in2023 34, No2 (Welcome!)
@CRbear

February

@babybrainfart 33, No.3
@winterbabyrose 27, No.2
@LovelyBitOfSquirrelll 33, No.3
@Lilothblos 30, No.1

March

@happyfeet5 No.1
@pmore23 28, No.2
@LongDistanceLife 33, No.3 (welcome!)

June

@ViewFromTheAfternoon 29, No.1

July

@ShelleyPercy 34, No.1 (Welcome!)

August

@LibbyL92 30, No.1
@Imjustaherb No.1

September

@DanisEndo 27, No.1

October

@123ROLO 29, No.1

OP posts:

Hopingforno2in2023 · 11/12/2022 13:10

With our first I was still working and took 9mo maternity and then went part time. When not working DH was an equal parent and the bond he has with DS is amazing as a result. This time around I am already a SAHM but DH works from home so will be around a lot.

Foreverhope82 · 11/12/2022 12:29

we are hoping to conceive early into 2023. We have discussed the logistics around it all. I work from home and my work has 9mths maternity pay and extra 3 months unpaid and if you returned day after 6 mths you receive a bonus of the maternity pay you would have had. Also for 6 mths after return you do 4 days a week and get paid for 5 so really good we wouldn’t need much nursery times early on. OH works Monday to Friday and they don’t have much paternity so he will only get 1 week anymore would be unpaid. I save every month towards a pot ready for when I’m on half pay