What do I need to do before TTC?

[googietheegg]

We're planning on TTC from next month onwards - after I come off the pill - are there any tips on what is a good idea to help your chances?

I'm not overweight (although not thin - size 12/14), have really cut down on alcohol, take exercise, don't eat much meat, lots of fruit and veg, have been taking folic acid for last 6 months...is there anything else?

sounds like you are doing all the right things. The only thing in addition to everything you have mentioned that I have started doing now I am actually off the pill is noting changes in EWCM so I know when I'm about to ovulate. Good luck!! x

That sounds pretty prepared to me! Impressed you have been taking folic acid for 6 months (current advice is you only need to take it from when you start trying - although you won't come to any harm from having taken it for longer than that). Presumably you don't smoke?

Only other thing I can think of is to swot up on ovulation - have a look at the conception pages on www.babycentre.co.uk and their ovulation calculator.

Good luck!

That website is great - thank you.

Do you go to the doctors for any kind of check up or blood tests before TTC?

Nope, unless you have any kind of medical problems which might be relevant (diabetes maybe? etc) or family medical history which you think is relevant.

And even when you conceive and go and tell your GP they are distinctly underwhelmed in my experience!

Babycentre (and Mumsnet!) are my bibles for all things baby/ toddler related!

My husband is taking methotrexate so we're trying to make sure that we're doing all we can...have an apt with the dermatologist in a few weeks to see their advice.

This isnt conception related, but I always (well, twice!) get a flu jab and go to the dentist. The idea being its nice not to suffer a cold while preggas as well and if you have any teeth/medical probs that might need strong pain killers, better get it sorted before hand.

and throw away your lubricant if you use it, it hinders the sperm on their journey!

best of luck!

check you are immune to rubella if you are not already certain