What to do before you ttc?

[ithinkineedahug]

We are thinking about ttc, not just yet but within the next year. I am currently on the implant, and want to know what I can do to make me as fertile as possible before ttc? Any suggestions gratefully received!

Take folic acid for 3 months beforehand (and until 12 weeks pregnant). Doesn't make you fertile but it's important for the development of any conceived baby.

You don't need to do anything else if you're otherwise fit and well. Enjoy your free time, look forward to it. Pregnancy's a bit easier if you're in good health and fit. Enjoy time just you and your partner.

Whip the implant out and use condoms till you're ready to start ttc. I would want a couple of months au natrel before trying.

How long does it take to ovulation to start again after the implant? I only ask because I had the injection for years, and it took TWO YEARS for me to get my periods back! The implant's better than that, isn't it?

Oooh, good point about how long it takes to ovulate...i've been on the pill for 5 years, then straight on the implant...we are getting married in 2 weeks, so will whip it out after that!

I was told to wait two to three cycles after having the implant out. I fell pg on cycle 3 and mc'ed. I'm sure that's got nothing to do with it though!

They say you should allow 3 months of "preparation" before TTC. Eating healthily, cutting out/back on smoking and drinking, taking exercise, all the obvious things.

Bear in mind that any changes your husband makes will take at least 90 days to have an effect on sperm quality - it takes this long for sperm to be manufactured.

Most of all, don't pressurise yourself. We all assume that getting pregnant will happen quickly/easily - after all we've had it drummed into us from a young age about safe sex, but the truth is it can take a perfectly healthy couple up to 2 years to conceive - 80% conceive within 1 year and 90% within 2 years.

Other things to think of - make sure your rubella vaccination is up to date, maybe make sure you've had a recent smear, etc.

Hi - we're starting TTC in January and since we made the decision in October, my DH and I have both been on Folic Acid (we read that it can help the quality of sperm also), and I'm taking Vit D and Zinc.

I have started to cut down on alcohol and caffeine, but not completely yet - Christmas is upon us and I'm only human! (we decided to TTC in Jan so I could at least enjoy my favourites - pate and brie - over Christmas!!)

I'm trying to ensure I keep up with my weekly exercise routine as I want to continue exercising if I can while pregnant.

I suffer from anxiety and depression and I'm currently on medication which is working great, so my DH and I went and had a chat with our GP about the pros and cons of staying on this medication during pregnancy (i.e. what would pose the greatest risk to our baby, the medication or my anxiety). So I would say, if you have any health worries, now would be the time to discuss it in relation to pregnancy with your Dr.

Other than that, I have bought my DC 2 books from the father's perspective - I thought it might help him feel more involved!

Hope that helps!