Pre-pregnancy health check?

[firsttimenewbie]

Hi all!

The BF and I have decided to start TTC in a year from now. We will both be first time parents. Just wondering if I should go for a pre-pregnancy health check? We are both of a healthy weight, non smokers without any chronic health issues, although I am a vegetarian. Would it be beneficial for me/us both to go and if so when should I go? Is it too early still? Is there anything else I should be doing this far in advance?
Just keen to start being pro-active!

Thanks!!

There's really no need unless you have medication that you need advice about or pre-existing health conditions that might complicate pregnancy. It's recommended that you start taking folic acid 3 months before ttc - it's most effective if taken before pregnancy begins,

That is really useful- thank you!

I had gone for a smear test before we started ttc and I said to the nurse I was going to start trying the following month. She was a lovely nurse but wasn't interested at all about me ttc just said that's nice. I guess a smear test is the most important thing anyway as getting pregnant means you can't have one for quite a while and they are not good to miss. An std test is good if its relevant to you. Then I came off the pill 4 months before and took a good brand of multi vitamins for ttc women 3 months in advance. Vegetarians are fine if you eat well (pulses and grains etc not just lots of cheese like my friend!) my friends sister was a vegan and saw a nutricianist while pregnant and after as her daughter is being fed vegan too. Lots of advise online too x

I remember my Nurse telling me when I went for a smear prior to TTC, there was no record of me having had the MMR, only the Rubella jab at 14 and as I thought i'd had it but couldn't prove it, she gave me the MMR jab anyway just in case. So, apart from checking your vaccines are up to date and smear results are in order, there's not a lot to do until about 3 months prior to TTC, where you will start taking Folic Acid, eat healthily and cut down on alcohol/coffee etc.

I went for one after reading things telling you too and it was so embarrassing. I walked in and said We're going to start trying for a baby soon and the nurse just looked at me and said 'so?' She was very nice but couldn't understand why I was there - it was over in about 30 seconds

I found that nurses that regularly specialise in contraception/family planning clinics are much more sympathetic in giving the pre advice than G.Ps. Any movement to look after your health will only improve your chances to conceive. Do you mind my asking how old you are? Because conceiving is different (say) in your 40s to in your 20s.

Wow, I love this site already- everyone is so lovely and helpful!

I had a smear last year so I guess I wont be due another one before we start trying, or should I specifically go and get one? Sorry I am a bit clueless!

I THINK I had the MMR but will consider getting one just in case- that's a good point.

In am 26 so shouldn't have too many issues. Although when I was younger the dr mentioned I might have polycystic ovaries but didn't really do anything about it except put me on the pill. I don't really have many/any symptoms anymore though so I am hoping it wont be an issue.

Thanks again everyone.
Can't wait to start preparing!

I've just recently had a smear just in case as we're starting ttc. Discovered some minor abnormality so had follow up testing and biopsy to make sure it's nothing serious. Sounds like you've had a smear recently enough that there's no need to redo it yet. I live in the US so they lurrrrrrrrrrve a diagnostic test and they've taken blood to look for about nine different conditions just in case. In fact they discovered I have an underactive thyroid which can affect ability to get and stay pregnant.

Ah no- hope that all works out for you. Better to know I guess.
It will be 2.5 years since my last smear by the time we start trying so maybe I will ask to get an early one. Not sure if you can do that here though.

Good luck!

firsttimenewbie, you can definitely phone up in 2.5 years time and ask for a smear. That would be a great time to have a chat and ask the Nurse to check your vaccine history on the screen in front of them and any nuggets of advice they might have.