How did you prepare to get pregnant? Weight loss while TTC?

[Rapunzel91]

Hi all waves

Not sure if I should have posted this in weight loss but trying here!
It's finally getting to the point were DP and I might (hopefully!) start for a baby after wanting to try for almost a year!
So, what did everyone do to prepare to start trying for a baby? I went for a blood test in February due previous health issues not expecting anything to be wrong and got the result that there was an issue and it made me quite emotional. Nothing serious, just B12 and folic acid deficiency but my GP won't remove my coil until I've got my levels back up to normal due to the potential risk to a baby. Also want to mention that I went for several blood tests but GP cant figure out the reason why I have low B12/folic levels. Not veggie/vegan, no bowel issues or celiac, and my thyroid level is normal.

I'm also wanting to eat healthier/lose weight but not been very successful! blush Think my BMI is 28 and I really want to get in to a healthy way of living/stop the binge mentality before starting a family. I'm getting more in to an exercise routine and having gotten stronger/more stamina but I just can't seem to change my binge on crisps/chocolate every evening habit! I'm actually shocked I'm not bigger than I am thinking of the amount I'm able to consume in the evenings blush I'm 5"3 and 74 kg/11 stone 6 lbs. Does anyone have any words of wisdom/in a similar situation? Is it difficult trying to conceive while eating slightly less/more healthier? Want to add I'm not wanting to diet, I want to change my mindset on food/body and be healthy.
Also any other tips when preparing for a baby? I'm not a massive drinker but will not drink in the TWW.

Hi Rapunzel91

I can imagine getting that news was hard when you are already ready to start TTC. But I think it's great that you're getting things sorted before starting your journey to motherhood and the better health you have before even starting trying the less likely you'll have certain problems. Have you started taking supplements then? How soon are they going to check your levels again?

Trying to eat better is a great idea. I would start with replacing unhealthy snack foods with healthy ones instead (most of the time) Maybe a healthy nut mix? Also, if you're needing a chocolate fix, try having a small amount of dark chocolate (literally a square) rather than a bar or two of milk-chocolate. I find it's less moreish, while still giving you that chocolatey goodness. Dark chocolate in small quantities is fairly good for you as it contains antioxidants too.

Folic acid is an important vitamin for pregnancy, so try eating more foods which contain it (maybe have healthy cereal with folic acid in for breakfast) I think green veg, citrus fruits, legumes and grains have it too. You can take a supplement as well, as any excess you pee out so you can't really over-dose.

As for the B12, you say you've not vegan or veggie already, so that's good, so just try to eat oily fish once or twice a week (salmon etc), if you're having cereal for breakfast that's a good opportunity to have some milk. Maybe have a lump of cheese at lunch or dinner too? I think eggs and soy are good for B12 as well so regularly eating those wouldn't harm. I'm guessing the GP is investigating why you're deficient? Once you get the answer to that it may help you to know how to counteract the problem.

Just eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and grains and try to avoid eating too much sugar or salt.

The fact you're getting in to an exercise routine now is great too, you can keep that up and you can continue on through your pregnancy so long as you don't do anything too strenuous. Exercise while pregnant is said to benefit the mother and baby.

Your GP really refused to take out the coil when you have B12 and folate levels that can be treated by supplements? If I were you I’d complain. Some people just have lower baseline levels that normal and if vitamins do the job then that is not a barrier to ttc.

I'm surprised the gp refused to take your coil out, yes it is advisable to wait until you have leveled out but surely you could have it removed and try other methods of Contraception? It can take a while for cycles to even out so taking it out sooner is better.
Diet wise remember the 80/20 rule. It's okay to allow treats, in fact it's good to have them as you are less likely to binge if you allow a little of what you fancy. But try and find healthier alternatives. Dark chocolate or lower calorie chocolates. Try different Crisps such as lentil Crisps, they come in many normal yummy flavours but are a bit better for you.
Exercise wise just try to do at least half an hour a day, even if it's just a walk. Every little helps!
And start supplements for your low levels :)

As others have said op get onto the supplements ASAP as they should help. Why your doc didn't suggest that I don't know! They recommend taking a supplement 3 months before trying to conceive anyway. As far as I know excess folic acid is broken down easily so you could take a strong dose but I'm not sure about the B12.

Weight wise you're not too bad so tightening up on the snacking and maybe switching chips to veg (for example) will probably be enough to start seeing a drop. Slimming World would be a good idea as they have an adjustment for pregnancy built into their plan.

Thanks for all responses and advice, much appreciated!

I should have been a bit more clear; I've been put on supplements and have had several blood tests to find out what's causing the deficiency. I'm taking folic acid in tablet form and B12 as a spray, and will have a blood test again in 2 weeks time when I've been taking both for 3 months to see how my levels are. It's very difficult to be deficient in B12 (unless possibly vegetarian/vegan) through diet and because I'm lacking in both B12 and folic acid it suggest that it is something wrong with how my body digests (not sure that's the right why to say it!) it. Although I've tested for things like celiac disease, bowel issues and thyroid issues that are often the cause but they were all fine.

Thanks for all diet/exercise suggestions too, it's one of those scenarios where I know what I should do but for some reason I don't! I do really like healthy food and on an average day I'd say I have 2-3 portions of fruit and 1-2 of greens so although not great, not too bad either. It's more when I'm tired in the evening, watching TV that all my willpower seem to vanish and I'm reaching for the crisps/chocolate! Think I have to work on my attitude to having to "treat" myself in the evenings.

About my GP not wanting to remove the coil. I thought it was strange at the time but was more shocked about the test results then anything at the time. Have already booked an appointment to have it taken out which is good but do wish I would have had more time to potentially have my cycles regulate although they do say it's not necessary when coming off the coil.

@Rapunzel91 I'm glad the deficiencies are being addressed, hopefully a cause will be found so you can deal and move on. Snacking in the evenings is my downfall too but I lost half a stone in a month when I stopped! Good luck with everything!

Rapunzel91 I may be completely wrong about this, but it sounds like the evening snacking could be more out of habit or boredom? Have you tried occupying yourself with something else (knitting/crochet/painting your nails/writing/playing a video game) which might take your mind off reaching for the snacks? Also, if it is just that you get peckish of an evening you could also try changing what time you eat dinner and/or having a large glass of water when you start to feel that niggle of hunger. It'll fool your tummy in to thinking it's full. :)

So much easier to give advice than to follow it.

For the most part it sounds like you have quite healthy eating habits and are exercising, so you're on the right track! Keep it up.

Good luck with the test results.

Wow @Hidcat thats so impressive, well done on your weight loss!! Thank you both, will definitely try occupying myself with other things to distract myself from the snacking in the evening