Preparing to conceive

[BlossomingSlowly]

Hello all!

My partner and I are thinking of TTC towards the end of 2022, but want to be prepared.

We are both runners so are very physically fit. I don't drink alcohol, he does but would be abstaining for a few months before TTC and during TTC. Both non-smokers.

I plan to start taking folic acid supplements a few months before TTC (any recommendations on which ones?!) but is there any other health supplements that either of us should start taking? Should I book a GP appointment to have some basic checks before we begin TTC? If so, how soon before TTC should I see my GP?

Also, due to family history, we'd like to look at pre-conception genetic testing, but have no idea where to start. If anyone has any experience with this please point us in the right direction

Thank you so much in advance ❤️

You can both get conception vitamins, l wouldn’t personally cut out alcohol completely it sounds like a lot of pressure and not much fun and unnecessary.
I’d make sure my vaccinations were up to date such as making sure you had all the mmr jabs as a child and if you didn’t get chicken pox as a child then get vaccinated.
Depending on your age, circumstances and how soon you’d like to conceive I might come off hormonal contraception ahead of time as it took me over 3 months to have my first period after I came off the combined pill which I’d taken for over 10 years and I was in my early 20’s.
I’ve never heard of GP being interested in preparing for ttc unless you have health conditions and medications that might require a review and even then they’d most likely only be interested once you’ve had a positive test.
You just refer yourself to a midwife once you’re pregnant.
This is based on the presumption you’re in the U.K.

Good advice above.

I'd come off hormonal contraception earlier than your planned start date and maybe try the conception vitamins too.

I don't think GPs in the UK are interested in you TTC unless you're having or are anticipating fertility issues. In fact, they don't usually do anything until you're 8 weeks along ime and that's the booking in appointment with midwives.

Book an appointment with your gp to get the ball rolling on the pre-conception genetic testing. I’m guessing you’re either worried that one or both of you could be carriers for a genetic condition that has already shown up somewhere in the wider family or has a higher incidence rate for your ethnic group (something like Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia?) GP should be able to explain how the condition or conditions that you worried about work genetically and what the potential risks are for of a child of yours, and sort testing.

Agreed, if on hormonal contraception then come off early and use other forms of protection.

Folic acid from at least three months before ttc.

Unless private, GP will unlikely run any fertility tests (they usually won't until you've ttc unsuccessfully for 12 months).

Enjoy the time before and during ttc. It can take over your life and be a long, difficult journey at times.

Sounds like you're already doing all the right things around lifestyle and supplements!

My GP recommended incorporating some strength exercises rather than just cardio - doesn't need to be anything crazy, just a bit of pilates for your core.

I'd second making sure you are up to date on vaccines. If you're on any regular medications check with your doctor if they are safe to continue or if you might need to change them for TTC/pregnancy.

Totally agree with PPs - allow yourself a good long break from hormonal birth control. We're about to start TTC, I came off the pill at the end of September and my cycles are averaging about 45 days long so far. Some women go back to normal cycles immediately, others it can take 6 months plus. It also allows you a chance to get to know your body, your hormonal ups and downs and how you feel around ovulation - it's been quite an education for me after 10 years of artificial hormones! I've been tracking my basal body temperature which is totally optional but personally I find it fascinating.

*end of August

Thank you all so much for the advice ❤️

Forgot to mention that I'm not on any hormonal contraception, we solely use condoms and have done for years without any accidents or worries. I'm on medication to manage my depression so will see GP regarding that, but a Google search suggests that I should be fine to continue taking them whilst TTC and during pregnancy.

There's so many options for multivitamins for both of us to take whilst TTC! I'd imagine whatever the brand they're all pretty much the same? Is it best to just go with a well-known brand?

I don’t know that they are all the same, I’ve heard some people have delayed cycles and things with certain ones like pregnacare for example, however, I took that for two lots of ttc and pregnancies and had no issue.
In preparation for ttc in a few months I’ve chosen proceive but that’s because I’m a lot older now, trying with a new partner and want to maximise my chances from the get go and have heard good things about these vitamins.

@BlossomingSlowly

Thank you all so much for the advice ❤️

Forgot to mention that I'm not on any hormonal contraception, we solely use condoms and have done for years without any accidents or worries. I'm on medication to manage my depression so will see GP regarding that, but a Google search suggests that I should be fine to continue taking them whilst TTC and during pregnancy.

There's so many options for multivitamins for both of us to take whilst TTC! I'd imagine whatever the brand they're all pretty much the same? Is it best to just go with a well-known brand?

Avoid Pregnacare; these boards are filled with threads on how they messed with people’s cycles.

Avoid multivits that have vitamin A in as can be harmful.

My Dr told me to start taking a supermarket pregnancy multivitamin so I’ve been taking the Asda ones! She also recommended Wellman Conception for DH.

Have fun!