TTC preparation checklist

[Parisbluecat]

Hi all! This is my first post as I’m preparing to ttc next year or so. I just turned 35.
I was wondering if there’s a “checklist” of stuff I should do before, especially given my age (I’d probably be 36 when I start ttc).
I thought visit to the gyno, but wondering whether anything else.

• test compatibility between my partner and me, so as to be able to start asap if we need fertility treatments?
• test for genetic issues in myself and my partner (also given increased risk of issues such as down’s/autism in older mothers)?
• freeze my eggs just in case, as I’m 35 and they decrease in quality afterwards?

Are these things you do in advance? Am I overthinking it all? I’m very new to this (I never seriously considered having children until recently) and quite confused.
Thanks a lot!

This sounds crazy, unless you’re not in the uk?
Start folic acid and or ttc vitamins for you, and possibly your partner if they want to.
Come off any contraception and I’d give it a few months to get your cycles back.
Start trying. And start saving for Mat leave.
And I wouldn’t wait til next if they’re wasn’t a good reason.

All I've done is try to be healthy, take folic acid and other vitamins and come off contraception.

I'd just go for it. It might take you months to conceive. Especially if you are worried as doctors usually want 6 months to a year of trying before they'll do any tests

Thanks a lot for the response! Folic acid sounds like a good idea. I’m not on contraception :) and not in the uk
I realise it’s best to start ttc as soon as possible when one hits 35, but emotionally it’s difficult for us - we’ve never been really sure about whether to we wanted kids or not, we’re only now starting to lean towards “probably yes” but wouldn’t want to rush it when we are not still 100% sure. So I want to make sure that, if and when we do it, we have as good chances as possible.

Thank you so much - well noted!!
About testing - it’s because I’m wondering about freezing my eggs - I wouldn’t want to go through all the trouble of freezing them if it turns out my partner and I are not even compatible after all.

I presume you mean genetic compatibility? Conceiving compatibility isn't really a thing! There's not really a purchase-able test for this.

If you want to begin some basic testing I'd say semen analysis for him and AMH for you. Are your cycles normal and are you off hormonal birth control? A private fertility assessment for both is approx £500

Egg freezing is not a guarantee - many eggs don't survive freeze and thaw.

Honestly, I would go to the dentist before TTC to make sure you won't need x-rays or have to live with pain while pregnant etc.

I dyed my hair closer to my natural colour so I wouldn't need to dye it while pregnant. Just think about your preferences. Is there anything you do or don't want to do while pregnant? And then plan accordingly. Of course you never know how long it will take you to actually conceive but good to try and get your boxes ticked first.

Thanks a lot for this - I’m so clueless, I had no idea about the difference. I also did mot know about AMH. I just googled it and will definitely be asking my gynaecologist in my next visit next month. My cycles are normal and I’m off birth control.
My partner may also check on his side.
Thanks a million for your response!

The dentist! It would never have occurred to me! Thanks so much.
Definitely taking that advice to heart - I had an idea along those lines - I dont have my license yet, so I’m working hard to get it asap in case we finally decide to ttc soon.