Alcohol, diet etc when 'pre pregnant' - what do you do?

[MorrisZapp]

Hiya. I'm 37 and came off the pill a few months ago. Currently have my period so obviously not pregnant.

We're not 'trying' as such but then we're not trying to avoid pregnancy either so who knows what might happen and when - we're 'passively trying' I guess. We don't have sex that often so maybe it won't happen at all.

Is it generally considered OK to drink alcohol, eat casual non-pregnant diet etc when you're in this limbo stage?

I don't smoke so that's not an issue. What to people who are actively ttc do?

Also, do you take folic acid?

Definitely take folic acid. It can't hurt. As to whether or not you change your lifestyle - food, alcohol, exercise etc - you probably should, but most people don't in my experience, unless they are experiencing fertility problems.

Can I be nosey and ask why you're not 'actively trying' but 'not avoiding getting pregnant'?

I took vitamins. That's about it.

Enjoy the freedom to eat/drink whatever you want before you conceive. It doesn't matter in the early weeks of conception, either. (They say drinking/smoking etc decrease your chances of conceiving, but not in my experience)

Yes, start taking folic acid while TTC, even informally.

It's Ok to be nosey!

I'm one of those weird women who isn't exactly sure if she wants kids or not. Sometimes (and increasingly) I definitely do, sometimes I'm pretty sure I don't.

I'm 37 and aware of time slipping by to make up my mind. DP wants to have one and so do I deep down, but I have all these (totally rubbish and superficial) reasons why I don't want to.

I know if I was pg I'd be over the moon and if it all went smoothly I'd never look back. But it's bringing myself to the starting line... I'm funny about it.

I guess I'm turning a blind eye and waiting for nature to (hopefully) make this life changing decision for me.

It's like my head is still in the sand, and I'm a teenager thinking 'pregnancy is wrong! I have my whole life ahead of me to do it later!', but of course in reality I'm elderly on the maternity scale already, and have very little time ahead of me, if indeed any - who knows.

Oh hurrah, thanks for the advice. I'm not a heavy drinker by any means but I'm glad I don't have to give it up

Folic acid looks easy enough, thanks for the heads up.

(wonders if actually buying and swallowing folic acid counts as turning a blind eye... ok, I'll do it with a fake moustache on or something)

A very honest answer!@MorrisZapp.

My friends and I all applaud and cheer when famous older women get pregnant - it always feels like it's buying us some more time! Or even non famous women like my sil who had her first at 40 and is doing absolutely brilliantly and brims with energy.

Some of my friends don't have the luxury of a DP etc though so it's a bit different for them. I do count my blessings on that score.

Well, it certainly is a growing issue (if 'issue' is the right word - sorry, don't mean to make it sound newsworthy or anything!). I'm in my 30s and am the only one of my circle of oldest girlfriends to have children or even be in a serious relationship.

Hi - That sounds very familiar! My DP and I were in a very similar situation trying but not actively trying as it were. I did get pregnant and after the inital total shock (especially from my husband) we were absolutely delighted and totally commited to the idea. It is a very strange moment when you do get pregnant and takes a bit of getting used to - excited and terrified. Sadly I had a miscarriage recently but its made us all the more committed to keep trying.

Hi Liney, that's such a shame you had a mc, I'm really sorry to hear it. Hope all goes well and you have a healthy pregnancy next time, fingers crossed eh.

I know I'd be just like you if I did get pg (excited and terrified!) but I'd get used to the idea. I'm getting a bit old for covering my ears and going LA LA LA whenever anybody asks me if I'm planning to have kids

Hi - Good luck to you too. It sounds like you do really want it but are just unsure how you'd cope (just like me!) As everyone told me you do cope - nothing in your life (work etc) is so fixed you can't work round it (and you've nine months to get used to the idea!).

Morris you sound exactly like me i conceived in exactky the same way as you with the same reasons at 36 after 8 weeks.....
now thinknig abou tthe same circs for no2 maybe if my sparly wine works tongiht and i throw caution to the wind

poor typing wine may be working already

Morris (love the name btw! are you a David Lodge fan too by any chance??), I can sympathise. I've been in the same position. Definitely take folic acid (just consider it a vitamin). Don't worry about giving up alcohol. Try to eat vaguely healthily. I'm sure it won't make any difference, but knowing you did might make you feel better during any pregnancy!
Good luck with whatever happens.

Love this thread! Yes, I am a David Lodge fan and am delighted that somebody spotted the name Absolutely love those books.

Have just bought some Pregnacare Plus Omega 3 tabs at Superdrug - they were half price, which I will take as a sign! I will start necking them today.

My general diet and exercise isn't too shabby anyway so I wouldn't make many changes if I was pregnant I suppose.

Hurrah for 'blind eye' conceptions!! DP is on golf holiday just now but I may ply him with a large gin and tonic when he gets home.... rarrr!

MorrisZapp, you are a woman after my own heart! I was exactly the same from Mar-Sep and now am actively trying. I take sanatogen pro-natal but still do circuit trg and drink- butI'm not a heavy drinker anyway.