Things You Wish You'd Known....

[YallaYalla]

Hi,

I'm just starting to get my head round all this TTC stuff and - unsurprisingly! - am already getting confused.

I have started Temping and taking Folic Acid, and am going to have my Bloods done later this month, but I'm wondering: what do you wish you known before you started all this? What are your lovely ladies' top tips?

If any of you could turn back the clock to when you started this journey, what would you have immediately done/been tested for etc, or started taking in terms of supplements and vitamins?

Also - and here's the biggie - do people REALLY give up alcohol when ttc? Obviously I know one needs to stop straight away when actually pregnant, but how much should or shouldn't I be quaffing of an evening? I've been merrily keeping up my 5 nights' a week wine schedule but have a feeling this is not the BEST approach to ttc!

So - be honest - what do others drink while ttc and how much little should I really be drinking?

Thanks ladies!

Judging my how many friends conceived following drunken nights out and how much we all drank in our 20's I wouldn't worry too much about it until you actually get the BFP and they you can knock it on the head...

...although in the 90's I went to France with a pregnant friend and the French family we stayed with couldn't understand why she wouldn't drink wine with her meals. Apparently pregnant French women (at least at that time) continued to enjoy a tipple with meals, albeit watered down, and the people we were staying with genuinely couldn't comprehend why she would want to give up wine for 9 months so it just goes to show how much culture affects things I suppose.

Oddy x

How long have you being TTC for and how old are you?

TBH if its been less than 6 months I would just take the folic acid. Until you know there may be an issue I wouldn't throw your money away on temperature kits.

Spend your money on some fab stockings and a bottle of wine instead, it will be much more fun.

As for alcohol, don't think I've ever conceived whilst sober.

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies!

Very much cheered by the prospect of lots of people conceiving while drunk, that sounds MUCH more fun than having to remain sober for weeks on end in the hope of maybe getting pregnant.

I've only just started ttc - I'm 33. I merrily partied throughout all of my 20s and while I don't go out on late ones nearly quite as much now, I am loathe to give up the vino totally

I have already invested in some fantastically sexy underwear, and the wine rack is well stocked, so I guess I shall just dive in all guns blazing.

I think I got rather alarmed reading some of the other threads on here when women speak about their partners pouring them a 'small glass or wine' the night AF arrives, as if to imply they only have a glass or two a month. There's no way I have that much self-control

It's not the sort of thing I can ask my doctor with a straight face...

I wish my doctor had told me to check my rubella immunity. There is not guarantee of immunity even if you did have the MMR at school. Contracting Rubella (German Measles) is very dangerous to the little one if you get it whilst pregnant. This is particularly important if you mix with a lot of kids - ie. if you're a school teacher or have other kids.

The likelihood of catching Rubella is probably fairly small but it's better safe than sorry!

I haven't given up alcohol but I have been trying so long I am loathe to give it up entirely. I have gone off drinking but that is more to do with hangovers and toddlers not mixing. I didn't give it up last time even in the first 3 months I had some watered down drinks. Mainly to hide from people (unsuccessfully) that I was pregnant.

Thanks Kittens - checked out rubella already, so that's all ok.

Lou - liking the idea of watered down drinks - I'm trying to make my gin and tonics a little less stiff these days, that's about the best I can manage!

If you are 33 and have just started ttc I wouldn't worry about it. Just look on the rest of the year as a year of fun with your DP.

If by next year you haven't managed to conceive, you may want to a trip to the doctor.