Preconception

[Marcasite]

It's gonna be a while before we start trying to conceive, at least a year because I need to finish school and maybe more depending on our financial situation at the time. Nonetheless I'm hoping for a baby within the next couple of years and I want to do everything I can to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby. I've started the dreaded task of quitting smoking (I'm down to 1.5 a day but I know I need to take the plunge and quit completely...) and I'm going to be talking to my doctor about going off the effexor (the only reason I'm still on it is because the withdrawl is brutal). I'm also trying to enjoy life without kids while it's still just the two of us :P.
Aside from that, what else can I do in preparation? And what should I do once we actually take the plunge and start trying (though I'll probably make a whole new thread by then anyhow :P)
Did you do anything to prepare for your pregnancy?
Do I need to get a life?
:D

[Chesna]

I would first talk to your doctor before quitting or reducing med dosage..find out what meds are safe during pregnancy. If you dont have a healthy diet now..start..make sure to get lots of folic acid. It also might not be a bad idea to start prenatal vitamins..otherwise, exercise and reduce and quit unhealthy practices (ie smoking, drugs, drinking ect ect)

Most of all..enjoy time before baby and all the practicing to conceive time!! *wink*

Chesna

[HorseCrow]

Folic acid, vitamins, healthy diet and exercise!

[DreamSpell333]

Folic acid, vitamins, healthy diet and exercise!


What horsecrow said! all of those are important! :) especially folic acid,as it will help prevent neural tube defects! and have fun practicing to concieve! :hugz:

[Morr]

OMG Marcasite!

You READ my mind! :lol:

I was just about to post here about asking for tips and advice about preparing my body for a healthy pregnancy.

Semi and I decided that in March 2007, we will begin TTC.

So I want to prepare my body as much as possible.

I am 1 week and 5 days without a single cigarette.
I've gained some weight, but I plan on eating healthier not only for future pregnancies, but also because I need to look good in my wedding dress LOL

I am also thinking of going to a Gyno and talking to him/her about it. Would they have any good advice? I dont really like going to doctors *mutters* I always feel stupid when I ask them questions and they patronize me.

Anyways, thanks for the thread, and thanks to those who have replied as well!

[Athena-Nadine]

A few months before Mark and I were planning to start trying to get pregnant, I went to my OB/GYN for a preconception exam/consultation. They checked for all of the genetic risk factors like cyctic fibrosis, ran blood tests to check my thyroid (Graves disease runs in my family), checked for HIV gonorrhea and siphilis, went through my family medical history and discussed my history of depression, did a PAP test and cervical exam, prescribed prenatal vitamins for me, and went over an ideal diet and exercise plan. We also discussed conceiving, how long it may take and how long to try before beginning to worry.

It was the longest time I have ever spent at my doctor's office, but by the time I left every question I could think of had been answered and most of the tests people hae done after they find out they're pregnant were done beforehand so I didn't have to worry about them anymore.

So my advice is for you to eat well, exercise as much as you can, take a vitamin with folic acid, and at least 3 months before you are going to start trying, see your doctor to ensure you are as healthy and happy as possible.