What to do to prepare TTC

Parentberries
1

I get mixed responses on this topic. Everyone in my family just gets off of birth control for a few months then they start trying.

Some people seem to do so much more.

So how do you go about figuring out when you’re ovulating and what all is necessary to prepare to start trying?

2

I downloaded an ap for my phone. There are several out there and they are free, it’s pretty much which ever you personally prefer. I find it the most helpful. Banycenter and what to expect both have lots of resources avail.

3

Trying to time for ovulation may introduce systematic error and make conception more difficult. Take your prenatal vitamins, be in love, and let nature take its course.

4

I think the most important things are:

  • Be healthy. Eat well and get at least a little exercise.
  • Take prenatal vitamins before even TTC. I’ve seen this suggested in multiple places. If anything, you’ll have nice hair and nails! I actually know some people who take them just for that reason.
  • Be financially stable. You don’t need to be a millionaire, just make sure you and your SO have steady jobs with an income that will easily support everything baby needs. Living paycheck to paycheck and going into debt only get worse when you have a baby.
  • Have a great relationship with your SO. Make sure you’re on the same page about everything - how many kids, how to raise them, schooling, etc. Some stuff is slightly negotiable, but make sure you’re at least mostly in agreement.

There are lots of other things you could do but I think those are the most important things to do before TTC. Ovulation really depends on each person and might vary a little after getting off BC while your cycle gets back to it’s normal rhythm. Usually it’s about 14 days after your period starts (I think, correct me if I’m wrong), but it’s not exactly the same for everyone. It depends on your own cycle. There are apps that can help, but I think the most accurate ways are charting, taking your temperature and (maybe gross) checking out your mucus. I can’t remember specifics but there are certain changes that happen in your body when you are about to ovulate. Ovulation prediction kits are out there too for some extra help.

[name]One[/name] piece of advice I have (even though I don’t have kids yet) is not to get too worked up about it. Take it easy and don’t let the pressure of conceiving ruin the fun of trying :slight_smile:

5

Folate! this is a must. Ideally 3 months prior to TTC.

Get fit as you can- reduces your risks for pregnancy complications.

emiliaj

6

Have you read the book What to Expect Before You’re Expecting? I am a healthcare professional, and I found it very informative! Prenatals are a must. Visit your regular doc or your lady dr for a checkup now. Make sure you have all systems in check so there are no surprises when you get preggo (thyroid, diabetes, whatever). Get up to date on your immunizations now before you’re pg. I use the iPhone app [name]Pink[/name] Pad to track cycles. G’luck!

Cheers!

˙·٠•”:heart: [name]Poppy[/name]

7

I’d start taking folic acid now, if I were you. The more your body has, the better. Start tracking your cycles. Be prepared for the fact that it might take a long time. [name]Don[/name]'t get disheartened. Figure out when you ovulate and baby dance around that time for a higher chance of conception.

Best of luck! [name]Hope[/name] you get your positive asap :slight_smile:

8

When we started TTC, my best friend, who is a nurse, suggested fertility charting. I found a website that let me put my info in daily and then suggested which days I would be most fertile on. Ovulation can vary quite a bit from person to person or even from cycle to cycle. Not to give you TMI, but mine will sometimes be around day 15 and other days has been as late as day 20. I tend to have a 29 day cycle, so it’s just the ovulation that varies. All you need to start doing it is a basil body thermometer. It’s like a regular thermometer that takes your temp to an extra digit for added accuracy.

I had good results with charting both times that we’ve TTC. I got pregnant 6 weeks after we decided to try the first time. The second time, I started charting a few months before we were ready to get an idea about my cycles. When we started TTC the second time, I got pregnant the second month. That’s probably unusual, but I really think that charting made a difference, especially since my ovulation times vary so much from month to month. Good luck!