Preparing for TTC way in advance!

OK, I still have some time to go (at least 1 year)! but I am a planner and like to plan and know everything - always be prepared! So is there anything I should be doing a year in advance? I already take vitamins (Flintstones) My stomach can't handle any others. I exercise regularly and am trying to eat healthier.
I can't start charting or anything because I am on the pill.
Are there any books I should read? TCOYF? Or is it too soon?
I am going to talk to my Dr. at my next appointment which is in May, but if you girls have any advice for now I would like to hear it!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

it sounds like your doing exactly the right thing! vitamins, exercise and eating right are the way to go, and of course reading tcoyf doesnt hurt either! talk to your gyn, and tell him your plans- good luck

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

I think your doing all the right things.. when the time gets a little closer you might want to start with some extra Folic Acid which is very important for the baby to have the first few weeks your pregnant.

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Does anyone with a bad stomach take folic acid? I am so nervous. I have ibs and lactose intolerance and cannot stand any vitamins but flintstones. I also have certain eating habits and any changes are not good. Do you think i should try to take it now or wait until my next Dr. appointment in May?

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

I dont think folic acid will bother your tummy its the pre natals ( that you still dont need a year in advance) that sometimes bother ppls stomachs.
My opinion would be you wouldnt need any of this stuff so far in advance.. I think a couple or a few months in advance is usually great..
Think about how many woman get pregnant and werent even trying and were not on anything..
So personally I think a couple months in advance before you start to TTC would be plenty of time..
See what your doc thinks..

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

the only thing you can do in advance aside from what you're already doing (you're so organized) is to go off the pill to see what your cycles are. I went off the pill right after the wedding to see how my cyles were but did not try to get PG for another 4 months after that.

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Thanks for asking this, this is my tentative plan as well....

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Julz, taking 2 Flintstone vitamins a day has enough folic acid, which is the same amount a pre-natal pill has. I took 2 flintstone vitamins a day when I was pregnant and the doctor said it was okay.

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

PLEASE take your folic acid. A friend of mine, took her folic acid but her doctor never asked her if she went for B-12 shots, and she did as a kid....she should have been on a much higher does of folic acid because of her B-12 deficiantcy. As a result, she had a baby that had Spina Bifida. It hits a fetus the first 4 weeks of pregnancy...before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Luckily, her baby is fine...nothing major wrong with him!!

So please ladies, TAKE YOU FOLIC ACID! even way before you think you will conceive!! Its soooo important!!!

Message edited 1/4/2006 12:26:02 PM.

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Thanks for asking, I am not TTC at the moment either, but this is good information to know.

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

I have major issues with Acid Reflux and usually get nauseated by most vitamins so i was nervous to start taking pre-natals - like you i'm a total planner! But, i got mine from twin lab - the vitamin is divided in two parts so to speak - so you can take it at two different times during the day which makes it less difficult - it is perfect for me - does not make me sick at all.

GOOD LUCK

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

how much folic acid should you be taking?

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

for me it was pre-natal vitamins and 400 mg of folic acid at least 3 months prior to TTC.

i also wanted to make sure i was off the pill at least a year prior to TTC. i had been off way longer, but in the back of my head i always had the "at least one year rule". different dr.'s have different opinions, but for me personally i wanted to make sure my body had plenty of time to "get back to normal". i never liked the pill and doubt i will ever go back to it...

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Thanks girls, your responses were very helpful!
I just ordered TCOYF! So I will get started on that soon.

Flinstones vitamins have 400 mcg of Folic Acid. I searched online and believe this is enough for me for right now. I will ask my Dr. about an additional folic acid pill in May at my next appointment.
I found this article on drugstore.com if anyone is interested in amounts of folic acid:

Q: How do I choose a prenatal vitamin? How much folic acid do I need?

A: Many prenatal vitamins are available, both by prescription and over the counter. Along with other ingredients, prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, a B vitamin that's very important to the development of a healthy baby. Studies have shown that taking at least 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid a day during the first three months of pregnancy can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Some doctors think that the 400 mcg of folic acid contained in an ordinary multivitamin, together with a healthy diet, is enough. But other doctors believe that prenatal vitamins are a better choice since they contain larger concentrations of folic acid, and may provide additional iron, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C.
Nonprescription prenatal vitamins generally contain 500 to 800 mcg of folic acid. Prescription-strength prenatal vitamins generally have 1,000 mcg, also labeled 1 mg.

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

Julz I love the baby pictures she is so cute!!

Re: Preparing for TTC way in advance!

After I went off the pill I downloaded on ovulation calendar from (i think) ivillage. I tracked my cycle for a few months and learned I have a 26 day cycle. The calendar told me when I should be ovulating. DH and I got pregnant on the first try!