Home To see the Dr. or not?

[split_shank]

Did any of you make a special appointment (other than your yearly exam) to see your doctor before TTC (Given no other medical problems)? Or did you just chuck the BC and go for it?!?

 

[snlee]

I didn''t see the doctor before we TTC. There''s not really a need to. Make sure you take a good prenatal vitamin before and/or while you TTC.

 

[qtiekiki]

I didn''t see the dr before we TTC. Then after we tried for more than 6 months, we went to our primary physican and he gave us a referral for an infertility specialist. But I got pregnant before I could make an appointment.

It''s a personal choice. If you have concerns that you want to discuss before TTCing, then make an appointment. Otherwise I don''t think an appointment is absolutely necessary.

 

[oobiecoo]

I didn''t go to the doctor but if we try for about 6 months without getting pregnant then we will go.

 

[neatfreak]

I mentioned it to my gyno at my yearly exam, but all she said was "start taking a prenatal early". So I don''t think you need to see your doc unless you have concerns or questions.

 

[Independent Gal]

I just mentioned to the nurse/midwife who used to do my annuals that we would be getting married and then getting busy. She basically said "Take a pre-natal and have fun! Call me when you''re knocked up."

So no, I don''t think you have to go. But do start taking that pre-natal on the early side, as both iron and folic acid build up in your system over time.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I didn''t either.

 

[MMMD]

I just chucked the birth control and saw the doctor after the positive home test.

 

[D2B]

I did, they took a full blood count, for base level measurements during pregnancy, and checked my rubella immunity, as it can wear off. Rubella (or German measles) is no problem if your immunity is up, but if you are pregnante and around children who have iit, it can be severely dangerous for the baby, biirth defects etc. very rare however.

Lucky for me I had my full blood done, as I developed a very rare pregnancy complication, which was completely out of the blue, so the doctors had base level measurements to compare against specifially for me, rather than using averages iykwim.

good luck
d2b

 

[D2B]

I did, they took a full blood count, for base level measurements during pregnancy, and checked my rubella immunity, as it can wear off. Rubella (or German measles) is no problem if your immunity is up, but if you are pregnante and around children / toddlers who have iit, it can be severely dangerous for the baby, biirth defects etc. very rare however.

Lucky for me I had my full blood done, as I developed a very rare pregnancy complication, which was completely out of the blue, so the doctors had base level measurements to compare against specifially for me, rather than using averages iykwim.

good luck
d2b

 

[Sabine]

You don''t need to. My yearly appt. just happened to fall the month before we wanted to start trying, and I told them that, but the only thing that differed from a regular appt. is they told me to start taking prenatals.

 

[split_shank]

Sounds like a majority don''t! I didn''t think so but hey, never done this before! Thanks!!

 

[Pandora II]

I spent a lot of time with my GP and my psychiatrist discussing TTC - but this was because I had to make decisions regarding my meds and because they need to have a team in place to support me through any problems during and after pregnancy.

I would still have discussed it with my GP though.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Is there any particular type of pre-natal vitamins that they recommend for those of us who have not started to TTC, but will in the next few months? I picked up some at Trader Joe''s. They have 800 mcgs of Folic Acid and 30 mg of Iron. Is this what I should be taking. Unfortunately, these pills are huge, and I''ve had a hard time taking them . . . .

 

[littlelysser]

I discussed the fact that we were going to start TTC with my gyno before we did...she basically wished us luck!

LV - As for prenatals - she recommended the GNC brand. From what I''ve seen, they are pretty complete...oh and I think they are all big...it is the nature of the beast.

 

[sbde]

my yearly physical and pap were scheduled about 3-4 mos before we were going to TTC so i mentioned our plans to both of those drs.

the gyn did give me a prescription for prenatals which i started taking straight away. other than that no other tests were done.

hope that helps!

 

[disneybride]

Split_shank, if you have any congenital health issues I would just make a quick appt to discuss TTC with your doctor. Sometimes they will want a full blood panel, and sometimes there is something in your history that would make your doc ask you to see a geneticist just to be on the safe side.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

I didn''t have an official appt. Just followed up at the yearly and let them know I wasn''t going to be on the pill anymore when the prescription ran out.

I know a few people who have met with Drs. though, to get put on a prenatal vitamin, but you can get that over the counter.

 

[:)]

Depends on your medical history. If you take any meds or have diabetes or impaired fasting glucose or a history of thyroid problems, on seizure meds, have high blood pressure, etc you need to see your internist.

If I may, I would just would like to grab an opportunity to put in a plug to make sure you are getting enough iodine in addition to the folic acid. There has been some interesting data relating to modern day iodine intake and hypothyroidism in early pregnancy (detrimental to the fetus) - basically as modern diets have changed (example lower sodium diets resulting in decreased table salt intake), our iodine intake has dropped and this can predispose to risk of hypothyroidism that can happen too early in pregnancy to detect and treat in time before the damage is done.

Look for iodized salt (you don't have to use a ton, just use it preferentially over the noniodized when you are TTC or early in pregnancy.) (Kosher salt and sea salt do not not have iodine either)

Alternatively, read your prenatal vitamin label to ensure it contains iodine. Most prenatal vits do not. This is probably the best way to ensure you get it.

It's an easy way to avert a potentially devastating problem.

Good luck!

 

[LaraOnline]

If you've got no concerns, nothing particular you're looking for, just chuck the BC!!
The doctor might tell you to start taking folic acid, I guess... (as in, a pregnancy / conception supplement)

 

[mtjoya]

I think that if you have any questions or concerns you should consult your gyno first. Just in case you have any med problems or so it would be better to check and make sure that everything is nice and dandy! that''s just my .02 ...Good luck!