my husband and i are planning on trying to get pregnant starting next month (may). what steps do i need to take for preparation? do i need to get blood work and other tests done first? prenatal vitamins..etc?
2007-04-20 06:56:15 · 11 answers · asked by elle101604 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
Folic acid and a good diet are the best things you can do. Other than checking for STDs and whether you have immunity to German Measles, I can't think of anything else that is necessary (if you do not have immunity, you can get a vaccine and then have to wait 3 months to get pregnant). Prenatals are not necessary, but if you feel you absolutely must have them, you do not need a prescription (I prefer Target brand since the FDA proved that they dissolve correctly). Your everyday vitamin is fine.
If you weigh more than 165 lbs., consider 1000 mg.of folic acid and start it now. You can get a supplement from the drug store without seeing your doctor. More than that isn't recommended unless you have had a family history of spina bifida or similar problems. If you do have a family history of spinal problems, make an appointment with doctor as you may need a much higher dosage that is only available through prescription.
Compare your diet with the Brewer Diet. While it may have too many calories at this time for you, it gives you a good idea what a good diet is. Finally, when reading what quantities of folic acid are available in different foods, the data on eggs is for free range chickens, not commercially fed chickens (much lower in folic acid). I just learned this recently.
2007-04-20 07:06:21 · answer #1 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, pick an OB/GYN and schedule a checkup and pap smear if you have not had one yet this year. When I visited my doctor, she gave me the following guidelines and suggestions:
1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Eat a healthy diet.
3. Stop taking your regular multi-vitamin, and start taking a prenatal vitamin. My doctor said it's okay to take OTC prenatals, but prescription ones are higher in folic acid. She also said you need to take them at least a month in advance before trying to get pregnant.
4. Don't smoke or drink alcohol.
5. Do one hour of physical activity at least four times a week.
In my case, my doctor did not feel that blood work or genetic testing was necessary. She did, however, ask if certain conditions and diseases ran in my family or my husband's family - for example, Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis. If you have questions about your health or any potential hereditary conditions you may pass on to your future child, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist. Good luck!
2007-04-20 13:44:20 · answer #2 · answered by ♀B♀S♀ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! You can start by choosing an OB/GYN and asking around various mom's groups to hear their experiences with their hospitals and birth plans, and see what they suggest.
Then, once you have your initial consultation with an OB/GYN you can get a prescription for a good prenatal vitamin. That is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that you won't miscarry and once you do get pregnant, those first few days are so important! Most women don't take prenatals until after they find out they are pregnant, when actually, the most vital time is before you even get pregnant!
Here is an article to explain:
http://www.tjclarkinc.com/pregnancy_nutrition.htm
Make sure you are at your optimal weight and start some strength training, too. Yoga and walking are wonderful ways to prepare your body. You don't want to start a diet while you are TTC.
Happy baby making!
2007-04-20 07:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by purplebinky 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would first start taking Prenatal Vitamins, you can get these over the counter at a drug/grocery store.
Start eating healthy and exercise frequently
Stop smoking (if you're a smoker)
Quit drinking caffenine
Go to your OBGYN for a check up
Have your spouse or boyfriend get a check up as well
Good luck
2007-04-20 07:18:10 · answer #4 · answered by Ben's Mommy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who PLANS a pregnancy when they are 16? I feel sorry for you because you have no idea what you are in for. You cannot even spell correctly, which indicates that for starters, you better finish high school. For the future, don't have babies with "amazing boyfriends." If he was really amazing, he wouldn't have gotten you pregnant to begin with. You need to wait and grow up and marry a responsible adult before you have any more kids. Sorry.
2016-05-19 22:19:39 · answer #5 · answered by bev 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prenatal vitamins and lots of folic acid. Exercise and healthy eating are also big pluses.
2007-04-20 07:00:07 · answer #6 · answered by Mom of 4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vitamins are a good thing to start right now, along with a very balanced diet, light excercise that can continue while your are pregnant (such as walking or swimming), and getting bad habits away from you, such as smoking, drinking, or caffeine.
2007-04-20 07:00:34 · answer #7 · answered by mamasquirrel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to lose some weight, and take folic acid.
After that the Dr. will order you to get bloodwork. My husband and I are trying too. Good Luck!
2007-04-20 07:01:51 · answer #8 · answered by corazon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if I was you i would get blood work done and all the other tests to be on the safe side when your baby comes
2007-04-20 07:51:05 · answer #9 · answered by lilmarinegirl07 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to ask your doctor, that is why we pay them the big bucks
2007-04-20 07:05:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋