NEWBIE just joined :-) Where do I start?

[grubhoney]

Hello,

I'm Donna, 31, my hubby is 34.
I stumbled across this website whilst googling all things conception and TTC related.
Hubby and I have finally agreed to seriously start TTC, but we have no idea where to start.
Only thing we have done so far is run to the Chemist Warehouse to start taking Menevit, and Elevit and Vitex for me.
As for tests and doctor visits - we have no idea what to do, and I have never tracked my cycle and ovulation.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
x

[*EJ*]

Hi and welcome

A very basic explantion from me would be to start tracking your cycle. Find out exactly how long they are (probably want to get an average day count from a couple maybe) and then there are ovulation calanders online that can calculate the approx time you may ovulate. Then when you know your ovulations days that is pretty much when you want to BD (baby dance) and hope for the best.

I never took the Elevit so i'm assuming there is sufficiant amounts of folic acid in that because if not then that may be the only other thing you'd want to be taking right now.

As i said this is really basic as i never had to go into to much more effort when falling pregnant but there is a wealth of info from some very informative ladies on here so i'm sure you'll get more information soon.

Good luck and i hope 2012 is a lucky year for you guys

[~ Mylitta ~]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on starting your TTC journey.

Many care givers will recommend starting folic acid supplements (or pregnancy vitamins that include the recommended amount of folic acid) anywhere from 1 - 3 months before trying to fall pregnant, so starting them asap is a great start

Like EJ mentioned, tracking your cycle is a great way to get to know your body better and increase your chances of falling pregnant by "doing the deed" at the right times in your cycle. I used a fantastic website online called "Fertility Friend" (you can google it) that is free. It has lots of great info on how to start checking your basal temperature each morning, how to chart your temperature, and also other symptoms (like cervical mucus) that can be listed on your chart. Based on all the info you put in the chart it can guess when you are most likely fertile and what date you are likely to ovulate. I also found that it was a great way for me to really feel like I was actively doing something to bring a baby into our lives (and for me it was fun, lol). Word of warning though... It can become addictive and you can become a little obsessed watching that little chart grow with your temps and looking at patterns.

I also headed off to my GP before trying to conceive to find out if there were any tests that I should have done. He sent me off for some bloods that included things like iron levels, immunity levels to certain diseases (like rubella) and a few other things. He also gave me a kit that we could use if we wanted to me to be tested to find out if I was a carrier for cystic fibrosis. It cost a bit to have the test done, but if it had come back positive you can get your partner tested for free. The main thing my GP emphasized though was the need to take folic acid supplements.

I wish you all the best and hope you TTC journey is a short one that leads into a lovely pregnancy journey for you

[OceanPrincess]

Welcome!! Don't really have anything to add to the above but just wanted to say hi!!

There are TTC buddy threads on here - a great way to chat with others who are going through the same things as you. Good luck to you!

[nickle730]

Welcome! Now is a good time to make sure your pap smear is up to date...