When to start & which one? TTC Prg Vitamins...

[lotsa_hugs]

Hi ladies
Just after a bit of advice on TTC pg vitamins....
I think I am going to start taking a pg vit in the next few weeks and just wondering when other ppl started taking them (in relation to when TTC or just once pg)?
Also, which one to take...?? There are sooo many out there & I feel a bit ridiculous asking the phamasist when we're not actually TTC yet...
Any advice would be much appreciated

[Miss E]

Blackmores has a conceive well multi vitamin that I started taking as soon as we started TTC. I replaced my everyday multi vitamin with it and found it really good. Some doctors etc will advise you to start taking folic acid up to 5 months before you conceive, so it doesn't hurt to start now. I've also heard of other doctors saying not to worry about taking anything until you actually fall pregnant... So I reckon just do what works for you

[ALW77]

I started taking Blackmores Conceive Well Gold about a month before starting TTC. My GP recommended starting to take folate about a month before and the Blackmores has the folate in it.

[MummaSue]

I've just posted a thread on multi-vitamins.

I've just started the Blackmores Gold one and it seems to be really good. I was recommended to start that rather than the Elevit as Elevit doesn't have enough iodine in it. And the Blackmores is an Aussie made one and has iodine in it for brain development.
I've heard that from a number of reliable sources and a friend of mine was actually prescribed the Blackmores when she was in hospital right at the start of her pregnancy.

I will say that if you do take either though, to take them with food. I'm taking some getting used to them I have to say. And there is a high iron content in them which is making me a bit constipated. But that can be remedied.

Good luck and I hope that helped.
Good luck
S X

[lotsa_hugs]

Thank you for you advice ladies
My Dr said to start taking folate any time now, but I am just wondering should I take just a folate one now, and then swap to the Blackmores Gold about a month before TTC, or should I just start to Blackmores one now...? I assume it has enough folate.?
I just want to make sure I am as healthy as possible when we start trying.

Sorry I'm asking lots of silly questions, but I have no idea! and I can't really talk to any of my friends about it as none of them have children yet & no one really knows that we are thinking about TTC soon..

Thanks again ladies!!

[JellyBean]

Hi lotsa hugs,

I would recommend taking Blackmores conceive well- provided that you are not already taking a multivitamin. The blackmores alone will be sufficient. If you are considering taking anything else to assist with conception- I can strongly recommend the supplement 'In-Liven' by MiVitality. There is an article on it here on bellybelly.
It consists of the full spectrum (all strains) of the probiotic friendly bacteria lactobacillus as well as 26 Organic Wholefoods. Lactobacillus friendly probiotic bacteria live in our digestive tract naturally, and are essential for optimum immune function and the effective absorption of nutrients. Things such as alcohol, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, pesticides and other toxic additives in our food kill off this essential friendly bacteria, making it harder to conceive. The 26 Organic Wholefoods make In-Liven a premium food-grade supplement rich in nutrients (the absorption of which is ensured by the probiotics), and taken prior to conception, will contribute to the production of healthy sperm (sperm take 3 months to fully mature). As it is cheifly a food/probiotic supplement- it is absolutely fine (and highly recommended!) to take In-Liven simultaneously with your pregnancy/breastfeeding supplements. You can purchase this online or from good health food stores, and it needs to be kept in the fridge once opened.
If your DH is not already taking a men's multivit- I suggest getting him onto a good Zinc supplement as Zinc is essential for sperm health. Ethical Nutrients do a good one (check out your local health food store).
If you are considering doing anything else- I would suggest you both do the Quick Cleanse 15 day detox available from most pharmacies and health food stores. Eliminating stored toxins in your liver, kidneys etc can significantly increase your chances of successful conception, as well as decrease the severity of nausea whilst pregnant. Just make sure you do not do the detox whilst you are pregnant, as the supplements are not recommended to take during pregnancy.
I hope this helps,

XX

[MummaSue]

Wow, Jellybean, that is really helpful!

I'm going to get some of that as soon as I can!!

Thanks
S X

[Bengal]

With the blackmore's have also started taking - B6 and Fish oil, it seems to be a very popular and productive choice for long term ttc'ers.

[lotsa_hugs]

Thanks for your advice ladies

I think I've decided that I'm going to just take Folate now and when we start TTC I will then switch to a pg multi vit (probably Blackmores). But I will double check this with the pharmasist when I go to the chemist over the weekend.
Thanks again ladies!