Hindsight 20/20? Any Advice For The 6 Months Before You Got Preggers?

[tiffjake]

My husband will be home from Iraq again in Dec and we are looking at "trying" and I want to get as ready as I can. Anyone have any tips? What would you do different if you could? Different vitamins? Lose weight? (I am over weight). I went off of the pill in Nov of 2005, and had my first period on my own about 2 weeks ago, so that is really promising! Anyway, any tips would be appreciated! (ps-I am gluten-free, and I will be through the whole thing, so that is not a concern)

[Canadian Karen]

FOLIC ACID!!!! It's a must! The baby's nervous system and spine etc. are already developed before you even know you are pregnant, so having folic acid already abundant in your system is essential!

Karen

[tiffjake]

FOLIC ACID!!!! It's a must! The baby's nervous system and spine etc. are already developed before you even know you are pregnant, so having folic acid already abundant in your system is essential!

Karen

How much ya think? I got a prenatal vitamin, and it has 400 mg, do you think I should take more? I need to be google-ing this stuff, I just feel overwhelmed with all of the info out there!

[jerseyangel]

Tiff--This is GREAT news!!! I was actually thinking about you the other day--that you and your husband must be enjoying your time together. I think the pre-natal vitamin you are taking is fine. 400 mg is the recommended amount. Other than the vitamin, just try and stay as healthy as you can, eat well (lots of fresh fruits and veggies), pure water, a little walking, and just be happy, relaxed, and enjoy this time!

[Smunkeemom]

I agree with Karen on the Folic acid, also start taking a good multi-vitamin now, you don't know what you are going to be able to eat when you get pregnant (morning sickness, which btw doesn't alway come in the morning) so you will want to start out as healthy as possible.

On a more practical note, start looking for a good OBGYN, ask around to people who have already had kids, you don't want to find out half way through pregnancy that you don't like yours (or have to fire her and get a new one half way through labor, like I did)

[wonkabar]

Folic Acid is essential PRIOR to conceiving. You should start taking your pre-natal vitamins NOW. The amount of Folic Acid in your pre-nates is sufficient. I was on prenates 3 or 4 months before we tried to conceive. Karen is 150% correct; the embryo is in full-swing developmentally before you even know you're pregnant! An insufficient amount of folic acid is directly linked to neural tube defects in babies (ie., Spina Bifida). A good dietary habit to get into, pre-conception, is to eat foods rich in folic acid inconjunction with taking your pre-nates. Spinach is a great source of folic acid. I ate spinach salad several times a week for lunch during my first pregnancy. Total Cereal (with fresh raspberries) is an excellent source of folic acid. Peppridge Farm makes a bread that's a good source of folic acid, too. I ate it throughout both of my pregnancies. I can't think of the name off the top of my head. Check out nutritional labels on food as well. There are tons of things that are enriched with folic acid.

Drink LOTS and LOTS of water!!! Your uterus is like a gigantic sponge. Dehydration, even minimally, can cause contractions. It's also good for your amneotic fluid levels. If you're not a big water drinker add some sliced lemons into it. Or, make fresh brewed decaffinated green tea and add sliced lemon to it. Green Tea is fine while you're pregnant (NOT the herbal teas, though) and it also has anti-oxidants which are good for you. You can buy the Mr. Coffee Iced Tea maker for about $20 at Target.

Loosing a little weight is never a bad idea. I had gained about 30 pounds before we started to try (I'm a BIG stress eater and was dealing with a whole lot of stress...my brother was ill.) I weighed 180 lbs when I got pregnant the first time and 185 lbs the second time; I'm only 5 feet tall. I didn't have any weight related problems throughout either one of my pregnancies. But, if you have a few months to work with, I'd definately try to drop a few pounds. It's a lot harder to loose after you have the baby. My body wiggles and jiggles in places I didn't know could wiggle and jiggle!! (I'm at 185 lbs right now.)

God, I hope I didn't bore you...I didn't realize how long this was. Best of luck and HAVE FUN trying!!

--Kristy

[mart]

Want to get pregnant fast? If you find that you don't get pregnant the first month you try, start taking Robitussin Guaifenesin syrup (adult dosage twice a day). It was recommended to me by a fertility specialist friend that explained that thinner cervical mucous allows better passage for sperm to reach the egg cell.

I got pregnant that very first month I used the Robitussin. I didn't want to wait because I was going to be 35!

Oh sorry, I forgot to tell you to start taking it about a week into your period. Keep taking it until after you're certain you've ovulated (mid cycle). And don't worry...this med cannot harm a fetus.

[Melzo]

It is so exciting to be "trying." That is the fun part. Right now I am four months pregnant. When I look back, I would have treated my body like I was pregnant. I just figured I could have a glass of wine, because I wasn't pregnant yet. I may have had a glass when I was pregnant - I know one won't likely cause any harm, it just sticks with me in the back of my head. I worry. My ultrasound is on Monday and I hope that calms me down!!

GLUTEN FREE prenatal vitamins are essential. My ob/gyn gave me a script for prenatals (however I found out that they contained gluten). Once you find out that you are pregnant, kick the folic acid up to at least 1,000 mg. My prenatal contained 800 mg of folic acid.

Eat well, don't stress out - just have fun!! I didn't conceive right away because I was stressed out at my job. I ended up conceiving THE DAY I quit my job. It is amazing how much our minds control our bodies.

I wish you and your husband the best of luck. I would also like to thank him for serving our country. I admire his courage.

Best Regards,

Mel

[Guest Robbin]

How exciting!!! I recommend walking and strengthening your back, legs and abdomen as much as possible. Prepare like you are going to run in a marathon. It will save you many years of pain. Wish I would have done that! Also, try not to gain too much weight if you have a tendency towards gaining. It is very, very hard to lose it sometimes afterward, and you will not have as much time to care for yourself as before baby. I also seriously believe that being on a good sleep schedule while you are pregnant will make the baby calmer. My first pregnancy occured during a difficult time and the baby was very fussy and slept poorly. My second was smoother, calmer and the baby was so calm and happy. I don't know if anyone has had similar experiences, but it is good to be on a schedule anyway for your own health. God bless and hopefully we will hear the good news soon!!!

[nettiebeads]

I wasn't planning to get pregnant when i did (that's what usually happens though, isn't it?) And was riding my bike to work and back for a total of 6 miles a day. My bod was in the best shape it had ever been. (and hasn't been since and my baby is now 22 ) All the advice here is good. The folate, and excersize. Walking is the best though. You do want to get your body toned up because as soon as you get preggers, all of the body's resources go to the baby. Good luck and keep us posted!

Annette

[Guest cassidy]

We are going to be trying soon as well. Here is what I'm doing to get healthier:

My doctor said that capsule vitamins are better than tablet vitamins. She said they have to heat things up so hot to make the tablets that some of the vitamins can be destroyed. I am finishing up my tablet prenatal vitamins and then I'm going to try to find a gluten-free capsule.

I'm eating hemp seeds every day. You can buy them online, I got mine at amazon. They have omega 3 & 6 and I like it better than taking a supplement of those things.

My doctor said that digestive enzymes and probiotics are very helpful during pregnancy. I'm on both now and I will continue to stay on them.

I read the best possible book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. It was amazing. It teaches all sorts of things about your cycle. It helps you chart your fertile days and explains so many things I had no clue about. I highly recommend it.

I would recommend losing weight and starting a good exercise routine.

[mommida]

Water Aerobics! Start now, get toned up and increase your stamina. You can keep up the exercise while your pregnant and knowing that you are going to be in a bathing suit the whole pregnancy will keep you on a good healthy diet.

If you have any furniture that is high or top heavy get rid of it or bolt it to the wall, by the time you would stop to think about this you'll be way to busy to get it done.

L.

[ladyx]

My husband will be home from Iraq again in Dec and we are looking at "trying" and I want to get as ready as I can. Anyone have any tips? What would you do different if you could? Different vitamins? Lose weight? (I am over weight). I went off of the pill in Nov of 2005, and had my first period on my own about 2 weeks ago, so that is really promising! Anyway, any tips would be appreciated! (ps-I am gluten-free, and I will be through the whole thing, so that is not a concern)

I got most of my tips from the book"How to choose the sex of your baby" It is not only for choosing babies sex but it helps you get pregant no matter what sex you want. You can probably google it and find it online. It will help you know when you are ovulating...the best positions for pegnacey (doggie style) and give you other tips...if you want to make sure your not to acidic to let the sperm get to the egg...they suggest a baking soda duce before hand....anyway..I checked my copy out from the library cause I am cheap...good luck. Warning baking soda duce will up your odds of having a boy

[tiffjake]

Thanks so much everyone! I *think* I might already be pregnant....but maybe I am just crazy. My husband has only been home for 13 days, but about 3 days ago I started getting nausa all the time (about two bites into my food I want to throw up everything). At first I thought it was a gluten reaction, and then I noticed it was at EVERY meal. And I have been dropping things and stubbing my toes (not like me). I was talking to a friend who said that she got clutzy with all of her pregnancies, and that was her first sign (even before missing a period!) so that got me thinking. On the other hand, I am still on my first few cycles after going off of the pill. She (a nurse) also suggested that my body is still trying to get adjusted to my normal hormones, and perhaps this is the ovulating cycle for me (at least this month) and nothing more. Anyway, I took a test and home, and it was negative, but I know it would be REALLY early if I was pregnant, so maybe it wouldn't show up on test. I don't know. For now, I am stick with the vitamins, and acting like I am already pregnant, not drinking and eating healthier (though I was in Vegas last week, and did drink, it was minimal, and hopefully, not harmful if I am pregnant).....but as my husband keeps reminding me, I need to stop all of this "if" stuff and just wait and see if I am!!!! Just wanted to update you all and thank you so much for the advice!!!! You gals are the best!

[ladyx]

Thanks so much everyone! I *think* I might already be pregnant....but maybe I am just crazy. My husband has only been home for 13 days, but about 3 days ago I started getting nausa all the time (about two bites into my food I want to throw up everything). At first I thought it was a gluten reaction, and then I noticed it was at EVERY meal. And I have been dropping things and stubbing my toes (not like me). I was talking to a friend who said that she got clutzy with all of her pregnancies, and that was her first sign (even before missing a period!) so that got me thinking. On the other hand, I am still on my first few cycles after going off of the pill. She (a nurse) also suggested that my body is still trying to get adjusted to my normal hormones, and perhaps this is the ovulating cycle for me (at least this month) and nothing more. Anyway, I took a test and home, and it was negative, but I know it would be REALLY early if I was pregnant, so maybe it wouldn't show up on test. I don't know. For now, I am stick with the vitamins, and acting like I am already pregnant, not drinking and eating healthier (though I was in Vegas last week, and did drink, it was minimal, and hopefully, not harmful if I am pregnant).....but as my husband keeps reminding me, I need to stop all of this "if" stuff and just wait and see if I am!!!! Just wanted to update you all and thank you so much for the advice!!!! You gals are the best!

Sound like you might be pregnant...I started throwing up the day after I got prgenant with my third child...But I threw up constantly with my first daughter and finally figured out that my I couldn't digest those hard vitamins very well so I got chewable ones from my doctor and it helped alot...also drinking lots of water prevents so much nasea and make sure you don't get to hungrey when your stomach is on empty and you put something in it...it doesen't want to stay there. keep a snack by your bed so when you wake up you can eat a little and let you stomach settle before getting out of bed. I hope you are...good luck

[AndreaB]

Definately prenatals which you say you have started. I'm still taking Freeda prenatals, they just happen to be gluten free. The are tablet form. Walking is always good. With my first preg (unplanned), I was still working. I went out for walks on my breaks. I was in the best shape with that one. Only gained 18 pounds and my doctor told me it was going to be a small baby because of that. She was 7 lbs 15 oz. My 2nd was planned. Check out WOOMB's website. Google billings method. They have a lot of good information. My 3rd was not planned. Got pregnant all three times quite easily. I gained 40-43 pounds for each of my last two pregnancies. They were boys and weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and 8 lbs 6 oz. I have currently lost all but 10 pounds off this last one but am still 10 pounds below where I was when I got pregnant with my daughter. Stay on prenatals after the birth of your child as well to make sure you have all the nutrients you need. Keep an eye on iron. You will need more as your pregnancy progresses. If it's already in your prenatals that is great. Good luck and enjoy the time of your pregnancy and beyond with a new little bundle of life!