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I was on the pill for about 14 years, with about a year off of them around year 4 or 5. I took my last pill in September, had a regular cycle in October, and got pregnant in November. I was always very regular without the pill, and my body picked right back up when I stopped it. I know that doesn't happen for everyone, but it was my experience.

I was on BC for nearly 10-12 years before going off. Both times (with DD1 and DD2) I was pregnant within 1 cycle of being off. So, the moral of my story is - dont go off the pill until you are ready!

In terms of readying yourself/your body. I agree, start a pre-natal. Figure out one that is compatible with you - some made me sick!

In terms of your life...take a good hard look...have a real chat with yourself about if there is anything BIG you wanted to accomplish pre-children. I'm sure it comes as no surprise that children alter everything. I really wish I had gotten some of my eating and working out habits in order pre-kids...so that the struggle was not as hard after kids when time, resources, energy are at an all time low!

@Mrs. Museum: As others have said, I would start with a prenatal. There are so many out there and I would say most have similar ingredients. You might like to take one with DHEA in it. I use the gummy form.

While learning about your cycle and fertility is really interesting and encourages lots and lots of "rabbit-holing," I would put it off for a couple months and just enjoy it. I have many friends who got pregnant with 2-3 kids without ever doing ovulation predictor kits, taking their temperature, charting fertile days, etc. You can't unknow what you know, so I would tread lightly until you are ready to dive in. We have a really supportive community here for when you do have questions. Be flexible-- it might take a few months or it might happen right away. I got pregnant three times in seven months (last one resulted in my son,) when I was 29. I could get pregnant when my husband looked at me. We started trying for #2 when I was 33 and it took 9 months. So much of it is an odds thing (based on your age and other factors.)

All in all, enjoy it. Be flexible. Take advantage of the time when it's just you two to travel, stay out late, stay in bed until noon. Best of luck!

When I came off the pill after ten years, I ovulated within two weeks. I almost always ovulate on CD 13, so my cycle went back to normal almost immediately. It did take us on the somewhat longer side to conceive, no diagnosable reason, it's just hard to know what's going to happen as there's a huge amount of randomness involved. I started temping when I came off the pill and found it very informative. Between waiting a bit to try, trying, and pregnancy it's been two years since I've been off the pill and still not quite to the point of having a baby in my arms, so just to say there will potentially be time (though hopefully not too much!) to pursue self-improvement, etc before baby shows up.

Same as @youboots: Prenatals and a tracking app just so you "kinda know" when you ovulate. Don't get all crazy about it though in the beginning...

Good luck!