I have my pre-conception appointment tomorrow. I'm kinda nervous because it's with a new doctor and I don't really know what to expect. What was discussed at your pre-conception appointment? How long did it last? Did the doctor do an exam? Any info/tips on things I should ask would be greatly appreciated!
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I didn't do a real 'pre-conception' appointment, but at my last annual before I knew I would be TTC, I asked my doctor what I should be doing, etc. She didn't tell me anything I didn't know-- take a multi vitamin with folic acid or prenatals, stop the pill 1 month before starting to try, very basic stuff. I asked about vaccines but she was pretty vague in that too, although that may have been because I was still 10 months out from TTC at that point. But basically, it was like, yeah, go for it whenever you want. She even gave me a printout telling me to time sex in the middle of my cycle and I was like, yeah, I'll be charting a lot more than that!
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Same as @Foodnerd81 - I didn't have a real "pre-conception" appointment. I mean, that's what I THOUGHT I scheduled, but it really was just a regular exam. Got a pap done, because I was due, and my doctor told me to start taking prenatals, but that was about it. She told me to go off the pill whenever I wanted to get pregnant - she didn't suggest going off early at all. Then she was all "Next time I see you, maybe you'll be pregnant!" It was short and sweet.
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Same with me.... "start prenatals, try not to get stressed out!"
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I had one with a general physician and not an OB; I scheduled my annual pap afterwards with my OB but got pregnant quickly before the appointment happened.
I had the GP test my blood for thyroid levels (family history, can affect TTC) and any potential hormone issues, had a general physical, and she advised prenatals & DHA to start at least 3 months prior.
Good luck!
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@Foodnerd81: Haha yeah I already started prenatals and started charting so I am really worried he's gonna be like uhh what the hell are you doing here, then?!
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I didn't have a pre-conception appointment really. I went in Feb for my normal yearly pap and asked questions. She basically told me to take prenatals (which I was already doing) and Vitamin D. Said to relax and have fun with it. To call her in 6 months if my cycles weren't regular (went off the pill and started trying right away), otherwise call after a year and no success. She suggested using OPK and not charting right away as well. Said that she hoped to see me soon. My first appointment she said well that didn't take long!
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I had a pre-conception appt with my midwife where the main focus was getting to know her, her views on birth, and her "stats".
I waited WAY too long my first go round to find these things out about my doctor and didn't want to run into the same issues.
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Like others, I just inquired during my annual checkup - take pre-natals and have unprotected sex every other day between CD9 and CD 21 (I have a 34 day cycle). She also told me not invest in OPKs because they can be expensive and we don't really need them as long as we BD every other day. Plus, I should invest that money into diapers, which is more worth it later on since those too are expensive.
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I looked around at various local OBs and found one that offered pre-conception appointments (not many do). I’ve done all of my previous pap smears through my regular physician, so I also wanted to establish a relationship with a regular OB/GYN, since they would be a little more thorough with reproductive topics and issues.
My husband and I didn’t have any pressing medical issues that were concerning to me, but I still came armed with a list of questions about diet, exercise, pre-natals, etc.
The doctor agreed to do full blood panel, urine analysis, and my husband and I both got the DTaP vaccine – Diphtheria,tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). I’m Jewish, so I asked them to do the genetic screening test that is common for Ashkenazi Jews who are prone to some specific genetic abnormalities. Neither of my parents were carries if I remember correctly, but I figured there was no harm in double checking my own genetic make-up.
I had the doctor look at the bottle of pre-natals I’ve been taking, because I wanted to make sure he thought the ones I was taking were sufficient. His answer was yes for the time being – until we get pregnant, then I would need to switch to another kind with some higher levels of some specific vitamins (the gummy vitamin that I take has low levels). The one I’m currently taking does not include any calcium or iron, so eventually I’ll need to switch to one that includes that.
I practice hot yoga, and I wanted his opinion on whether or not I should continue doing yoga in a hot room. He said it was okay for now, but to switch to regular temperature yoga once confirmed pregnant.
The doctor sat down with us in his office and let us ask as many questions as we needed, and I never felt rushed at all. The office is located in a small medical facility that services women’s health, pregnancy, and birth as well as elective surgeries. That’s all. So, in the future, we will be able to deliver at the same location, and not have to ever worry about being in a huge hospital full of sick people.
Overall, I’m really glad we went!
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@runsyellowlites: I actually have my annual appointment this year scheduled with a midwife at the hospital/birthing center where I would want to deliver. They do regular well-woman care anyway, so I figured I may as well get to know them and make sure it's a good fit, since I know most of the time you don't go for your first appointment until 8 or more weeks in. Also, want to know about that stuff now, since we are actively TTC. However, I am not so secretly hoping that I have to cancel the annual and schedule my first prenatal appointment instead.
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@highwire: thank you for the thorough response! I'm in a similar boat--before now I've gotten my well woman's exam with my regular doctor, but I decided I should find an OB/GYN I like since we're going to start TTC soon. I'm going to bring my prenatals with and ask if he thinks they're ok. Thanks for the suggestions!
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Mine was pretty short. He did a blood test to cover basics, recommended prenatals, told me how to time getting off the pill and actively trying, went over my history, etc.
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I met with my doctor and she thought i was crazy. said to try OPKs if i wasn't pregnant in 4 months and if i still wasn't by month 6, to come back and see her.
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My appointment was a JOKE! I had been off the pill for a few months and had told my doctor before I went off the pill at my last exam that I was doing so. After a few months of not trying not avoiding I went in for my "pre-conception" appointment and she basically told me that everything I was doing was right. To lose weight, stay on my vitamins, make sure hubby was taking his, and to have sex every other day during ovulation. It wasn't till 3 months later she told me I "might" have PSOC and put me on metformin. This is my regular Dr. who also is a OB/GYN. Her main focus is on the regular Dr. stuff and seems to be a little old fashion with her methods. If I'm not pregnant after a year I will be finding a specialist.
ADVICE:
Make a list of all your medications (PRN & OTC as well), Vitamins, supplements (even protein shakes) to bring with you. I would bring a list of your husbands as well. Some of the stuff they put in their body can lower sperm count so they might recommend him to stop taking some of his stuff till you conceive. If you have been charting bring that as well. Also no question is a stupid question. If it pops in your head as it!BEST ADVICE: DON'T STRESS OVER IT!
Good Luck!
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