Hi Bees - I'm pretty new here and loving it! We are wanting to start TTC in 6-8 months. What would you suggest we do/ plan for now? We already bumped up our health insurance, getting health check ups and making a budget plan. What else should we be doing? When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
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dental work!! make sure your mouth is set =) maybe look into AFLAC or something similar if that's something you plan on using for your maternity leave. we tried to make some purchases ahead of time too, like a video camera- things that weren't exactly baby related, but things we'd want to have around for once we had a LO and didn't want to worry about having to buy in addition to all the stuff LO really needed
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@mrs. bird: oooh dental work. Yeah thats a good one! We just researched our government payments (australian) And because I've worked full time and will up till 5 months I get 18 weeks paid maturnity leave from the government
and then I'll be a SAHM. I also want to lose my post wedding weight. Urgh!
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Yep, I second dental work! Also, I started taking prenatals about 2 months before we began TTC.
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@lilteacherbee: thanks... So vitamins for Christmas
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@Hanzabelle: yep
that's what I did. Started taking prenatals in December, TTC in February, and 3 long (40+ day) cycles later, I was pregnant in June!Its really exciting when you have a time line to look forward to! 6 months will fly by!
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@lilteacherbee: yay! Hmmm see this what I'm trying to explain to DH. He just thinks poof your pregnant on your first try! I think it takes on average 4 months to get pregnant...
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I would actually start prenatals now. I started 6 months before TTC. They aren't that different from a regular multi vitamin and there's no down side to starting early! I also started using an app on my phone to track my cycles and about two months before we started TTC I started using OPKs to confirm the ovulation dates predicted by my phone app.
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@Hanzabelle: Yeah, I think it helps if you're off birth control for a little while before TTC, but we started right after I got off the pill. My cycles were really wacky (didn't ovulate until 5 weeks into the cycle), so that was frustrating.
You definitely can start taking prenatals earlier. I just started them at 2 months before because I was still on the pill and I didn't want to freak DH out too much
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@MamaMoose: oh cool thanks. Yeah have ready started tracking my cycle just to make sure it's regular and so I can see when my most fertile times are etc.
@lilteacherbee: I'm not on the pill so my cycles are pretty to the dot. Everyone in our family seems to get pregnant by just looking at each other ... Lol.. So I hope we have that much luck. NoT being able to get pregnant Is my worse nightmare 
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Immunizations! Go check if you are up to date!
I have taken prenatals for years, I'd say start now! American Pregnancy Association recommends all women of child bearing age to take 400 mg of folic acid daily. -
@dharmainitiative: oh immunizations- another good idea. I guess when I have my doctors checkup next week I'll be telling her we plan to TTC so hopefully she'll tell me everythin I need to have done!
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Great topic! I am on prenatals and started charting. I am at a healthy weight, but want to improve my fitness so that working out while pregnant will go smoothly. I am also learning as much as I can from the wise folks on hellobee. I am up to date on all vaccines. I have a dental checkup next month and plan on getting all my x-rays done. I need to figure out disability insurance, have a better idea of childcare plans, and clarify my insurance. I also want to tone my abs so I can have a smoother pregnancy and delivery.
I am hoping for some more great ideas on this thread.
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@Hanzabelle: Rubella in particular (comes in an MMR) and TDaP (tetanus shot) for the pertussis. They screen for for immunity to rubella in pregnant moms at birth because it can be devastating to a newborn. Pertussis is very deadly to newborns!!!
This is a very, very, VERY upsetting article about pertussis that breaks my heart but I share it with everyone TTC/pregnant so they can be best prepared to fight this very preventable disease!!!
http://shotbyshot.org/pertussis/kaliahs-story/ -
Six months prior to TTC I wasn't doing anything. That's because I didn't know we would be TTC. My husband decided he was ready to try and we ditched our condoms that day.
A preconception appointment with your gynecologist may be beneficial.
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@Leialou: I kinda wish we could do that! But I love to plan!! Lol
@AmeliaBedilia: Ooh yay. Have you started to TTC or still waiting?
@dharmainitiative: I'm off to read it now - thankyou! -
@dharmainitiative: oh that story breaks your heart
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@Hanzabelle: Isn't it so sad?? =( That's why I encourage everyone to get a TDaP. Even if they've had a tetanus, even though most of them are TDaP's now, some could still just be a TD which doesn't include the Pertussis vaccine =(
Here's a thread on WB about preconception appts. I found it had a lot of good info =)
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In addition to what the PPs said, I highly recommend:
Take Control of Your Fertility
Before Your Pregnancy: A 90 Day Guide for Couples on How to Prepare for a Healthy Conception - This book is all about what you should be doing in the 90 days before you start TTC to make sure you and baby are as healthy as possible. It would be just as good 6 months ahead!
I don't chart now while we're TTC, but when I was about at your time frame, I charted for a few months just to make sure I was ovulating, and find out about when I ovulated each month, how long my luteal phase is, etc. If you choose to chart (or not, for that matter) Take Charge of Your Fertility is excellent!
Also, this is something a lot of people don't think about, but if you have a choice of insurances, start looking now at what would be the best for maternity coverage so you can switch during open enrollment if needed.
Also, check on your company's maternity leave policy, and if they don't have paid maternity leave, consider signing up for short-term disability insurance so that you can get paid a portion of your salary during your maternity leave.
ETA: Oops, just saw you said you already checked on insurance! Good for you!
Have fun gearing up for TTC and welcome!
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@Mrs. Blue: aww thanks. That book sounds greatI- ill have to track that down! Goodluck with TTC!
@dharmainitiative: I don't see ur WB link. If you just bump it - I'm on Wb too so I should be able to see it. -
date nights and travel if you can squeeze it in!
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@Hanzabelle: I honestly think I had a blonde moment and didn't paste it. LMAO
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/did-you-make-a-preconception-appointment
I will bump it too!
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@mrsjyw: I second this!!! lol
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@dharmainitiative: oh I have totally seen you around on WB now that I seen your WB name! Thanks so much
@mrsjyw: oh travel ..we have just been on a huge holiday in the US ( we from Australia) and plan on doing some up north camping with friends come July... Date nights are now on the list!! -
@Hanzabelle: Haha no prob bob!!! Yeah, I'm much more active on WB but I am trying to make the transition here. I just love both sites so much!
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Oh and I'm also trying to wean myself off coffee
as I currently drink 3-4 cups per day... Naughty!
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In addition to everything that's been mentioned, I started a formal pregnancy premester. I went to an acupuncturist and switched my exercise to a gentler yoga and pilates.
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I agree with most of the previous posters. Dental work, insurance (which you've done), start taking a prenatal, work on cutting down your caffeine, alcohol and smoking (if you smoke). For me, because I've always been overweight, getting in shape was important to me.
Also, enjoy your 6-8 months. Spend time with just DH, and enjoy it! We've been TTC for 19 months now, and I can't remember what its like to NOT have babies on the brain 24/7. -
I know it feels good to "do stuff" but I don't think you really need to do stuff if you are already keeping up with your health needs, etc! I'd say relax... that's what I miss most now as a mom... time to relax!
I started prenatals two months ahead of time and I was at 3 cups of coffee/caffeine per day when we started. But I am a pretty laid back mama
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Thanks for all your tips ladies.. like I said I want to pre super organizing... I think it also helps me with the waiting part as I sooooo want a baby now!! lol
and then I'll be a SAHM. 
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