Trying to conceive/Planned parenthood/Assisted Reproduction Chat thread.

Lucyfur wrote: »

I may be stepping out for a couple of months ladies. Started college, it's fantastic but it's a huge work load...feel like I need to find my feet before I can risk vomiting with morning sickness every 5 mins :eek: :pac:

Was at the doc today and he reckons we should take a bit more time...He put me on a low dose antidepressant for a few months, just a wee pick-me-up. He said the anti-d will do no harm if I do get pregnant but he thought it might be wise to have a rest and get into a routine with college. Just trying to figure out if he's right

Lucyfur, I had to delay a year in my course because of TTC. Its a two year course, and I planned to do it over 3 which became 4 - I felt if it was just TTC it might be ok to juggle coursework, work and that, but I found that when I started with the clinic, it became far too stressful to do it all. I plan to start into the books again and though I can sit my last 3 exams in May, I would be due the week they are on so gonna aim for August instead.

So, I would agree that you cant do it all just yet - you had surgery a couple of months ago ffs. I think maybe even in a couple of months, say Christmas, you can re-assess, once you know realistically what your courseload is like, and your body will have healed that bit more.

But, I can understand not wanting to put it off either - such a biological compulsion we have to get pregnant, its not easy to decide to stop TTC. I was on a low dose of anti-d's some years ago just, like you, to give me that extra little help. 6 months later I was off them and better than ever.

Julybreeze wrote: »

Hi ladies,

Looking for some advice for a female relation of mine, let's call her Mary. She's not really computer literate so she asked me to so some research for her.

Herself and her husband are TTC atm. They had a baby 18 months ago whom it took two years to conceive. They didn't have any medical investigations as Mary had been on the Depo injection for around 8 years.

Fast forward to the current day, they have now been trying for 5 cycles but have only really taken it seriously this month. By taking it seriously I mean that Mary has been using ovulation tests and paying closer attention to signs of ovulation.

We went to the health food shop together today, she was recommended to get 'Pregnacare Conception' and Zinc for himself. She got him the zinc and said she'd have a think about the pregnacare and maybe get it when her current pre-conception supplement is all gone.

Basically what she is looking for is recommendations for things like suppplements, conception related products such as lubricant etc ( she was overwhelmed by all of the products available) and also basic things like foods to eat more or less of.. A dummies guide to TTC I guess..

Thanks all in advance and good luck in all of your journey's.

My fertility specialist insisted on folic acid for me - this is the biggie, so Mary needs to go on that. Its very cheap and easily got. She said that there was no need for the pregnacare supplements as long as I took folic, but did say the supplements wouldnt do any harm. I put him on a multivitamin (containing zinc) because he eats more crap than me.

Its by far more important to pay attention to general overall good health and healthy practices for both in the couple. Its pointless to take lots of supplements if diet is poor. IF either smoke, thats the first thing that needs to be quit. Reduce alcohol, caffiene, fizzy drinks, eat more fruit, and vegetables, especially leafy greens, and drink lots more water. Avoid tuna due to mercury levels. I tried to up my intake of dairy products as I dont drink milk except in tea or coffee (and I reduced those) but added a yoghurt and cheese in my salad to my lunchtime intake. Its the little things like switching white bread for brown, and apple for a bag of crisps etc. But, let yourself have treats too, everything in moderation.

Exercise is also important, TTC can get very stressful very quickly, so if you can go for a swim/walk/ run or whatever to destress you will feel the benefit. I took up yoga, began (didnt finish ) the couch to 5k, and started walking to work, and the OH took up football 2 nights a week.

Baths are out for himself, as are tight undies or trousers. He needs to keep his dudes cool.

With regards to 'equipment':
There is a sperm-friendly lube called Pre-Seed, and is very nice to use. Its a bit pricey so you only need to use what feels comfortable at the time, and not their recommended amount, otherwise it will cost you a fortune.

Ovulation and pregnancy tests are expensive so source the cheap ones on ebay -there is a link if you search back this thread about them, or invest in a Clearblue monitor. I think these can be got second hand as well.

The book "taking charge of your fertility" I hear, is very good, and informative. There is also a TTC section in "What to expect when you are expecting" but I found it hard some months to pick it up with a big happy pregnant woman on the front of it, and would only depress myself reading what I would be experiencing if I got pregnant.

Hope this helps