A Q about babies.

[Janet J]

We want to have a baby. Is it a good idea to go and see a Doctor before we get pregnant. I have read that it is a good idea to take follic acid tablets amongst others. Also I think that i have a slight problem with my cycle - should I go and get it checked out or should I just see what happens.

I'm confused!!

[TS]

You can buy follic acid at the chemist and should start to take them when you start to try to get pregnant. If you think that you have problem with your cycle I would check this out. The doctor can do ultrasound and see if you have ovulated. It can also be good to do the morning temp. It's a pain in the ass, as you have to check the temp at the same time every morning. So if you check it at 7am mon- fri. You also have to set the alarm for 7 in the weekend! If you sleep in, have been out drinking etc. the temp has to be adjusted or the curve gets all wrong. Tina Jenkins at the Womans Clinic, Camden Medical centre is good to see. She is a Naturopath. I fell pregnant on my first try after having seen her and doing the temp chart after having tried to get pregnant for nearly a year!!! It is also nice to know that the body is de-toxed for the best start for the baby. Good Luck!!!

[HaileysMom]

I feel it is best to see your OB/GYN BEFORE you start to try to get pregnant. The reason being is that there could be a problem that you have absolutly no idea exsists. If there is it can be treated before a baby is involved that the problem could cause complications for. It gives the baby a healthier environment in which to develope & grow. Also, getting a prenatal vitamion & folate from your doc is very helpful, thus giving your baby the healthiest start from day 1. Folate is most important in the first 7-10 weeks of pregnancy as the brain stem is developing & then again later in pregnancy.
Before both pregnancies, I went to my OB for a check up, advice & vitamins. Our first daughter is very healthy & always has been & this baby I am carrying now seems to be developing very well now.
Good luck to you!

[funkev]

yes, take folic acid - - start well before trying to get pregnant.  A simple way to help prevent one class of potentially severe developmental disabilites.

[Janet J]

Thanks Hailey's Mom. I don't know if this is a problem or not. I think I may have a short luteal phase. i only have about 9/10 days between ovulation & my period. I don't know if that is something I need checked out or not. There seems to be a lot of conflicting info on the internet.

[HaileysMom]

You are welcome, Janet. I find that a good rule of thumb for me is "when in doubt, see your doc."
I wish you the very best & hope everything goes smoothly for you.  

[lucykoss]

Another reason to see a doc first is to see if you are immune to rubella (I think it was rubella -- I may have my diseases mixed up).  When I first saw my doc after 9 months of trying, he discovered I was not immune.  Rather than take the risk, I got vacinnated then and had to wait 3 months before trying.  So, if you are still in the "thinking about it stage" definitely go get checked out.

[Bay]

Go and see the Dr is good advice.  Check not only rubella but folate levels, haemoglobin and iron levels.

Ideally you should take folate (folic acid) for 12 weeks before getting pregnant as well as for the first trimester to avoid neural tube deficiencies.

Good luck.