Q: TTC to-do?

Posted Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:51 PM

Q: With doctors, finances and everything else, there's so much to think about! What exactly do I need to do when I'm TTC to prepare for pregnancy and a baby?

A: Good question -- you're smart to think ahead. Use this guide to keep track of your progress. Click the links for more detailed checklists and Q&As.

Getting pregnant
[  ] Kick the pill (or any type of birth control)
[  ] Figure out when you’re ovulating
[  ] Learn to record cervicalmucus texture
[  ] Read up on conception and ovulation basics
[  ] Potential daddies -- stayout of Jacuzzis
[  ] Consider charting basal body temperature
[  ] Potential daddies -- trade in the briefs for boxers
[  ] Think about an ovulation predictor kit
[  ] Have sex!
[  ] Lose the lube
[  ] Find the right position
[  ] Spice it up in the bedroom

Diet & fitness
[  ] Work on getting any weight problems under control
[  ] If either of you smoke,quit
[  ] Get on prenatal vitamins
[  ] Balance out your diet
[  ] Get moving
[  ] Start weaning yourself off alcohol
[  ] Begin limiting the lattes
[  ] Scale back on extreme exercise
[  ] Decrease your stress
[  ] Get plenty of sleep
[  ] Potential daddies -- avoid cottonseed oils

Doctors, tests & checkups
[  ] Interview OB/GYNS
[  ] Schedule a preconception checkup
[  ] Make a list of preconception checkup questions
[  ] Discuss your (and your partner’s) medical history with the doc
[  ] Get immunized
[  ] Visit the dentist
[  ] Talk to your doc about genetic testing

Money & Home
[  ] Talk it out -- make sure you and your partner are on the same baby-making page
[  ] Check your home for harsh chemicals and asbestos
[  ] Check out your health insurance
[  ] If you’re self-employed,apply for private disability
[  ] Plan a baby budget

> Entire prenatal to-do checklist

QA Index


Posted by Paula K
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Comments

Pregnancy Calendar??

I want that my baby born near July 31, 2008, when is the right date to try to get pregnant.?

Posted by lefvia    Saturday, September 01, 2007 6:52 PM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

Thanks for the suggestion - it's in the works!

Posted by Erin W    Tuesday, October 30, 2007 3:25 PM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

What is cottonseed oil? Where is it normally found? And why do they have to avoid it?

Posted by H.E.A.100707    Friday, December 21, 2007 2:58 PM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

Why do women have to limit the lattes? Is it because of the caffeine or is there something else in them?

Posted by Darinsgirl0818    Monday, January 28, 2008 4:31 PM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

what is the deal with lose the lube?  is there something there that I need to know before I go try again?

Posted by Goosesgirlforlife    Wednesday, January 30, 2008 1:17 AM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

Ditto on the lube question - obviously the spermicidals are out the window, but what is the deal with the others?

Posted by Dorr_Evil_Twin    Wednesday, January 30, 2008 1:19 PM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

Thank you for this checklist! Its really helpful.

Posted by EcoBaby    Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:03 PM


re: Q: TTC To-Do?

I have tried doing the Basal Body tempurature every morning, but the tempurature fluctuates so much. Today it was 98.2, and yesterday it was 96.2 and the day before that 98. Is there a chance that the 96.2 was not acurrate and I am ovulating? HELP!! Is there a website were I can type in my calculations and it helps me keep up with it all? OH by the way I havent had my period in a month but the test say I'm not pregnant!

Posted by Little Mrs. Hayden    Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:16 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

alright!!! I have the list!! all I have to do now is start working on it.. I have  a few questions though!! There is a part that says "Get Moving" What does it mean? If Any one can answer.....thank you!!

Posted by Itzel    Thursday, October 23, 2008 12:09 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

Pretty sure "Get Moving" just means to exercise if you don't already, and nothing strenuous, just get off the couch and start moving around and it'll do great things for your body...and your baby!

Posted by NewlywedNVA    Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:29 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

Thanks for this checklist!

Posted by Hill's Wifey    Wednesday, December 03, 2008 12:33 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

Has anyone had success on the first month of trying?

Posted by tania622    Thursday, December 04, 2008 7:54 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

Some answers for people:

Yes, cutting down on lattes is referring to the caffeine, and for those who don't know, lubes can actually hinder your ability to get pregnant, unless you are using a lube like pre-seed (which supposedly does the opposite).  Pre-seed claims to act like your fertile cervical mucus would.  When you are most fertile, your cervical mucus becomes stretchy like raw egg white and it gives sperm the best chance of making it to the egg.

If you want a July baby, you would obviously need to conceive nine months (approximately) prior to that, BUT it's hard to just plan on that.  A number of things could happen.  You could not get pregnant during that month, your baby could come earlier or later than your due date, etc.  You can try, but it's just too hard to plan those things and get them exact -  just so you aren't too upset if it doesn't happen. Best of luck to you though!  October is nine months before July, FYI...

Get moving means exercise.

I have been trying for about three months now, so no luck conceiving on the first month.  Sorry!  I do learn something new each month though, so hopefully that will help me do better next time. :)  Good luck to you all!

Posted by *abbyh*    Thursday, March 05, 2009 8:55 PM


re: TTC after stopping birth control

After stopping the nuva ring, my doctor advised us to use condoms and wait at least 2 months before TTC, in order to let my uterine wall thicken. However, everyone on this site seems to start trying right after going off of the pill or ring. Do we really have to wait, or is it safe to start trying?

Posted by Legally Nads    Friday, March 13, 2009 9:45 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

My husband and I have been trying since Jan. No luck yet but I pretty much have done everything on the check list. Hope it will happen soon!

Good Luck to you all!

Posted by crystalmarcellin    Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9:43 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

I want to have an April baby.  When should we be TTC?

Posted by Hdreamer97    Saturday, April 25, 2009 11:50 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

for an April baby TTC in July.

Posted by blondybride    Tuesday, April 28, 2009 8:58 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

It takes a healthy couple anywhere from 6 months to a year to get KU, so patience is key. If you are trying and no luck after a year, talk to your doctor. I urge anyone TTC to start charting, but to do that you must wake up at the same time everyday and get at least three hours of consecutive sleep. Charting will help you know when and if you are ovulating (yes, you can have a period without ovulating) and when or if your period is late. To start charting go to www.fertilityfriend.com, its free and easy.

I also urge anyone TTC to pick up Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It will answer many questions you have and keep you from getting flamed on GP.

Posted by wlknsnlrn    Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:10 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

where can i apply for private disability?  I'm a nanny in a private home and don't have short term disability to partially cover a maternity leave.

Posted by HBaylies    Saturday, May 16, 2009 10:11 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

My last pill of Yasmin was 5.1.09 & my last period began on 5.5.09.  Today is 6.5.09 & I expected my period on 06.02.09 & it has yet to arrive.  I've been testing negative with HPT's.  We had sex everyday around the time I should have ovulated.  This is our first month ttc.  I have cramping, but no AF.  Is this just my body still getting used to being off the pill or could I be pregnant?

Posted by AIMOSLEE    Friday, June 05, 2009 1:02 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

I'm new to the site and going off my BCP soon and I had no idea what I should be doing.  This check list looks like a great place to start! Thanks!

Posted by JennN888    Tuesday, June 09, 2009 9:07 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

HBaylies I am going to be in the same situation.  Did you get any info?

Posted by JennN888    Wednesday, June 10, 2009 7:31 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

We have been trying since Jan.  I'm really surprised seeing the 1st 2 were unplanned and was for the most part on the pill (on it just not being very faithful to it).  I do use and recommed www.fertilityfriend.com when you sign up it will send you video's of how to use it, you get the 1st 30 days free, you can then continue for free with the basic's or pay (they have different plans) for all the features.  I use the latter it's color coded and I feel gives you a lot more info.  As far as taking your temp you need a bbt thermometer, not the regular kind (about $10 at a drugstore and it will say BBT) also you have to take temp at same time daily, before getting up, talking and so on!

Posted by kristymr    Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:40 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

we've been off BC since the beginning of March, but no luck yet. this check list should help us be ready for when it does happen. my husband's having fun trying, though!

Posted by locash    Monday, June 22, 2009 3:45 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

We just started charting it seems a little confusing but getting the hang of things. We have not hindering the process for about a year i thought maybe it would happen without us really trying but no such luck. :( Hubby starting to get frustrated with the whole thing any suggestions to making any of it easier.

Posted by mstevenson    Wednesday, July 01, 2009 4:17 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

have ordered the BBT thermometer, and a fertile foucs ovulation micrpscope should be coming in a couple of days. I will let y'all know my thoughts on them when I get to using them! :) I hope and pray to have a little one soon. Good luck to all you beautiful ladies TTC, i will keep you in mmy thoughts!

Posted by lovinglife8108    Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:12 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

We've been TTC since January. No luck so far, but I'm glad we found this site! I had been tracking the all-knowing "Day 14" after my period, but I just learned that I have a 35 day cycle, so I should have been looking at day 21! Maybe that will do the trick! Good luck to everyone who is TTC...

Posted by lisabmcmahon    Monday, August 10, 2009 8:44 AM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

My Dh and I have just started TTC.  I feel somewhat lost, but am hoping that visiting this website and using the tips everyone give will really help me alot.  Good luck to all!!!

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Posted by Pedota    Tuesday, August 18, 2009 3:08 PM


re: A: Loose the Lube

You want to loose the lube, because, like vaginal fluid, it can kill off the sperm. Check out the pharmacy, there is a lube made that is soposed to actually help you conceve. Good luck!

Posted by willowcormar    Monday, September 07, 2009 11:18 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

I'm ready to TTC !

Posted by LucyB7    Wednesday, September 30, 2009 11:04 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

I brought most of the questions found on this site to my OB just last week, and she was very impressed with how 'organized' and 'thorough' I was lol! We'll TTC starting in January!!

Posted by SarahL77    Saturday, October 17, 2009 9:19 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

When checking cycles how would I count...do I start from the last month/first day of my period until the last day of it....(example) My last period started on October 4 then I got it on the 30th of the same month...I think it was nerves because we were getting married the next week.. any how now I have my period which started on November 28th..how the heck do I know how to calculate the number of days in my cycle...

Posted by Pookie13    Friday, December 04, 2009 1:50 PM


re: Q: TTC to-do?

Has anyone ever tried using a fertility scope?

Posted by Mag36    Sunday, January 31, 2010 5:30 PM


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