Preparing before TTC...

We're not sure when we're going to start trying. Maybe in a couple of months, maybe the Spring, but now that I finally have insurance, I told my husband that I want to make a OB/GYN appointment to get a regular female exam, but to also start on Prenatal vitamins. Do I need to make a regular appointment and just ask the doctor about getting a prescription for the vitamins, or do I have to have a different appointment for that?

I get so nervous about going to the GYN... I've only been once my whole life and that was 3.5 years ago. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but I'm always afraid that somethings wrong, you know?

Well, any input would be helpful. Thanks!

Re: Preparing before TTC...

melissa..
your doctor will give you the prescription for the vitamins.
You should definitly make an apt for a full checkup with him/her.. expecially since it has been so long.
Good Luck
;-)

Re: Preparing before TTC...

I think it's very important that you go to your Dr. to get a annual exam that includes a pap smear before you TTC. This is really important if you are planning to get pregnant. I think it's important to test for STDs and HIV also, but it's a personal decision. Your Dr. might ask you about your cycles too. The vitamins are important too, but you can get those OTC.
Edited to say that I get scared to find out something is wrong too, but if you want to get pg, it's better to find out if you need to treat something before you conceive. It will make things a lot easier.

Re: Preparing before TTC...

Melissa- ask your friends for recommendations for a good GYN. Don't just pick a name from an insurance book. Make sure the doctor knows that you are very nervous about the visit and that you have not been to the doctor in 3.5 years.
(Just a note: if you don't have insurance Planned Parenthood will do exams for very inexpensive)
Talk to the doctor about your TTC and get all of your tests before you TTC. Also, I know that your DH is not really sure he wants to start a family yet (from your previous posts). You might also want to discuss this with the doctor. He/She might be able to give you and your DH some things to discuss/think about before TTC.

Re: Preparing before TTC...

Definitely get to an OB soon, just to make sure you are in good health and nothing is wrong. Putting off a regular exam just b/c you're afraid something might be wrong is counterproductive. How else would you be able to get help or treatment (godforbid something's up), unless you are proactive? You have to be responsible about your own health before you can be responsible about a child's well-being.

I couldn't disagree more with Michele's advice on talking to your OB about your DH's uncertainty to start a family. OB's are not marriage counselors, financial planners or therapists. They are medical doctors who are usually *very* enthusiastic in helping you through your pregnancy and planning your child-bearing years with respect to birth control options, etc. Their time is usually at a premium, and it's bad enough they don't have much time for you during a routine visit. I don't think that they'd cross the line and begin advising patients regarding their readiness to start a family. Those issues are much too important, and should be worked out before you are sitting together in your OB's office trying to conceive. JMO. Best of luck!

Re: Preparing before TTC...

My suggestion was so that perhaps the doctor might know of some good books to read about preparing for having a family- not a therapy session. The doctor's offices very often have reading suggestions for new parents. I thought they may have suggestions on knowing when the time is right to start a family. I don't think just because a doctor has a full schedule that you should feel rushed in anyway. If the doctor is a good doctor they will take the time to speak with you about different issues- and TTC is a huge decision. The GYN might also be able to refer the couple to a good therapists where they can discuss their views about whether TTC is a good idea or not.

Re: Preparing before TTC...

I seem to remember Melissa posting that her hubby wanted to be more financially secure, and just wasn't keen on becoming a parent right away, like Melissa wants to be. I don't think that reading material in a doctor's office is going to change his mind or convince him otherwise.

I agree that you shouldn't feel rushed in a doctor's office, but reality is, their schedules don't always allow doctors to spend the same amount of time for each patient. And, OB's will talk to you at great lengths on the mechanics of TTC, and timing your cycle, etc. But, they cannot counsel you on the right timing in your personal life to TTC - that's your decision, isn't it?

An OB might have an idea about a referral to another medical doctor, but I'm not sure about whether or not they'd refer patients to marriage counselors ot therapists. Most companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for that purpose.

That's where I'm coming from...that's why I disagreed with your post.