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 QAs.
 
Getting pregnant
□ Kick the pill (or any type of birth control) 
□ Figure out when you’reovulating
□ Learn to record cervicalmucus texture
□ Read up on conception andovulation basics 
□ Potential daddies -- stayout of Jacuzzis
□ Consider charting basalbody temperature 
□ Potential daddies -- tradein the briefs for boxers
□ Think about an ovulationpredictor kit 
□ Have sex! 
□ Lose the lube
□ Find the right position
□ Spice it up in the bedroom 

Diet & fitness
□ Work on getting any weightproblems under control 
□ If either of you smoke,quit
□ Get on prenatal vitamins 
□ Balance out your diet 
□ Get moving
□ Start weaning yourself offalcohol 
□ Begin limiting the lattes
□ Scale back on extreme exercise
□ Decrease your stress 
□ Get plenty of sleep
□ Potential daddies -- avoidcottonseed oils

Doctors, tests & checkups
□ Interview OB/GYNS 
□ Schedule a preconceptioncheckup 
□ Make a list ofpreconception checkup questions
□ Discuss your (and yourpartner’s) medical history with the doc
□ Get immunized
□ Visit the dentist 
□ Talk to your doc aboutgenetic testing 

Money & Home
□ Talk it out -- make sureyou and your partner are on the same baby-making page 
□ Check your home for harshchemicals and asbestos
□ Check out your healthinsurance
□ If you’re self-employed,apply for private disability
□ Plan a baby budget 

> Entire prenatal to-do checklist