Thinking ahead about adding to the family

My husband and I are starting to discuss having a baby, but it'll be some time before we definitely decide (unless God has other plans). And tomorrow I have my yearly with my girl doctor and was wondering what kinds of questions I should be asking.

I know I need to get on pre-natal vitamins, but I'm not sure what else I should discuss with her.

Obviously she's done this a few times, so she should be able to cover almost all the points easily, but what things did you wish you had known before hand?

TIA!

Jade

Oh, exciting!

Prenatals, definitely! You should start taking them regularly at least 3 months before you MIGHT get pregnant.

Things to ask her / think about... Do you have any history of genetic diseases? Do you want to do blood work before hand? My husband and I did. Ask about your insurance, what is covered, what isn't, how much. Is any infertility covered? Do you want it to be, so maybe switch plans before hand? How much of prenatal care / birth / post partum is covered?

Other than that stuff, the beginning is easy! It's only if you struggle or it doesn't happen as soon as you want that you really need to get more information.

You may also want to consider getting of birth control early, as it can take a while to get out of your system. They say it can take 3 months... But it took my body about a year to start to regulate, and never got back to normal. I know people who's bodies are still not back to normal after YEARS. So even if you don't want kids for a bit yet, maybe switch to some kind of non-hormonal birth control.

Whichever way you go, good luck!


PS- I am on the CAT site and I just responded to two pregnancy posts... Yeah, I have baby on the brain.

Thanks so much! I do know there are some genetic issues on my side of the family (I'm currently being treated the catalyst for my mom and grandmother's issues: hypothyroidism). I also know that I'm safe from RH factor, as I have my dad's blood type and I was an at risk pregnancy for my mom because of that (if I had her blood type, I'd worry).

I'll need to scour my health plan for some of those questions. Actually...our secretary might be able to answer those, since she's on the same plan, and recently had her second child. Hmmmm....

And as for my body adjusting from BC, I think I'll be OK. In fact, I'm one of those women who can't skip a period by taking all active hormones. My body dictates my cycle, BC just keeps me from getting pregnant. But we're going to go with the "let's not prevent pregnancy anymore" once we get to that point, instead of the "let's try to get pregnant." I think it'll be less stressful.

I don't have any advice but...

YAY! I am so happy for you guys! What an exciting time! Good luck!

I had that same appointment a couple months ago, and I kind of drew a blank!

I knew I was supposed to me taking folic acid which I have been for months, but I also asked when I should get off the pill as well.

Other than that, I really couldn't think of anything else.

Once the baby is in there I will have TONS more questions though