Where do I start? - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

KeltoKel · 01-17-2006, 06:20 AM

Hello everyone. My hubby and I are going to start trying to get pregnant. I have started on folic acid and am watching my caffeine intake. Should I also make an appointment with my general doctor? I have read that you should meet with a doctor to discuss things, but I don't know if that means my general practioner or an OBGYN.

My general doctor has a wonderful nurse practitioner whom I love and adore. She is really great (better than the doctor in my opinion). Would it be OK to see her? Do I have to chose an OBGYN now?

What questions should I be asking and what else should I be doing? Thanks!

Faythey · 01-17-2006, 06:45 AM

I'm sure a general doctor could give you helpful information as far as what to do before you are actually pregnant. However, if you were to choose your OB now, once you are pregnant you would already have that history with them. Also, you wouldnt get any conflicting information between your general doc. and your OB.

I didnt actually see a doctor before i got prego, but they should be able to give you prenatal vitamins.

luckydarlin · 01-18-2006, 05:27 PM

I think Faythey made a good point - if you pick your OB now, you will be more comfortable and have a history with them by the time you get pregnant. It's also helpful to talk to your dr. to get tips as far as using ovulation kits, etc. - things that can help you become more aware of while ttc. Of course, this board gives you lots of info on that too. Also, you mentioned that you were taking Folic Acid - are you also taking a multivitamin as well?

Best of luck to you!

KeltoKel · 01-20-2006, 07:28 AM

No, I am not taking a multi vitamin. Is this something you would recommend?

xinerevelle · 01-21-2006, 07:36 AM

My annual well-woman check-ups are with a GYN (not an OB -- he got out of that about 15 years ago). He shares office space with an OBGYN and said the other guy was pretty good but that I didn't have to choose him.

I have a 7 centimeter fibroid in my uterus so my GYN suggested that I make an appt with the OB before TTC to make sure he was OK with that before doing anything else. I must say that it was nice talking to the OB about TTC in general, his philosophy about pregnancy (women aren't fragile and can do pretty much whatever they want during pregnancy within reason, including dying your hair, drinking caffeine, and having an occassional adult beverage), and in general just seeing if I liked him (we WILL be getting VERY personal over the next few years

). We just talked during the appt, he didn't do an exam.

BTW, he told me that it was ok for me to TTC with the fibroid.

Regarding the alcohol: the OB said "Think about this: centuries ago, fermented liquid (beer, wine, etc.) was ALL they had to drink since water purification hadn't been invented yet. Pregnant women MUST have been drinking that stuff, with no ill effects." He also said that most doctors say "no alcohol" because they are afraid that if they "open the door an inch" the patients will "open it all the way", so to speak. He said that he trusts his patients to use common sense and reasonableness, which made sense to me. So, if I'm pregnant on our cruise this May, I might have one glass of wine with dinner every day, but I won't go partying...

Overall, I was glad that I had the "pre-conception visit" since it put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of the doctor since I hadn't met him before.

Baby dust!