WNT BABY IN 6MO. WHT DO I USE NOW?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2007
WNT BABY IN 6MO. WHT DO I USE NOW?
5
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 3:24pm
Hi everyone so great that this board exists! Just wondering, we decided to plan for baby in next 6 months what would be the best method of birth control for the time being? im 36 healthy non smoker non drinker.thanks so much!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 5:50pm

Hi,

Congrats on your decision! What are you using now? My two cents is to go to your ob/gyn for a preconception visit. She/he will probably want you to start taking prenatals so that the folic acid will be in your system before you conceive. This helps prevent some birth defects. My doctor said that when I was ready to ttc, just stop taking the pill, or in my case the patch and try. Some doctors want you to wait to try for a few months after stopping bc.

I am 36 and my son is just turning one next week. Dh was 35 and I was 34.5 when I stopped using the patch and got pregnant the first month of trying. Yippee!

Every dr is different in their recommendations.
Good luck,
Hollly

Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2007
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 6:49pm
Thankyou so much, Holly that was so nice of you for yr advice; I am using the Encare & female condom and so as not to tamper wt hormones, etc. Im seeing my doctor this week and will ask about the folic acid; Im so excited and I guess just so nervous and scared!
But I know I just have to trust and plan wisely and all will work out.
Congrats on yr beautiful baby.
Be well.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 8:53pm

Since you're already not using hormones you can start when ever you wish to stop using them. Starting prenatal vitamins now is a good idea. I bought mine from Walgreens, over the counter. I took them for a year and a half before we got pregnant (we were trying that long).

Most of the time if you're using hormonal birth control there is a bit of a readjustment period for your body.

Remember that it may not happen right away and to not worry if you don't get pregnant in the first, second, third cycle. My doctor told me that the average couple takes about 8 months to conceive. Going to your Gyno before you start to TTC is a wonderful idea. Have a physical and a pap and get the go ahead.

Good luck.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 9:13am
That is great. If you are not using hormones, you should have immediate fertility. Then you are just left to "catch the egg" by timing things right.
Have fun.
Holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 04-10-2007 - 11:19pm

If you're already using condoms, I'd stick with that. There's no sense in doing anything with your hormones for such a short time frame.

You may also start charting your cycle--if you haven't heard of Toni Weschler's book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility", it should be on your must-read list if you're TTC. This book explains all the ins and outs of your menstrual cycle and how to know when you are the most fertile. The methods described in the book are good not only for trying to conceive, but also trying to avoid pregnancy (TTA). I bought it for about $15 online, or some public libraries have it.

A checkup with your doctor is also a good suggestion--prenatal vitamins can be started any time and folic acid is very important for preventing neural tube defects.

Good luck!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control