Prenatal checkup?

[Anonymous]

We are planning to start TTC within the next couple of months. Do you think that a prenatal checkup is necessary?

[Anonymous]

If you have been going to see your gynecologist regularly (1 x a year), no, I don't think so. There is nothing to really check for unless you have a problem after you start trying.

[Anonymous]

I did. I don't think it was critical though. They did some blood work, gave me prenatals, and it gave me a chance to ask questions that I'd never asked before.

[Anonymous]

If you have any kind of unusual (that's not the right word but I'm not sure what is) medical history or issue, then I would suggest the prenatal visit, assuming you've never discussed getting pregnant previously with your OB/GYN. I scheduled one because I had been seeing my GP for my yearly exams so I at least wanted my new OB/GYN to know who I was before I walked in pregnant. Looking over my history though, she targeted two seizures I had when I was in elementary and late high school. I hadn't been under the care of a neurologist for years but she insisted that I get the all clear from a neurologist and set up the appointment for me to at least see if the neurologist saw any issues or had suggestions for a safer pregnancy.

But if you know you're OB/GYN and don't have any kind of underlying issues that haven't been discussed before, I wouldn't bother with it, unless you want the prescription prenatals.

[Anonymous]

I did, but it was largely because I went off the pill and got a diaphragm.

Agree with PP who said only if you have some kind of medical issue.

Definitely start taking a prenatal vitamin now, though! Make sure it has 100% of the folic acid needed for pregnant women. Unless you're on the pill, I would also keep track of when you start your period each month, so that you know how long your cycle is.