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When you’re trying to get pregnant, and meeting a gynaecologist for the first time, it pays to be prepared! Get the most out of your session by educating yourself beforehand, and reading up on these 7 things which you should talk to your gynaecologist about.
#1: Birth control
If you’re currently using birth control and want to stop doing so, ask your gynaecologist about how long you need to wait before trying for a baby. Whilst most birth control methods allow you to start trying pretty quickly after stopping, other forms of contraception may take some time to get out of your system.
#2: Supplements
Here’s what many women still get wrong – certain supplements, such as folic acid, should be taken before you start trying to conceive, not only when you realise you’re pregnant. Whilst there are generic guidelines which can be found online, your doctor will be able to advise you on exactly how much folic acid (and other supplements!) you need. Talk to your gynaecologist about supplements for your partner, too!
#3: Medication
You might have to stop taking some types of medication as soon as you conceive (or even the moment you start trying to conceive). As such, it’s important to give your doctor a comprehensive account of all the medicine you’re consuming. Don’t leave anything out, not even over-the-counter allergy medications – some types of allergy medicine are known to interfere with women’s fertility, and you definitely don’t want that to happen!
#4: Lifestyle changes
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Here’s what research tells us: getting more sleep is great for fertility. Drinking wine is okay, as long as you do it in moderation. Eating organic food may or may not help you conceive. That having been said, it’s better to talk to your gynaecologist (who understands your specific condition) as opposed to taking these studies as the gospel truth. So go ahead and get your gynae’s approval for your nightly glass of red wine!
#5: Your period
Ideally speaking, you should share the time frames of your last six periods with your gynaecologist, so that they can get a better gauge of how your body works. If you’ve been keeping a fertility chart or calendar, that’s even better! Bring this along to your appointment – your gynaecologist will be able to look at it, and pinpoint if there are any abnormalities with your ovulation and luteal phase.
#6: Assisted conception options
If you’re 35 and above, you might want to ask your gynaecologist to lay out all your options during your first meeting. IVF is one of the most common treatments, but there are several other procedures that you may wish to consider.
#7: Other questions
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If you have any embarrassing symptoms, now’s not the time to be shy. Your gynaecologist will only be able to diagnose a problem if you share all the information that you have, so go ahead and ask about anything that’s on your mind. Excessive facial hair, abnormal vaginal discharge, milky discharge from your nipples… these all could be pointing to a underlying problem that needs addressing.
Fertility consultation with BeNatural’s fertility coach, Marie Otsuka
If you and your partner would like to learn more about conceiving, come down for a 45-minute consultation with Marie Otsuka, BeNatural’s fertility coach. In this session, Marie will seek to understand the couple’s situation, and offer insights she’s gained through her 10 years of experience in working with infertile Singaporeans. Slots are limited and on a first come first serve basis; contact us here to schedule an appointment!
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