Ask Madelyn Fernstrom

  Hello- I am 31 and will start TTC my first child at the end of December.  I was significantly overweight until last year when I lost 40 pounds.  I am quite active- work out three times a week, plus at least one 4-7 mile run a week, and 45+ minute dog walks 5-6 days a week.  I love my job, and while it is not physically stressful, as a tenure track professor at a research institute, I certainly feel a lot of pressure and stress.   It is rewarding work though, so I keep the stress in check by reminding myself that. 

  My partner and I plan to start TTC and I wondered if you have advice on how I best use these last two months before then.  I am not a coffee drinker, and cut back to drinking caffeine only 2 to 3 times a week.  I am not a smoker, not a drinker, and I keep to what I consider a healthy diet (most the time!).  I plan on trying to lose a few more pounds, increase my fruits and veggies, and start a prenatal vitamin.  My cycles seem quite regular- 29-30 days is typical.  I began temping and charting a couple of months ago and seem to have strong signs of ovulation. 

  I am a control freak and prefer being proactive in everything I do.  If you have any tips on other pre-TTC changes/additions I should make, I am most appreciative.  I am very excited to finally be starting my family and want to do everything I can to get my body ready for conception. 

  Thank you for your input!

I LOVE that you are such a pro-active person when it comes to health. First, I'd add a pre-natal vitamin NOW, and take it daily. You want to have nutritional needs for pregnancy met before your conceive. Also, you might want to get the at-home ovulation test, so you can get a better sense of when you're ovulating - to optimize the likelihood of pregnancy. While studies show that women ovulate about 10-12 days after day 1 of the period (when flow starts), you can personalize that information on your own. Nature doesn't go "by the day", and your schedule might be slightly different. Continue your healthy eating habits - always better to eat your nutrients, than only rely on a vitamin - and keep up your physical activity. Exercise is also a good stress reliever. Plus - managing your stress is key, as stress hormones can sometimes influence the menstrual cycle.

Good luck! I'd love to know how you're doing - so stay in touch!

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