Find Your Fertile Window
Now that youve stopped using birth control, you may be wondering, When is the best time to try to get pregnant? The answer is during your fertile window, or the days leading up to and just after ovulation.
No matter how often you have sex, if you skip the most fertile days of the month, you wont conceive. The biggest mistake my patients make is not knowing exactly when they ovulate, says Dr. Williams.
Some doctors recommend using ovulation predictor kits to detect ovulation. These at-home tests work by detecting a surge in luteinizing hormone in your urine, which occurs about 36 to 48 hours before you ovulate. OPKs help you plan baby-making sex for when youre the most fertile.
Other ways to track ovulation include charting your basal body temperature , monitoring your cervical mucus, and tracking your menstrual cycle.
I Need To Take A Medicine While Pregnant What Do I Do
If you are pregnant, talk with a healthcare professional about any medicines you have taken or are thinking of taking. You should go over all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal and dietary supplements, and vitamins. The FDAs Office of Womens Health developed a tool in English and Spanish to help you keep a record of the medicines you take. Although no medicine is completely risk-free, a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, can help you pick a treatment plan that works for you. You should not start any new medicines or stop a current medicine without talking to a healthcare professional.
You might need to take medicines to treat a health condition. For example, if you have asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or depression, you may need to take medicines to stay healthy during pregnancy. Some untreated health conditions may actually be more harmful than the medicines used to control them. However, we know that some medicines can increase the risk of birth defects, pregnancy loss, prematurity, infant death, or developmental disabilities. A healthcare professional can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each medicine and determine the safest treatment for you and your developing baby.
Other Reasons The Pill Can Fail
You donât store it right. Birth control pills should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, so donât keep them in your bathroom. Make sure to keep them in their original packaging to protect them.
Other medications. Some medicines can make your birth control pill less effective. Most antibiotics are safe to take while youâre on birth control pills, but one — rifampin — can stop the pill from working. Tell your doctor youâre on birth control if he prescribes you rifampin.
Other medicines like mood stabilizers, epilepsy medicines, and HIV drugs can also make the pill less effective. Make sure to discuss these with your doctor.
Certain herbs. The supplement St. Johnâs wort is popular for issues like depression or insomnia, but it can reduce the amount of hormones in the pill. Talk to your doctor if youâre taking this herb and consider using a backup method of birth control while youâre on it.
Show Sources
Read Also: How Does Your Lower Stomach Feel In Early Pregnancy
Is It Safe For Me To Take Medicines Before I Get Pregnant
If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it is not too early to start getting ready for pregnancy. Many people need to take medicine to stay healthy during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, you should discuss your current medicines with a healthcare provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist. Some medicines can cause birth defects very early in pregnancy, often before you even know you are pregnant. Creating a treatment plan for your health condition before you are pregnant can help keep you and your developing baby healthy.
Watch Dr. Cheryl Broussard, a health scientist at CDC, talk about the effects of taking medicine during pregnancy, including birth defects, pregnancy loss, prematurity, infant death, and developmental disabilities.
*Medscape allows free unlimited access to materials after registration.
Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse . Levonorgestrel should not be used to prevent pregnancy on a regular basis. This medication is to be used as an emergency contraceptive or backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly. Levonorgestrel is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm . It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus to prevent development of a pregnancy. Levonorgestrel may prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Recommended Reading: What Can I Take For Sore Throat While Pregnant
What Happens If You Dont Take Prenatal Vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy can help prevent miscarriages, defects, and preterm labor. If youre not taking prenatal vitamins, neural tube defects can appear:
- Anencephaly: This occurs when the babys skull and brain doesnt form correctly. Babies that are born with anencephaly dont survive.
- Spina bifida: This occurs when the spine does not form correctly and the baby may have physical disabilities.
Now that we have addressed one of the most asked questions, What happens if you dont take prenatal vitamins?, we can move on to the next section: When to take prenatal vitamins.
Take A Folic Acid Supplement
It’s recommended that you should take a daily supplement of folic acid when you’re pregnant, or there’s a chance you might get pregnant.
You should take a 400 microgram supplement of folic acid every day before you get pregnant, and every day afterwards, up until you’re 12 weeks pregnant.
A microgram is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram . The word microgram is sometimes written with the Greek symbol followed by the letter g .
Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
A neural tube defect is when the foetus’s spinal cord does not form normally.
You might be advised to take a higher dose supplement of 5 milligram every day.
You may need to take a 5mg supplement of folic acid if:
- you or the baby’s other biological parent have a neural tube defect
- you previously had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect
- you or the baby’s other biological parent have a family history of neural tube defects
- you have diabetes
- you take anti-epilepsy medicine
Talk to a GP if you think you need a 5mg dose of folic acid, as they can prescribe a higher dose.
You can get folic acid tablets at pharmacies, or talk to a GP about getting a prescription.
Do not worry if you get pregnant unexpectedly and were not taking a folic acid supplement at the time. Start taking them as soon as you find out, until you’re past the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Really Bad Heartburn While Pregnant
Supplements Considered Safe During Pregnancy
Just as with medications, your doctor should approve and supervise all micronutrient and herbal supplements to ensure that theyre necessary and taken in safe amounts.
Always purchase vitamins from a reputable brand that has their products evaluated by third-party organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia .
This ensures that the vitamins adhere to specific standards and are generally safe to take. Not sure which brands are reputable? Your local pharmacist can be a lot of help.
Recommended Reading: How Does The Ring Prevent Pregnancy
Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience The Following Symptom Call Your Doctor Immediately:
- severe lower abdominal pain
Levonorgestrel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
Recommended Reading: How To Determine How Far Pregnant You Are
How Much Does Fertility Treatment With Cabergoline Cost
This drug is likely covered by most insurance plans, so check with your doctor. Average prices for cabergoline are about $177 for eight doses but can run as high as $230 to $240.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Drug Interactions Diagnosis And Treatment
Specifically, cannabis and other prescription medications can increase or decrease your bodys production of certain enzymes and neurochemicals.
This can radically change your bodys response to medication.
Its important to be aware of red flag interactions.
When a clinician knows you use cannabis, they will refrain from prescribing treatments that cause toxic effects when used with weed. Or, they will help you plan to reduce your cannabis intake, so you can take prescriptions safely.
Cannabis can also cause physical and mental changes that mirror illness symptoms. When a clinician knows youre using cannabis, they can factor that into their diagnostic assessment.
Finally, clinicians are likely aware of the effects of long-term cannabis use. If cannabis is important to your life, medical professionals can help you plan long-term treatment around continued cannabis use.
Dont Miss: What Is The Medicine To Prevent Pregnancy
Also Check: When To See Obgyn When Pregnant
Can You Get Clomid Over The Counter
Clomid is only available by prescription, and should only be used under the supervision of your physician. It is never advised to buy drugs like Clomid online, due to possible side effects and drug interactions. Additionally, fertility issues can be complex, and bypassing a physician to buy a fertility aid like Clomid may mean you are not directly addressing the true cause of your infertility.
Are There Any Risk Factors Or Concerns
Taking birth control rarely has any long term impacts on your fertility, assures Dr. Minken. Still, there may be other factors that influence how quickly you can get pregnant after stopping birth control, including common fertility issues such as hormonal issues, thyroid issues, issues with your reproductive organs, and health conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome that can make conception more difficult. Fertility is a two-way street, and problems with your partners sperm or sperm production can contribute to fertility issues as well.
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after 12 month of trying. If you are over the age of 35, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that you visit a healthcare provider if youre having trouble conceiving after 6 months of trying if you are over 40, its recommended you see your provider even sooner.
For most healthy couples, though, its just a matter of trying each month, and mustering up a bit of patience, knowing that its normal for it to take a few months to get a positive pregnancy test. If you are looking to maximize your chances of getting pregnant once you quit birth control and are ready to try, Dr. Minken has some tips: I would encourage anyone trying to conceive to eat a healthy diet, dont smoke, dont drink, dont take drugs, and do take folic acid supplementation daily to help prevent birth defects.
Don’t Miss: Which Month To Start Exercise During Pregnancy For Normal Delivery
What Are Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain daily vitamins and minerals you need before and during your pregnancy.
Folic acid is the most important vitamin to take when planning a pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that cells in your body need for growing and developing. Taking 400 mcg of folic acid every day for at least 1 month before and during pregnancy can help lower the risk for problems with the babys brain and spine called neural tube defects . Some women, like those who have had a pregnancy affected by NTDs or with sickle cell disease, may need more folic acid. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the dose that is right for you.
Most nutrients should come from the foods you eat, but its also a good idea to take prenatal vitamins. Your nurse, doctor, or midwife can recommend the best vitamins for you, on top of folic acid.
Vitamins: Trying To Conceive
When youre planning to conceive, there are certain things you can do that can benefit the health of your future baby. Its important that you and your partner take care of both your physical health and overall wellbeing, as this can improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
A big part of supporting your health involves eating a healthy, balanced and varied diet to make sure that your body is healthy and ready to conceive. Lifestyle habits like regular exercise and managing everyday stress can also play a key role.
Also Check: Can You Smoke Weed When Pregnant
Don’t Miss: What Is 20 Weeks Pregnant
Answer From: James Nicopoullos Md
Across the board, depending on what the issue is. If, for example, youve got irregular cycles because youre not ovulating, because youve got polycystic ovaries and in that scenario, for example, then yes, something like letrozole or something like clomid, it could regulate your cycle, allow you to have time intercourse and suddenly your chances of getting pregnant like anybody elses. I think even if youre doing that at least in the first cycle you should probably have some monitoring just to make sure youre not producing too many follicles and that risk of multiple pregnancy goes up. I think theres a sometimes a little bit of a desire from GPs, there I say it perhaps more than fertility doctors or hopefully more than not inferrtility doctors to perhaps give clomid or letrozole to give to people whove got unexplained fertility and who are ovulating perfectly well and theres no great evidence thats going to improve the outcome. It could in theory decrease it, unless youre not monitoring properly so, the default is no there isnt a appeal unless theres a specific problem that we can address.
Pregnant Or Thinking Of Getting Pregnant
Are you pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant? Talk to your healthcare providers before starting or stopping any medicines. Be sure to discuss the following with your healthcare providers:
to encourage conversations about safer medicine use in pregnancy and help prevent birth defects and other health problems.
You May Like: How To Reduce The Belly After Pregnancy
What Are Fertility Pills
If you are trying to conceive and want to improve upon your fertility , you and your doctor may decide to incorporate a fertility pill or medication into your daily life. For those living with ovulation issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, your doctor may discuss fertility treatment options with you to help regulate ovulation and your cycle.
The Best Vitamins To Take While Pregnant
Gaby Vaca-Flores, RDN, CLE, shares recommended vitamins to take while pregnant. Plus: additional supplements for a healthy pregnancy, other prenatal nutritional needs, and vitamins to avoid during pregnancy.
Is it safe to take vitamins during pregnancy? How about while breastfeeding?
These are two of the most common questions that dietitians get from expectant and new mothers. Its no secret that proper nourishment can better optimize your pre and postnatal care. But exactly which vitamins and supplements should you take during pregnancy?
In this article, were bringing things back to science-backed basics. When it comes to supplements and pregnancy, heres the information you need to have a safe and healthy term.*
*This information should not be used in lieu of professional medical advice. Always follow guidance from your OB-GYN and/or primary care physician.
Also Check: How To Take Vitamin B Complex
Read Also: Can I Take Tums If I M Pregnant
The Oral Contraceptive Pill
Its the little tablet taken once a day. The oral contraceptive pill is the most commonly reported method of contraception used by Australian women. There are a few different types of pill to choose from, so its about finding the one thats right for you. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin and mini pill contains only one hormone, a progestin. The pill can have many benefits, however remembering to take it on time is a must.
Pros of taking the pill include: Highly effective when used correctly permits sexual spontaneity and doesnt interrupt sex some pills may even reduce heavy and painful periods and/or may have a positive effect on acne.
Cons include: Forgetting to take your pill means it wont be as effective it can only be used by women is not suitable for women who can’t take oestrogen-containing contraception it does not protect against STIs.
The pill is only available by getting a prescription from a medical professional so visit your local doctor or sexual health clinic.
How Multiple Pregnancy Differs From A Single Pregnancy
Most women with multiple pregnancies have a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies. Your bump will be bigger than women who have single pregnancies.
Complications can be more common with multiple pregnancies. It may be safer to have your babies in hospital. You should opt for consultant-led care. Your medical team may tell you to have your babies in a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit. This is because you may go into premature labour.
Recommended Reading: What Does Prenatal Vitamins Do For Pregnancy
Don’t Miss: What Vitamins To Take When Your Pregnant
