Blood tests before ttc

[rainbowbeetle]

I recedntly went to the doc to find out where we should be at before we start ttc, i have pcos too.
She gave me a long list of blood tests that she wants me to have, and also suggested getting hep b needles... (which will push back ttc by around 7 months..)
My question is, do i need all these blood tests and the hep b needles? what about all those people that fall pregnant unexpectedly?

[Tam-I-Am]

No, you don't NEED them...but I think it's wise to have them. At least the blood tests, although I'd question the necessity for the HepB vaxxes too. The blood tests can tell you a range of things, such as what your rubella vax status is - whether you need a booster or not, as rubella can cause pretty significant birth defects. Can you imagine how awful you'd feel if you did contract rubella when you were pregnant and had had the opportunity to have the blood tests beforehand?

Chances are nothing like that will happen, but not all vaxxes have to push your TTC date back by that far either.

You can refuse them, of course you can - you're the consumer, and if, for example, you were anti-vax then getting the vaxxes might not even be on the cards - but at least you can know your immunisation status so you know what to look out for and avoid.

Good luck with TTC :)

[BazzasMum]

I had them all done, and ended up needing a chicken pox booster. At least now I know I'm covered should the boys get it...

[rainbowbeetle]

Chances are nothing like that will happen, but not all vaxxes have to push your TTC date back by that far either.

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The doc told me that i should have the hep b vaxs before starting to ttc, i'm not really keen on the idea of them, and besides i hear they hurt like buggery. I also work in childcare, a factor i guess which was why she pushed the idea of it.

I think i'll get the blood tests just to see where im at.

[Tam-I-Am]

I'd look into whether you're in the high risk group for contracting Hep B and then make a decision from there. Both DH and I worked in jobs that were more risky than most at one stage (DH still does) so we both got them. I'm a wuss with needles, but the Hep B ones didn't hurt any worse than a standard blood test....so from that perspective try not to stress...but from the perspective of putting off TTC - I can certainly see why you'd rather not wait another 7 months...so make a decision based on all the facts :)