What to ask at a preconception appointment
Ten questions, written down.

Ten questions for your doctor to answer

The preconception visit is probably the most important visit of your entire TTC journey. Done well, it saves months (sometimes years) of unproductive trying. The book gives this script to print and take with you:

1. Considering my history, is there anything specific I should do before trying?
2. Is there any test beyond the standard protocol that would make sense in my case?
3. How should I come off my birth control? How long should I wait?
4. What's the ideal folic acid dosage for me?
5. Do I have any condition that requires follow-up while we are trying?
6. How long should I try before seeking a specialized assessment?
7. Does my partner need to get tested too? Which tests?
8. Are there specific habit changes you recommend in my case?
9. Are there vaccines I need to update?
10. What's your plan for me if I'm not pregnant in X months?

Each answer leads somewhere

The questions follow the preparation the book lays out in Station I, so each answer has a place to go:

• Tests, yours and his: Chapter 07 lists the 11 preconception tests and the male tests. The male factor accounts for up to 30% of infertility cases on its own, which is why the partner question is on the list.
• Birth control: Chapter 09 covers how to come off it.
• Folic acid and supplements: Chapter 08, smart supplementation.
• Habits: Chapter 10 covers alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and recreational drugs.
• Vaccines: Chapter 11, together with dental care.

This is one chapter. The map has 42.

The preconception visit is Chapter 12 of Map to the Positive, the last chapter of Station I. It closes the station with a one-page checklist: self-assessment done, the 11 tests requested, folic acid started at least 30 days before, birth control, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, vaccines, dental care and your partner involved, so you start Station II ready.