Is it a good idea to have a "preconceptual" gyn exam?

[krasnon]

We have a 21 month old son and would like to start trying for a second baby sometime soon. However, I am worried about my health and how another pregnancy would affect me. After my first baby I have been dealing with constant weird symptoms of weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, near fainting feeling, being constantly tired and anxious. I am 26 and in overall good health. 5'4" and weight 110 pounds. Every time I go to see my primary care physician she tells me that it's all anxiety. I was anemic about 1/2 year ago but took some iron pills and my lab work showed that my iron is within normal ranges again. I'm thinking I may be anemic again but don't want to see my doctor again as she'll just write everything off to anxiety. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this before. I was perfectly healthy before having my son. After his birth I just wasn't the same. This constant weak/shaky feeling is driving me crazy. I am scared to get pregnant again. Has anyone had a check up and blood work prior to starting to try for a baby? I'm not sure if that's something that ob/gyn's do...

[mmhinton]

Are you eating enough protein? Are you eating enough snacks? I am hypoglycemic and those are nearly the exact symptoms I have if I don't keep myself fed...and it was worse during my first pregnancy til I learned how much protein I needed for me and baby! And, with breastfeeding, I had to continue to eat extra! I ALWAYS have snacks available - DH teases me cuz I have stuff tucked away (like in the car, in my purse, etc)

[CarrieMF]

I agree on hypoglycemia. It could also be thyroid related. 110lbs for 5ft 4 is on the low end.

As for a preconception gyn exam I would, simply because they often want a pap done in early pregnancy if it has been more than 6 months since your last one.

[krasnon]

My first thought was hypoglycemia as well; however, they checked my blood sugar and it came back normal. I do notice that if it's been a while since my last snack or meal I feel worse. I bought myself some iron supplements in whole foods I'm thinking it may be that as well.

[mmhinton]

fwiw - my blood sugars nearly always come back "normal".....but during my first pregnancy I got an insulin monitor (finger pricker thing) (they were worried about gestational diabetes...HA!). I kept close track (to PROVE I was in no danger of gestational DM!) I did find that it was consistently lower than average. Also, if had been more than 2 hours since I ate, it was low. I was also having "symptoms" by two hours....so I knew I HAD to eat AT LEAST every 2 hours!
So, a one time blood sugar check is very unreliable. If you can convince the doctor to give you a prescription (or just spend the $), I'd see if you can get a glucose monitor and keep track of your blood sugar yourself. See what trends you notice....check it first thing in the morning...just after a meal....a couple of hours after a meal....and if you don't typically have a snack...then check it again just before your next meal. Do that for a few weeks and it will probably give you alot of info about how your body is doing... Alot more info that a one time check at least!!

Fwiw - I during my pregnancies, I was eating over 100 grams of (healthy) protein everyday! (as well as healthy fruits, veggies, grains, etc). I made sure that with every meal and every snack I had at least some protein. Even now, (not preg and no longer breast feeding), I still try to incorporate as much protein as possible (though not nearly 100 grams each day as I feel SO much better when I get enough protein with the carbs (b/c it takes my body longer to turn it into "fuel" which keeps my blood sugar from dropping as quickly!

[Lady Lilya]

You sound exactly like me. I went from being perfectly healthy to being weak and tired and anxious. It did turn out to be blood sugar, like the others are saying.

I found a dramatic improvement by simply starting each meal with meat or eggs, then having a veggie, then having the carb last. Also, trying to keep my carbs down. Unfortunately it means not eating combined foods (except on occasion), but it is worth it to feel great.

Also, I did go get complete blood work before conceiving number 2. I wanted to check all the nutritional things. At that point, I had been eating my meat-first diet for 4 months. My numbers were great.