In some cases, you may be advised to stop taking certain
medications. If so, "a month or two in advance of conception is
the time you'll need to get the medication out of your system,"
says Dr. Mazzullo. If you're on psychiatric medication, you also
should meet with your doctor or psychiatrist about weaning down
to the lowest possible dose. Whatever you do, don't stop these
drugs on your own, just like you wouldn't stop taking diabetes
or asthma medications. "You won't be mentally at your best,
which can affect how well you take care of yourself," cautions
Dr. Mazzullo. "If you're depressed or anxious, for example, you
may not eat right or exercise, which is important for
conception, as well as fetal growth and development. You also
may be at higher risk for postpartum depression after delivery."
If you're traveling abroad and need specific immunizations, get
them three months before you try to conceive. "You'll need the
vaccines that far ahead so it's safe to conceive," she says.
Certain medications also can