The decision to become parents is one of the most exciting moments in a couple’s life. You want your baby to be born healthy, and for the nine months of pregnancy – the waiting – to be easy and joyful. Proper pregnancy planning helps reduce complications, prepare the future mother’s body for the demands ahead, and create ideal conditions for conception. In this article, we will discuss the steps a man and woman should take towards pregnancy to make the dream of having a child a reality, and how to prepare for a first pregnancy.
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Many couples believe that nature will do everything itself. However, modern medicine and common sense suggest that conscious pregnancy planning and regular doctor visits increase the chances of having a healthy baby and maintaining the mother’s health. A woman’s body experiences tremendous stress during pregnancy. The cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver, spine – all work in an enhanced mode.
Proper prenatal diagnosis can identify hidden infections, mineral deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances that may negatively affect fetal development, pregnancy progression, or pose a risk of miscarriage. Timely treatment of chronic illnesses before conception reduces the likelihood of taking serious medications during pregnancy, when many drugs are prohibited. Preparation is your investment in peace of mind and safety.
Important! The optimal time to start preparing for pregnancy is 3–6 months before the expected conception. This time is sufficient to undergo medical examinations, adjust your lifestyle, and replenish the deficit of beneficial nutrients. In our “Pregnancy Planning” program, we recommend starting even earlier — at least 6–12 months in advance. This allows for thorough body preparation: harmonizing hormonal balance, strengthening muscles, and creating ideal conditions for conception without rush.
You should start with the basics. No supplements will help if the body is poisoned with toxins and your daily routine is disrupted.
The main task of a woman aiming for pregnancy is to find her specialist. During the initial appointment, the doctor will take a medical history: ask about past illnesses, surgeries, menstrual cycle characteristics, and heredity.
An examination on the chair and taking of swabs is a mandatory procedure. The gynecologist will assess the condition of the cervix and vagina, and rule out inflammatory processes.
In addition to the gynecologist, the expectant mother will also need to seek the services of these doctors:
Diagnosis and tests before pregnancy for women and men provide a complete picture of the body’s readiness. We have compiled a table of important studies.
| Group of Studies | What is included | Why it is needed |
| Gynecological swabs | Floral smear, cervical cytology, PCR for STIs (chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, etc.) | Detect inflammation, infections, and cervical pathology to treat them before conception. |
| Blood tests (general) | Complete blood count, biochemical analysis, coagulogram, ferritin | Assess hemoglobin levels, liver and kidney function, blood coagulation, and rule out anemia. |
| Infectious screening | HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C | Exclude severe infections dangerous to the life of the mother and child. |
| TORCH panel | Antibodies to rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes | Determine immunity. If there are no antibodies to rubella, vaccination is recommended 3 months before conception. |
| Hormonal profile | TSH, prolactin, FSH, LH, progesterone, testosterone (as indicated) | Assessment of the reproductive system and thyroid function. |
| Ultrasound | Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, mammary glands, thyroid gland | Assessment of the condition of the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, ruling out cysts and fibroids. |
| Urinalysis | General urinalysis | Kidney function check and absence of hidden inflammations. |
Note: If you have not had rubella and a blood test has confirmed the absence of antibodies (IgG), get vaccinated. Contracting rubella during pregnancy poses a deadly threat to the fetus or leads to severe deformities. It is necessary to use contraception for 1 month after vaccination. Important: vaccination is only carried out in the absence of IgG antibodies.
A child’s health is 50% dependent on the man. The quality of the genetic material carried by the sperm influences the formation of the placenta and the possibility of miscarriage in the early stages. Male infertility is as common today as female infertility, so the partner should take responsibility.
What a man should do:
Men should avoid saunas, baths, and tight underwear 3 months before conception. High temperature is detrimental to sperm.
Weight matters. Overweight, as well as underweight, can lead to hormonal imbalances and ovulation issues. Calculate your BMI (body mass index). If the figures are far from normal, try to gently adjust your weight. Sudden weight loss or gain is stressful, and the body might see it as a signal ‘not the time to reproduce.’
Nutrition should be balanced and diverse. Strict diets are forbidden, but vitamins are recommended when planning pregnancy. Here’s what to include in your menu:
Reduce fast food, trans fats, soda drinks, and products with a high amount of preservatives. Decrease caffeine intake. Two cups of coffee a day are permissible, but it’s better to switch to herbal teas or water. Drinking regime is important: clean water helps remove toxins and supports normal metabolism.
Even the most balanced diet does not always meet the body’s need for micronutrients, especially in urban living conditions and stress. Doctors recommend starting to take supplements 3 months before the planned conception.
Main nutrients:
Pharmacies offer special complexes for planning. Do not prescribe medications to yourself. An excess of some substances (for example, vitamin A) is more dangerous than a deficiency. Consult a doctor.
If there have been cases of hereditary diseases or births of children with developmental defects in your family or your partner’s family, it is worth visiting a geneticist. The doctor will compile a family tree and determine the risk of transmitting the pathology.
There are genetic tests available that allow prospective parents to be screened for carrying mutations (such as cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy). Most people are carriers of certain genetic defects, but the disease only manifests when the “broken” gene is present in both parents. Being aware of one’s status allows for the use of IVF methods with preimplantation diagnostics to ensure the birth of a healthy baby even in complex cases.
Chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, kidney diseases, asthma) require special management. Pregnancy can trigger an exacerbation. It’s necessary to visit a specialist, adjust the treatment, and achieve stable remission. The doctor will choose medications that are safe for the fetus.
Pay special attention to blood type and Rh factor. If the woman is Rh-negative and the man is Rh-positive, an Rh conflict may occur. Knowing this in advance, doctors can take preventive measures during pregnancy.
Preparing for pregnancy is not only a medical process but also an emotional one. Women often experience fear of change, childbirth, or responsibility. Men worry about the financial aspect and changes in lifestyle.
Psychological preparation includes:
Financial considerations. Pregnancy and childbirth require expenses. Paid pregnancy care, contracted childbirth, purchasing a dowry, and the possible loss of income for mothers on maternity leave – all of this needs to be taken into account. Create a financial safety net to feel confident.
To successfully conceive, it is important to understand physiology. Pregnancy occurs during the days of ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovary. With a regular 28-day cycle, this occurs around the 14th day. However, the cycle can fluctuate by several days.
How to determine ovulation:
The highest probability of conception is 1-2 days before ovulation and on the day the egg is released. Sperm can live in a woman’s tract for 3-5 days, waiting for a ‘meeting,’ while the egg only lives for 12-24 hours.
Before planning a pregnancy, it’s important not to limit oneself to a standard set of tests but to also consider additional examinations. One such examination is the test for vitamin D (25-OH). Its level affects reproductive function, immunity, and the quality of ovulation. Vitamin D deficiency can complicate conception and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, so it’s advisable for both partners to optimize this indicator in advance.
Another important test is the homocysteine level in the blood. Elevated values can indicate metabolic disorders and an increased risk of miscarriage. This test is particularly relevant for women who have already experienced pregnancy loss.
An extended coagulation profile is also recommended – a study of the blood’s clotting system. It helps identify a tendency towards thrombophilia, which is especially important with family or personal risk factors. If any abnormalities are detected, the doctor will select prevention strategies that will help reduce the likelihood of complications even at the planning stage.
Lifestyle correction is a key step towards successful conception and a healthy pregnancy. First of all, you need to discuss with your doctor the use of all medications: even common pain relievers, antidepressants, or supplements can affect fertility. A specialist will advise what can be kept and what is better to discontinue or replace.
Regular physical activity helps maintain tone, improves circulation, and reduces stress levels. The main thing is to exercise regularly, but without fanaticism.
6 months before conception it is recommended to undergo a complete medical examination, manage chronic diseases, adjust nutrition, and give up bad habits. This time is necessary for normalizing metabolic processes and restoring reproductive function.
3 months before start taking folic acid and other recommended vitamins, check the levels of iron, iodine, and vitamin D, as well as establish a regular sleep and rest routine. At this stage, it’s important to establish a stable menstrual cycle and track ovulation.
One month before planned conception it is advisable to complete all medical procedures, stabilize emotional balance, and pay attention to partner relationships. Make sure that nutrition is balanced and physical activity is moderate. This approach will help you enter pregnancy in an optimal physical and psychological state.
You’ve seen doctors, lead a healthy lifestyle, and the test shows one line. What to do if you can’t get pregnant? Don’t panic. A healthy couple is given a year for conception attempts during regular unprotected sexual activity. If the woman is over 35 years old, the timeframe is reduced to 6 months. Important: both partners should undergo examinations!
If pregnancy does not occur within the specified time frame, this diagnosis is made – “infertility.” It is not a sentence, but a reason for a comprehensive examination. Modern reproductive medicine, including IVF methods, helps couples become parents even in the most challenging situations.
Main causes of delayed conception:
In reproductive clinics, specialists conduct detailed diagnostics and offer solutions. Do not waste time on folk remedies; trust the professionals.
Preparing for pregnancy is a responsible and important stage that lays the foundation for your future child’s health. Go through this journey together with your partner, supporting each other along the way. Be sure to read useful information on authoritative websites to expand your knowledge. Don’t forget about the legal aspects: a woman can expect to receive maternity leave benefits, and the right to take leave is also available to men. Remember that visiting doctors, taking tests, and giving up bad habits may seem routine, but the result is worth it.
Your child’s health is in your hands even before they are born. Good luck on this wonderful journey!
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