5 Things You Should Do Before Trying to Get Pregnant

Planning for a baby is a beautiful journey, and it begins long before you miss a period. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through it before, taking the right steps early makes a big difference. This guide on 5 Things You Should Do Before Trying To Get Pregnant will help you prepare in a better and healthier way. If you are looking for a trusted gynecologist for pregnancy planning in Punawale or a reliable pregnancy doctor in Punawale, Pune, experts like Dr. Shradhha Galgali at EXCELLA Women’s Wellness Clinic offer complete support, from affordable pre-pregnancy checkups in Pune to personalised care at their preconception care clinic in Punawale. Here are five essential things you should do before trying to get pregnant.

Here are five essential things you should do before trying to get pregnant.

Meeting with a qualified gynecologist is the most important step in preparing for pregnancy. This consultation helps identify potential health concerns and creates a personalized plan for your pregnancy journey.

What happens during a pre-pregnancy consultation:

• Complete health assessment of your current medical condition
• Menstrual cycle evaluation to understand your fertility patterns
• Review of medications you’re currently taking to ensure they’re safe for pregnancy
• Family history discussion to identify any genetic risks
• Lifestyle counselling for healthy habits before conception

Dr. Shraddha Galgali at EXCELLA Women’s Wellness Clinic in Punawale, Pune, specializes in pre-pregnancy counselling and provides comprehensive care for women planning to conceive. With over 8 years of experience in gynecology, she offers expert guidance on preparing for pregnancy after miscarriage, PCOD management, and high-risk pregnancy cases.

Why choose an experienced gynecologist?

A pregnancy doctor in Punawale, Pune, can help address specific health conditions that might affect conception, provide follicular studies to track ovulation, and offer infertility counselling if needed. The preconception care clinic in Punawale ensures you receive personalised attention for your pregnancy planning needs.

Beginning prenatal vitamins before conception is crucial for preventing serious birth defects and supporting your baby’s healthy development.

Key benefits of folic acid before pregnancy:

• Prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly
• Reduces the risk of cleft lip and palate
• Decreases the chances of premature birth by up to 50% when taken for at least a year before conception
• Supports early brain and spinal cord development

Recommended dosage:

Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before trying to conceive. This should continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s neural tube is forming.

Essential prenatal vitamin components:

• Folic acid: 400-800 mcg
• Iron: 30 mg (prevents anaemia)
• Calcium: 250 mg (supports baby’s bone development)
• Vitamin D: 400 IU
• Vitamin C: 50 mg
• Zinc: 15 mg

In India, prenatal vitamins are readily available at pharmacies. However, always consult your gynecologist in Pune for pregnancy planning in Punawale to determine the right supplements for your specific needs.

Making positive lifestyle changes before conception significantly improves your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

Important lifestyle modifications:

• Stop smoking completely: Smoking reduces fertility by 40% in women and decreases sperm quality in men. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
• Limit alcohol consumption: There’s no safe level of alcohol when trying to conceive. Even light drinking can increase the time it takes to get pregnant by affecting ovulation.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being underweight or overweight can affect hormone levels and make conception more difficult. A healthy BMI (18.5-24.9 for most people) improves fertility and reduces pregnancy complications.
• Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise improves fertility and helps prepare your body for pregnancy. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. However, avoid excessive exercise as it may negatively impact fertility.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect reproductive hormones—practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. Limit caffeine to less than 200mg per day (about one cup of coffee).

Protecting yourself from infections and ensuring your overall health is optimal before pregnancy helps prevent complications.

Important vaccinations before conception:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Especially important as rubella can cause serious birth defects. Get vaccinated at least one month before trying to conceive.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): If you haven’t had chickenpox or been vaccinated
• Flu vaccine: Protects against complications during pregnancy
• COVID-19 vaccine: Reduces the risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications
• Hepatitis B: Important for preventing transmission to your baby
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Protects against whooping cough.

Essential health screenings:

• Sexual health check-up: Screen for sexually transmitted infections
• Blood tests: Check for anaemia, blood type, and immunity levels
• Cervical screening: Ensure no abnormalities that could affect pregnancy
• Blood pressure and diabetes screening: Important for managing chronic conditions
• Thyroid function tests: Thyroid disorders can affect fertility and pregnancy

Dental health check-up:

Schedule a dental examination before pregnancy, as hormonal changes during pregnancy can worsen existing dental problems. Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Having a dental check-up beforehand allows for any necessary treatments to be completed safely and effectively.

Understanding your medical background and family history helps identify potential risks and allows for proper planning.

Medical history assessment includes:

• Previous pregnancies: Discuss any past miscarriages, complications, or birth defects
• Chronic medical conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders need to be well-controlled before pregnancy.
• Current medications: Some medications aren’t safe during pregnancy and may need to be changed
• Previous surgeries: Certain abdominal surgeries can affect pregnancy

Family history evaluation:

Create a detailed family medical history for both you and your partner, including information about:

• Genetic disorders in the family
• Birth defects in previous pregnancies
• Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or mental health conditions
• Pregnancy complications experienced by female relatives

When to consider genetic counselling:

• Family history of genetic disorders
• Previous baby with birth defects
• Couples who are blood relatives
• Women over 35 years of age
• Previous pregnancy losses

Genetic counselling helps assess the risk of inherited conditions and provides information for making informed decisions about pregnancy planning.

Remember that conception involves both partners. Your partner’s health also affects your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

Partner’s health considerations:

• Age factors: Men over 40 may have decreased sperm quality
• Lifestyle habits: Smoking, excessive drinking, and poor diet affect sperm quality
• Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses in fathers can increase risks for the baby
• Occupational exposures: Chemicals or toxins can affect fertility

At EXCELLA Women’s Wellness Clinic, couples can get a complete pre-pregnancy health checkup at pocket-friendly rates.

• Budget-friendly pre-pregnancy health packages are available.
• Includes thyroid, sugar, iron, vitamin D, and fertility tests.
• Conducted under the expert supervision of Dr. Shradhha Galgali.
• Ideal for couples planning their first pregnancy in Punawale, Pune.
• Friendly environment with personalised counselling and support.

Recognised as the Best Gynecology Hospital in Pune, EXCELLA offers expert care with modern facilities and a patient-first approach.

Getting ready for pregnancy is not just about timing—it’s about making sure your body and mind are fully prepared. These 5 Things You Should Do Before Trying To Get Pregnant will help you plan better and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. From scheduling an affordable pre-pregnancy checkup in Pune to consulting the best gynecologists and obstetricians in Punawale, Pune, every step matters. If you want guidance from one of the best doctors for pregnancy test treatment in Pune, you can visit Dr. Shradhha Galgali at EXCELLA Women’s Wellness Clinic, where expert care and personal attention come together for your peace of mind.