Trying to conceive can bring many questions, especially when pregnancy does not happen as quickly as expected. If you are wondering, “Should I visit a fertility specialist?”, there are a few simple but important steps you can take before your appointment.
These steps may sometimes help improve your chances of conceiving naturally. Even when fertility treatment is eventually needed, being prepared can save valuable time, reduce unnecessary tests, and help your doctor make informed decisions sooner.
Dr. Aboli Chandge, Senior Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist at Momstory, explains seven important things couples should do when planning a pregnancy.
1. Know When You Are Ovulating
Many couples assume that pregnancy can happen on any day of the menstrual cycle. However, conception is most likely during the fertile window.
The fertile window generally includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
If your menstrual cycles are regular, ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before your next period, rather than necessarily on day 14 of the cycle.
You can track ovulation using:
- Period-tracking apps
- Ovulation predictor or LH kits
- Cervical mucus changes
- Basal body temperature monitoring
Having intercourse every 2–3 days throughout the cycle, or every alternate day during the fertile window, can help maximize the chances of conception.
2. Don’t Wait Too Long to Seek Fertility Help
One common mistake couples make is waiting too long before consulting a fertility specialist.
General recommendations are:
- Under 35 years: Seek help after trying for 12 months without pregnancy.
- 35 years or older: Seek help after trying for 6 months.
- Over 40 years: Consider seeking fertility advice earlier.
You may also benefit from an earlier evaluation if you have:
- Irregular periods
- Endometriosis
- Previous pelvic surgery
- A known fertility problem
Age is an important factor affecting female fertility, so timely evaluation can be beneficial.
3. Start Folic Acid Before Pregnancy
Folic acid is an important part of pregnancy planning.
The recommended amount mentioned in the video is 400 micrograms daily, unless your doctor recommends a higher dose.
Ideally, folic acid should be started at least three months before conception.
It helps reduce the risk of serious birth defects affecting the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Therefore, starting folic acid before pregnancy is a simple step that can have important benefits.
4. Review Your Lifestyle and Daily Habits
Your everyday lifestyle can influence reproductive health, so both partners should focus on healthy habits when trying to conceive.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being significantly overweight or underweight can affect ovulation and sperm quality.
Exercise Regularly
Include regular physical activity as part of your routine.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Focus on a balanced diet containing:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Protein
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
Get Adequate Sleep
Aim for around 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
Manage Stress
Try to maintain healthy ways of managing stress during your fertility journey.
Avoid Harmful Substances
Both partners should avoid:
- Smoking
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
Remember, fertility is a couple’s responsibility, not just a woman’s responsibility.
5. Get a Basic Health Check-Up
Before consulting a fertility specialist, it can be helpful to understand your general health.
Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may recommend basic evaluations such as:
- Blood sugar testing
- Thyroid function tests
- Hemoglobin testing
- Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D testing, when indicated
- Rubella and varicella immunity testing in selected women
You should also discuss any long-term health conditions with your doctor, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, or hypertension.
Some medications may need to be reviewed or adjusted before pregnancy.
6. Involve Your Partner Early
Fertility evaluation should involve both partners.
Male factors may contribute to infertility either alone or together with female factors. Despite this, couples sometimes focus only on the woman during the initial stages of fertility evaluation.
When advised by a doctor, the male partner may undergo a semen analysis.
Men should also focus on healthy lifestyle habits, including:
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting excessive alcohol consumption
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding excessive heat exposure to the testes
This can include avoiding frequent hot tubs and prolonged direct laptop use on the lap.
Pregnancy planning is a team effort, and both partners should be involved from the beginning.
7. Keep Your Medical Records Ready
Before your fertility consultation, gather all your previous medical records and reports in one place.
These may include:
- Blood test reports
- Ultrasound reports
- Previous pregnancy records
- Surgery records
- Semen analysis reports
- Hormonal test reports
- HSG reports
- Laparoscopy reports, if previously performed
Keeping your records organized can help your fertility specialist understand your medical history and may prevent unnecessary repetition of tests.
Do You Need Many Tests Before Seeing a Fertility Specialist?
Most couples do not necessarily need to undergo numerous tests before their first fertility consultation.
Instead, completing these seven simple steps and bringing your previous medical records can help make the consultation more productive.
Your fertility specialist can then decide which investigations, if any, are appropriate based on your individual history.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
Consider seeking professional fertility advice if you have been trying to conceive without success for the recommended period based on your age.
You should also consider an earlier consultation if you have irregular periods, endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery, a known fertility concern, or other factors that may affect conception.
Final Thoughts
Infertility is not a failure, and seeking help does not mean that you have failed to conceive naturally.
Early guidance can help you understand your reproductive health, identify potential concerns, and make informed decisions about your fertility journey.
If you have questions about pregnancy planning or infertility, consult a qualified obstetrician, gynecologist, or fertility specialist for personalized advice.
For further guidance, you can consult Dr. Aboli Chandge at Momstory, Nagar Road.
