Planning for a baby is a big step—one that calls for honest conversations, shared dreams, and lots of thoughtful planning between partners. Once you decide to embark on the journey of conception, it’s important to stay aligned as a couple—talk about your expectations, lifestyle changes, and even the emotional shifts that may come your way.
As we prepare to step into this uncharted territory, we often turn to our mothers and other experienced women in the family for guidance. Their support, rooted in their own journeys, is invaluable. However, living in a nuclear setup doesn’t always allow for that easy access to wisdom. And even when it does, their experiences might differ greatly from our own—what worked for them may not necessarily work for us.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. From the moment you start planning until the day you hold your baby in your arms, there are many professionals and support systems ready to guide and comfort you. We took several steps to prepare for this new chapter in our lives—and we leaned on experts along the way to help make the transition smoother and more informed.
1. Assessing the preconception health: We started by visiting a gynaecologist to assess our preconception health as it plays a significant role in the baby’s development in the womb and helps reduce the risk of complications.
There’s a common myth that only the mother’s health matters when planning for a baby—but the truth is, the father’s preconception health is equally important. A father’s overall health and lifestyle choices can influence the baby’s long-term risk of developing cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neurological issues.
The doctor recommended fertility tests for both of us, along with basic bloodwork to check our iron and vitamin levels. Depending on your personal and family history, your doctor may also suggest additional tests like blood sugar and thyroid screenings.
One key recommendation was for the mother to take folic acid supplements, ideally at least a month before conception, to help prevent neural tube defects in the baby
Make sure to do thorough research before selecting a gynaecologist, and look for someone who is conveniently located and has excellent interpersonal skills. If possible, seek personal recommendations. I ended up changing my gynaecologist after conceiving because my previous gynae was quite judgmental about my choices.
2. Staying Active: Any form of physical activity—whether it’s going to the gym, playing a sport, practicing yoga, or even just walking—is highly recommended. Staying active not only supports fertility but also helps manage stress and prepares your body for the physical demands of pregnancy.
If you plan to continue exercising during pregnancy, it’s a great idea to start beforehand. Getting into a routine before conception allows your body to adjust gradually, and your gynaecologist might advise against starting something entirely new once you’re already pregnant.
I personally started yoga before conceiving and was able to continue it throughout my pregnancy. It not only kept me physically fit but also helped me stay mentally calm and balanced during the ups and downs.
3. Nutrition and diet: A balanced diet is crucial during this time. I and my husband consulted a nutritionist to help create a personalized meal plan that made healthy and complete eating a regular part of our routine which helped improve our fertility and prepare for a healthy baby.
Few other dietary considerations for both of us were:
a. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, as both are linked to long-term health issues for the baby
b. Limiting caffeine to 1-2 cups of Tea/coffee a day
To cut down on caffeine, you may try switching to decaf or explore various herbal teas like chamomile and lavender. There are plenty of calming, caffeine-free options out there—it’s all about finding what suits your taste and brings you comfort.
4. Emotional Well-being: Pregnancy leads to significant hormonal changes, which can be emotionally overwhelming. Maintaining good emotional health is essential to navigate the hormonal roller coaster. I started journaling to enhance my self-awareness, improve decision making and communicate more clearly. So, try to engage in self-care activities to promote your emotional well being.
5. Taking a Vacation: A pre-pregnancy trip can be a great way to spend quality time together before stepping into parenthood. It can be full of meaningful conversations and discuss important topics. Once pregnant, long drives and walks, hikes, eating out, etc. can become inconvenient, making travel more challenging.
We had a planned trip in our first month of pregnancy but had to cancel due to first trimester discomfort and symptoms.
6. Safe skincare: Consulting a Dermatologist: Certain ingredients like retinol, aren’t safe during pregnancy. Additionally, hormonal changes and increased weight during pregnancy and postpartum can significantly affect the skin. So, I consulted a dermatologist to create a pregnancy-safe skincare routine tailored to my needs which significantly helped me with itching, dryness ( yes, these are common symptoms of pregnancy!) and stretch marks.
You can absolutely visit a dermatologist after getting pregnant too, but once you’re expecting, your priorities often shift based on your health and comfort. At that point, a skincare consultation might not make it to the top of your to-do list—so taking a proactive approach beforehand can be really helpful.
7. Visiting a Dentist: I skipped my dental check-up, and it turned out to be a mistake. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease and most dental procedures aren’t safe once you’re expecting.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is highly recommended especially during pregnancy to avoid any dental issues later on.
8. Other specialist consultations: If you’re taking any medications or have any pre-existing conditions, it’s important to consult a specialist to properly manage them. Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and you may need to adjust how you manage these conditions. Also, many medications aren’t safe during pregnancy, so your doctor can prescribe pregnancy safe alternatives.
It might seem like a long checklist, but don’t worry –pregnancy planning happens gradually. You’ll have plenty of time to take things step by step! Pregnancy can be overwhelming at times—physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s why accepting support, both professional and personal, can make your experience smoother.
And remember, not everything on this list is essential, so just go with what feels right.
