Preparing for pregnancy is an exciting and important milestone in your couplehood.
For couples who are trying to conceive, pre-planning and seeking support from a healthcare provider is important. Conception is not only about the right timing; it involves preparing your health and life for the journey ahead.
For couples planning to conceive, it is important to prepare physically, emotionally and mentally for this new chapter. Here are some tips to prepare for conception:
- Understand your menstrual cycle: To increase your chances of conception, it's important to be aware about your menstrual cycle. Tracking your ovulation can be done through various methods such as prediction kits or keeping a menstrual calendar to help you pace intercourse more effectively.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise regime and maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact fertility. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake as well as smoking cessation are important steps to consider. Stress management can also affect fertility.
- Pre-conception check-up: It is advisable for both partners to visit a healthcare provider for a pre-conception consultation. These check-ups can identify and address any underlying health issues that may affect fertility. It is also an opportunity to discuss any health concerns and receive advice with your healthcare provider.
- Ensure proper nutrition: Good nutrition is essential for the couple. Folate, iron and other essential vitamins and minerals are vital for a healthy pregnancy. For instance, folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects. Consult your healthcare provider to recommend the right supplements based on your specific needs.
- Review medication and vaccinations: It is important to consult your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some may not be safe during pregnancy. Ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations as some preventable diseases can be harmful to a developing foetus.
- Protect against Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs): STIs can affect fertility and pose risks to a developing baby. Both partners should get tested and (if necessary), treated for STIs before attempting to conceive.
- Environmental and occupational hazards: Be aware of any potential hazards in your environment or workplace that can affect fertility. Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation or extreme temperatures can have adverse effects.
- Adequate sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Sleep plays a role in maintaining hormone balance, which can impact fertility. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every day.
- Communication and emotional well-being: Couples should communicate openly about their desires, fears, expectations and delegation of roles regarding parenthood. Emotional well-being is as important as physical health. Consider seeking support from a counsellor or support group if needed.
For couples facing fertility challenges, traditional methods of conception may not be effective. Some couples may consider non-traditional methods such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
1. IVF involves fertilising an egg outside the body and transferring the embryo into the uterus thereafter.
Preparation for IVF:
- Consult with a Fertility Specialist to assess your fertility condition and allow him/ her to recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
- Medication and hormone stimulation: Most women will receive hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Frequent monitoring and blood tests are mandatory during this period.
- Egg retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve them.
- Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are fertilised in a laboratory.
Embryo Transfer: The healthy embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus where they can implant and result in a pregnancy.
Considerations:
- IVF is usually recommended for couples with specific fertility issues, for example tubal blockages, male factor infertility or unexplained infertility.
- The success rates tend to decrease with the woman's age.
- IVF can be a taxing procedure hence couples should be emotionally prepared for the procedure. Seek emotional support and counselling when needed.
The success rates may vary and there is no guarantees of pregnancy.
2. IUI involves placing the sperm directly into the woman's uterus to increase the probability of fertilisation. IUI is usually recommended for couples with minor male factor infertility, unexplained infertility or cervical issues.
Preparation for IUI:
- Sperm preparation: The sperm is washed and concentrated to improve its quality.
- Timing: IUI is usually performed around the time of ovulation.
Considerations:
- Success rates can vary and multiple attempts may be unavoidable.
- It is less invasive as compared to IVF.
Discuss with your partner about the preparation, criteria, emotional and financial considerations before making the decision to pursue IVF or IUI.
Understand that conception may take time. It's normal for healthy couples to take several months to conceive. Every couple's journey is unique. What works for one may not work for another. The key to conception is to focus on your health, well-being and readiness for parenthood as you embark on this exciting pre-conception phase together.
If possible, schedule a pre-conception consultation with your healthcare provider. They can assess your overall health, address any medical concerns and provide personalised advice based on your family circumstances. Seek guidance from healthcare professionals, communicate openly with your partner and embrace the journey with patience and enthusiasm.
You may make an appointment with NHG Polyclinics via HealthHub or NHG Health App. Our team of clinicians will attend to your medical inquiries and refer you to appropriate specialist professionals for a thorough fertility assessment (as needed).
