Preconception Guidelines
A good start is half the journey to a successful pregnancy
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Maintain healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9)
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Limit alcohol (complete abstinence recommended)
- Regular moderate exercise (avoid extreme intensity)
- Adequate sleep (7–8 hours per night)
- Reduce stress — try meditation or yoga
- Avoid environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals)
Recommended Supplements
Folic Acid (400–800 mcg/day)
Prevents neural tube defects — start 3 months before trying to conceive
CoQ10
Improves egg and sperm quality, especially for those over 35
Vitamin D
Linked to implantation and pregnancy rates — many people are deficient
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Supports embryo development and uterine blood flow
* Consult your physician before starting any supplement
Recommended Preconception Medical Checks
For women
- •Gynecological exam + Pap smear
- •Blood type + hemoglobin
- •Rubella / varicella immunity (consider vaccine if not immune)
- •Thyroid function (TSH)
- •Ovarian reserve assessment (AMH, AFC) — especially if 35+
For men
- •Semen analysis (count, motility, morphology)
- •Blood type + hemoglobin
- •Infectious disease screening (syphilis, HIV, etc.)
- •Urology evaluation (if sperm issues are found)
For both partners
- •Genetic carrier screening (thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, etc.)
- •Blood pressure + blood glucose (pre-diabetes screening)
- •Review current medications for fertility impact
Vaccinations
- •Confirm rubella vaccine status before pregnancy
- •Flu vaccine (safe during pregnancy too)
- •Wait ~1 month after live vaccines before attempting conception
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I try before seeing a fertility specialist?
General guidelines: (1) Under 35: seek evaluation after 12 months of trying; (2) Ages 35-39: seek evaluation after 6 months; (3) Age 40+: see a specialist immediately — no waiting; (4) Known risk factors (irregular periods, diagnosed endometriosis, tubal issues, or male sperm problems): do not wait, seek evaluation promptly. Early assessment is generally more beneficial than waiting, especially for women whose ovarian reserve may decline rapidly with age.
What medical tests should I do before trying to conceive?
A preconception health assessment 3-6 months before trying is ideal. Women's basic tests include: gynecological exam, blood type, rubella immunity, thyroid function, blood glucose, blood pressure, and if relevant, an ovarian reserve assessment (AMH). Men should have a semen analysis. Both partners can consider genetic carrier screening (especially for thalassemia, more common in Asian populations). Your physician will also review any current medications that may need adjustment.
Do men need to prepare for preconception too?
Yes. Sperm quality is influenced by diet, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol, and chronic stress. Because sperm production cycles take about 74 days (~3 months), lifestyle improvements take 3 months to show in semen analysis results. Men should ideally start 3 months before trying: quit smoking, limit alcohol, avoid excessive heat exposure (frequent hot baths, overly tight underwear), consider CoQ10 and zinc supplementation, and minimize laptop use on the lap.
I have endometriosis — what extra preparation do I need?
Patients with endometriosis should consult a specialist before trying to conceive to assess severity (Stage I–IV). Mild endometriosis may not prevent natural conception, but moderate-to-severe cases may require laparoscopic surgery before trying, or proceeding directly to IVF. Because endometriosis progresses over time and affects ovarian reserve, do not delay evaluation. Confirming your ovarian reserve status (AMH) before pregnancy planning is especially important.
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