When should I start taking folic acid?

Doctors usually advise starting folic acid at least one to three months before you start trying, and continuing it in early pregnancy. The right dose depends on your health history, so ask your doctor. It helps lower the risk of certain birth defects of the brain and spine.

How long should we try before seeing a doctor?

Generally, couples are advised to see a doctor if they have not conceived after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, or after six months if the woman is 35 or older. See a doctor sooner if periods are irregular or there is a known health problem.

Does the male partner need tests too?

Yes. Male factors contribute to many cases of difficulty conceiving. A simple semen analysis, along with general health checks, is a routine part of evaluating a couple.

What is Beej Sanskar?

Beej Sanskar is a traditional Ayurvedic approach to preparing both partners before conception. It focuses on diet, daily routine, stress management, yoga and, where suitable, Panchakarma, all under medical supervision. It is used alongside modern preconception care, not instead of it.

Trying to Conceive? A Preconception Checklist

Planning a pregnancy? A practical checklist for couples: health tests, folic acid, diet, cycle tracking, lifestyle and Beej Sanskar, from our Wakad clinic.

Deciding to start a family is a big, exciting step. Couples in Wakad and Hinjewadi often plan a pregnancy around careers, travel and family responsibilities, and want to do things “the right way” from the start.

Preparing your body and mind a few months before you start trying can make the months ahead smoother and safer. Here are the steps that matter most, for both of you.

Why preconception care matters

The early weeks of pregnancy, often before you even know you are pregnant, are when the baby’s organs begin to form. Being in good health before conception helps:

Lower the risk of some birth defects
Identify and control conditions like thyroid problems, diabetes or high blood pressure early
Correct anaemia and vitamin deficiencies
Reduce stress and help you feel prepared

The checklist for her

1. Book a preconception consultation

A visit three to six months before trying is ideal. Your doctor will review:

Your menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies
Any long-term conditions and current medicines
Family history of medical conditions
Vaccination status, such as rubella and hepatitis B

2. Get the basic tests done

Your doctor may suggest some of these:

Haemoglobin and complete blood count
Blood sugar, such as fasting sugar or HbA1c
Thyroid tests
Blood group and Rh type
Tests for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, as per guidelines
Rubella immunity
A Pap smear if you are due for cervical screening
A pelvic sonography, if needed

3. Start folic acid

Begin folic acid as advised by your doctor, ideally at least one to three months before trying.

4. Review your medicines

Some medicines need to be changed before pregnancy. Please do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own; talk to your doctor first.

5. Understand your cycle

Track your period dates for a few months
The fertile window is usually a few days before and around ovulation
Clear, stretchy discharge and ovulation kits can help identify fertile days
Regular intercourse every two to three days through the cycle also works well and reduces pressure

If your cycles are irregular, read our guide on irregular periods and their causes.

The checklist for him

Fertility involves both of you. The male partner should also:

Have a general health check, including sugar and blood pressure
Stop smoking and limit alcohol
Avoid long hours of heat exposure, such as hot tubs or a laptop on the lap
Eat a balanced diet and stay active
Get a semen analysis if conception takes longer than expected, or earlier if advised

Lifestyle steps for both partners

Food

Home-cooked meals with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dals and dairy
Iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, and protein at every meal
Limit junk food, sugary drinks, and excess tea or coffee
Avoid extreme diets; aim for steady, healthy weight changes if needed

Weight and activity

Being very underweight or overweight can affect ovulation and sperm health
Aim for about 30 minutes of activity most days, such as walking or yoga

Stress and sleep

Seven to eight hours of sleep at regular times
Make time for relaxation together
Try not to turn every month into a test; stress can make the process harder emotionally

Look after your emotional health

Trying to conceive brings hope and excitement, and sometimes worry or pressure from family. Mixed feelings are normal. Talk openly with your partner, share the load, and keep some time together that has nothing to do with planning a pregnancy. If anxiety or low mood is affecting your sleep, work or relationship, counselling can help, and you are welcome to discuss it at your consultation.

Avoid harmful substances

No smoking or tobacco for either partner
Avoid alcohol when trying to conceive
Check with your doctor about workplace chemical exposure

When to see a doctor

Please consult a doctor sooner if:

You have not conceived after one year of trying (or six months if you are 35 or older)
Your periods are very irregular, absent or very painful
You have known PCOD, thyroid problems, endometriosis or fibroids
You have had two or more miscarriages
You have had pelvic infections or abdominal surgery in the past
Your partner has known health problems or low sperm counts

Go to the nearest hospital or call 108 if you have a positive pregnancy test with severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain, heavy bleeding or fainting, as these can be signs of an emergency.

How we combine modern and Ayurvedic care

At Venus Women’s Wellness Clinic, Dr. Madhavi Tayade combines modern preconception care with Beej Sanskar, following “The Modern and Ayurveda Way”.

The modern side

Preconception counselling and pregnancy planning
Health tests for both partners
Management of thyroid, sugar, anaemia and PCOD before conception
Fertility evaluation and referral for IUI or IVF when needed

The Beej Sanskar and Ayurvedic side

Diet and daily routine guidance for both partners
Yoga and stress management
Panchakarma, where suitable, to support the body before conception
Supportive herbal care under medical supervision

Learn more on our preconception and Beej Sanskar service page.

Plan your pregnancy with us in Wakad

A little preparation goes a long way. If you are planning a pregnancy and live in Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Hinjewadi or anywhere in Pimpri-Chinchwad, book a preconception consultation for you and your partner with Dr. Madhavi Tayade at Venus Women’s Wellness Clinic.