Planned parenting

When you start thinking about a baby

Maybe you already know what you want. Maybe you are just imagining how your life might change. Or maybe you are already trying for a baby and wondering whether there is anything more you can do. You can talk to us about planning a pregnancy at any of these moments.

You don’t need to have a list of questions ready. Together, we will go through what matters to you — from your health and the medications you take to your menstrual cycle and previous experiences.

A few steps that make sense

It is advisable to start taking folic acid before conception, at least one month in advance. The usual dose is 400 micrograms a day, continued at least until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. It helps reduce the risk of certain birth defects. If you need a higher dose, your doctor will recommend it based on your situation.

We will also discuss the medications and supplements you take and any chronic conditions. Don’t stop prescribed treatment on your own — sometimes it needs to be adjusted, and at other times continuing it is exactly what is important for your health.

Before pregnancy, it is a good idea to check your vaccinations, especially protection against rubella and possibly chickenpox. Some vaccines are not given during pregnancy, and after receiving them, conception must be postponed for a certain time. Your doctor will explain the specific steps.

It also helps not to smoke, to avoid alcohol, to eat a varied diet and to get enough exercise and sleep. You don’t have to turn your preparation into a daily test of perfection. The point is to take care of your health in a way you can keep up in the long term.

It concerns both partners

Your partner’s health also matters for conception. Smoking, excessive drinking or the use of anabolic steroids can affect fertility. If your partner takes testosterone or other medications, he should discuss their effects with a doctor and not change the treatment on his own.

Regular intercourse about two to three times a week can be a practical way to cover the fertile window. If ovulation tests or cycle tracking help you, feel free to use them. But you don’t have to turn your life together into a precise schedule.

Do you need tests beforehand?

For a healthy woman without symptoms, an extensive set of blood tests and swabs is not automatically necessary. We choose tests based on your health, family history and previous pregnancies. A consultation is especially important if you have a chronic condition or an irregular cycle, take medication regularly or have had complications in a previous pregnancy.

If there is a hereditary condition in your family or you have had recurrent pregnancy losses, we may also recommend genetic counseling.

When conception isn’t happening

For women under 35, we usually start testing after one year of regular unprotected intercourse. From age 35, it is advisable to come in after six months, and after 40 without further delay. Get in touch sooner if your periods are absent or irregular, or if you have a known condition or there is a risk factor on your partner’s side.

Fertility concerns both partners. If you need help, we will look for the next steps with both of you in mind.

After a positive pregnancy test, contact us and we will arrange your first checkup. If you have heavy bleeding, significant one-sided pain or you faint, seek urgent care.