Trying to Conceive? Here's What Doctors Want You to Know First

If you’re thinking about starting a family, or just beginning to wonder if the time might be right, it’s completely normal to feel both excited and a little overwhelmed. Getting pregnant might seem straightforward, but the truth is, a lot goes on behind the scenes before that “positive” result shows up.

The good news? You can take steps before you even start trying that can make a big difference. Here’s what doctors usually recommend if you’re planning to conceive within the next few months.

1. Start with a Pre-Conception Checkup

Before anything else, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist. Even if you feel healthy, this visit can help you spot anything that might affect fertility or pregnancy.

You can expect:

A review of your medical and family history
Discussion of any medications or supplements you’re taking
A check on vaccinations (like rubella or whooping cough)
Possibly some blood tests or a pap smear if you're due

It’s also a great time to ask questions, especially if you’ve had irregular periods, past miscarriages, or a chronic condition like diabetes, asthma, or thyroid issues.

2. Begin Prenatal Supplements Early, Especially Folic Acid

Most doctors recommend starting folic acid (400 micrograms daily) at least 3 months before trying to conceive. It helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which form very early in pregnancy, often before you even know you’re pregnant.

Many prenatal vitamins also contain:

Iron – supports healthy blood volume
Vitamin D – important for bone health and immune support
B12 – especially important if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
Iodine – supports healthy brain development

If you’re unsure what to take, ask your GP or pharmacist to recommend a trusted brand.

3. Get to Know Your Cycle and Fertile Window

You don’t need to obsess over every detail, but understanding your cycle can help you time things well.

Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before your next period, not necessarily on day 14 of your cycle.
The “fertile window” is typically five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
Tracking apps can help, but don’t rely on them alone, learning to spot signs like cervical mucus changes or using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) can give a clearer picture.

Read More: How Your Body’s Reproductive Clock Works

4. Your Lifestyle

Your overall health has a big impact on your fertility, even if everything seems fine on the surface.

For women and men, doctors recommend:

Maintaining a healthy weight – being significantly under or overweight can affect ovulation and sperm quality.
Limiting alcohol – drinking too much can interfere with hormone levels and increase the risk of complications.
Quitting smoking – it lowers fertility in both partners and increases pregnancy risks.
Cutting back on caffeine – one to two cups of coffee per day is usually fine, but large amounts may have a small impact on fertility.

Also, try to get regular movement, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh produce, and prioritise sleep, your body needs all the support it can get.

5. Stress Matters

You don’t need to eliminate all stress (who can, really?), but chronic stress can affect your cycle and libido, and generally make the process more difficult emotionally.

If trying to conceive starts to feel like a pressure cooker, pause. Connect with a counsellor or therapist who specialises in fertility or reproductive health. Practising mindfulness, journaling, and even just carving out time for yourself every week can help.

6. When to See a Fertility Specialist

If you’re under 35 and have been trying for a year without success, or over 35 and trying for six months, a fertility specialist may be able to support you with your journey.

It’s a step toward getting answers. The earlier you explore potential issues, the more options you’ll likely have.

Also, if you have irregular or absent periods, severe pain with menstruation, known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, or if your partner has a history of testicular issues, it’s worth checking in sooner.

Trying to conceive can bring up a lot of emotions, hope, excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes frustration. But preparing your body and your mind ahead of time puts you in the best position for a healthy pregnancy journey, whenever it begins.