Informed Pregnancy Planning: A Guide for Couples Deciding to Have a Ba

Informed Pregnancy Planning: A Guide for Couples Deciding to Have a Baby

By Baran Unal

on Nov 16, 2025

Having a baby is an exciting and life-changing decision that many couples dream of. However, proper pregnancy planning before embarking on this journey is critical for a healthy start for both mother and baby . Couples are constantly seeking answers to questions such as " when to get pregnant ," " how to increase fertility , " and " pre-pregnancy preparation ."

Here are the steps and expert advice to help you prepare consciously for this important period:

1. Pre-pregnancy health check is essential.

The most important step to take before pregnancy is for both men and women to undergo a comprehensive health check-up.

Doctor's Visit: Be sure to see a gynecologist (and a urologist if needed). Have your body checked for pregnancy , manage any chronic illnesses you may have, and make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Genetic Screening: If there are known genetic diseases in your family, you may want to consider genetic counseling to identify your risks.
Vitamin Supplements: It's important to start taking some supplements as soon as you begin planning for pregnancy . You may need to take certain supplements as recommended by your doctor. However, you can find detailed information in our article titled "Vitamins Specifically for Men Who Want to Have a Baby ."

2. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: When Can You Get Pregnant?

To increase her chances of fertility , a woman needs to know her menstrual cycle and the time of her ovulation .

Ovulation Tracking: The period when the probability of getting pregnant is highest is the few days before ovulation . You can accurately determine this period by tracking your menstrual cycle with a calendar app or using an ovulation test .
Frequent Sexual Intercourse: The simplest answer to the most frequently asked question by couples, " When can I get pregnant? ", is to have regular sexual intercourse while my fertility window is open. Having sex every day or every other day around the ovulation period is recommended.
Be patient: Even for healthy couples, the chance of getting pregnant in the first month is around 20-25%. Generally, trying for up to a year is considered normal. If you are a couple under 35 and have been unsuccessful for a year, or if you are over 35 and have been unsuccessful for six months, you should consult a fertility specialist .

3. Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

Fertility is affected by lifestyle choices for both women and men. Start eating healthily now for pregnancy !

Nutrition: Consume a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Reducing caffeine and refined sugar intake is important for preparing for pregnancy . Men should also focus on antioxidant-rich foods to improve sperm quality.
End Harmful Habits: Smoking and alcohol severely reduce the chances of fertility and endanger the baby's health. It is essential to completely give up these habits once you decide to become pregnant .
Control your weight: Being underweight or obese can negatively affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Reaching a healthy weight increases your chances of getting pregnant .
Stress Management: High stress levels can negatively affect fertility hormones. Learn to manage stress through methods like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.

To improve paternal health and sperm quality, which are critical elements of pregnancy planning , you can review our article titled "How to Increase Sperm Count and Sperm Quality?" .

4. Financial and Emotional Preparation

Having a baby is not only a physical decision, but also an emotional and financial one.

Financial Planning: Plan ahead for the cost of a baby, including birth expenses and parental leave. Financial security will reduce stress.
Strengthening the Relationship : Pregnancy and parenthood change relationship dynamics. To ensure you support each other during this process, maintain open communication and build a strong foundation for your relationship.

Conclusion: The decision to have a baby becomes a much healthier and more enjoyable process with good pregnancy planning . Tracking your menstrual cycle , making lifestyle changes , and starting necessary supplements are the right steps to take on this important journey.