Parenting involves taking on new roles and responsibilities, which marks a major life transition
Dr. Shreya Gupta, Consultant, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lucknow explains the 5 things you should never do when planning a baby
Bringing new life into the world is a profound and cherished milestone in many couples’ journey. Entering parenthood is such a wonderful journey that brings an abundance of happiness into a couple’s life. As soon as a woman discovers that she is pregnant, the expectant parents start planning their further journey, from looking for a good maternity hospital, a great doctor and pregnancy tests to planning a great baby shower, maternity holiday and preparing for the arrival. from buying clothes for the little one to decorating and welcoming the newborn into a new home or preparing a nursery. Parenting involves taking on new roles and responsibilities, which marks a major life transition. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind when considering starting a family.
Ignoring regular checkups with fertility experts
One of the most common mistakes couples make when planning for a baby is neglecting regular medical checkups by a fertility expert. It is crucial that both partners ensure that they are in optimal health before becoming pregnant. Regular checkups can identify and address any underlying health problems that may hinder fertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or low sperm count in men can be treated or managed with early intervention. If you skip these essential checks, you risk delaying your chances of conception and facing greater challenges in the long run.
Neglecting lifestyle influences
The lifestyle choices you make can have a significant impact on your fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse are known to harm fertility in both men and women. Obesity and extreme weight loss can also disrupt hormonal balance and hinder conception. Fertility experts advise couples to maintain a healthy lifestyle by adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding harmful habits. By ignoring these factors, you will not only reduce your chances of conception, but also endanger the health of your future child.
Misjudging the timing
Understanding your menstrual cycle and accurately predicting ovulation is crucial when planning for a baby. Many couples make the mistake of misjudging the time of intercourse. Fertility is highest during the fertile period, which usually occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle. Couples who are not aware of this and do not time their attempts accordingly may miss their opportunities each month. To avoid this mistake, consider meeting with a fertility expert who can guide you through the fertile window based on your menstrual cycle, or use ovulation prediction kits or track your menstrual cycle to increase your chances of pregnancy during the fertile window.
Let stress overwhelm you
Dealing with the emotional burden of fertility issues can be incredibly taxing. However, giving in to stress is one of the least advisable actions when preparing for parenthood. Stress can have detrimental effects on fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and menstrual patterns. It can also result in sexual dysfunction and decreased libido, further complicating the path to conception. Fertility specialists often advocate stress relief strategies, such as yoga, meditation and counseling, to help couples manage the emotional toll of infertility. It is imperative that you place a premium on your mental and emotional well-being as you begin your parenting journey.
Hesitant to seek professional help from a fertility expert
Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes couples make when faced with fertility issues is waiting too long to seek professional help. Many people believe that if they keep trying, they will eventually get pregnant. While this may be true for some, fertility issues often require expert guidance and intervention. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. Delaying professional help can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and treatment, potentially making it more difficult to achieve your dream of parenthood.
The beginning of the journey to parenthood is a remarkable journey filled with optimism and hope. However, it is essential to approach this journey with knowledge and awareness of potential pitfalls. By avoiding these five common mistakes (ignoring check-ups with a fertility expert, overlooking lifestyle factors, misjudging timing, succumbing to stress, and hesitating to seek professional help) you can increase your chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. Remember, fertility experts are here to support you on your path to parenthood and provide you with guidance and solutions to help you overcome any challenges you may face.
