What every couple should know on the way to pregnancy

Embarking on the journey toward pregnancy is a complex and deeply personal endeavor that requires careful consideration of various physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Before couples even begin actively trying to conceive, it is critical that they gain a comprehensive understanding of their own health, potential barriers to fertility, and the scientific facts that support reproduction.

Pregnancy planning - when to start?

Idealno, parovi bi trebali početi planirati trudnoću a few months before nego što aktivno pokušaju začeti. Ovo vrijeme omogućuje priliku za optimizaciju zdravlja i načina života prije nego što započnu izazovi trudnoće i roditeljstva.

One of the most important aspects of preparing for pregnancy is a thorough assessment of the health of both partners. This includes medical examinations to assess overall health, identify any existing medical conditions and assess potential genetic risks.

Women's health

Women should undergo specific screenings that focus on their reproductive health, including an assessment of their menstrual cycle, a medical history review, and evaluation for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Understanding the female menstrual cycle is essential for couples trying to conceive. Ovulation, or the release of a mature egg from the ovary, is the key event of conception. Couples can use a variety of methods to identify the fertile period during which pregnancy is more likely to occur, including monitoring basal body temperature, observing cervical mucus, and using LH tests to predict ovulation. Regular menstrual cycles usually indicate regular ovulation, which is necessary for conception. Women with irregular cycles should seek medical attention to determine the cause and treat it appropriately. Female fertility naturally declines with age, especially after age 35. Women who delay childbearing should be aware of the potential challenges and discuss fertility options with their doctor.

Žene koje planiraju trudnoću trebale bi početi uzimati prenatal vitamins containing folate kiselinu najmanje mjesec dana prije začeća, jer je folna kiselina ključna za sprječavanje defekata neuralne cijevi u fetusu u razvoju.

Nutrition has a huge impact on the quality of oocytes, and the lack of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in the period before and during pregnancy potentially leads to serious consequences. Women planning to become pregnant should focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive amounts of caffeine is also important for optimal health and fertility.

In addition to health assessment and menstrual cycle monitoring, lifestyle changes play a significant role in optimizing fertility. This includes adopting a healthy, nutrient-dense diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Couples should also avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug use as these substances can negatively affect fertility. Furthermore, managing stress levels is essential, as chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and affect ovulation.

Men's health

Men's health is also important for conception. Men should definitely undergo a semen analysis to assess sperm quality and quantity, as well as assess any underlying health issues that may affect fertility. Sperm analysis assesses various factors, including sperm count, motility and morphology. Abnormal test results may indicate fertility problems that require further evaluation and treatment.

Did you know that 15% of all couples of reproductive age are affected by infertility, with the male factor being solely responsible in around 20% of cases and a contributing factor in a further 30-40%?

A lifestyle that includes smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, obesity and stress can affect semen parameters. Men should avoid smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs, as these substances can negatively affect sperm production and quality.

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and managing stress levels are also important for male fertility. Men should be aware that their fertility may also decline with age, although not as drastically as women.

Time and frequency of intercourse

The timing and frequency of intercourse are important when trying to conceive. Couples can increase their chances of pregnancy by determining the most fertile time in a woman's cycle and planning intercourse accordingly. LH ovulation predictor tests measure the level of luteinizing hormone in urine, which rises just before ovulation, and can help couples determine the optimal days for intercourse.

The fertile period includes the days before and including ovulation. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so intercourse a few days before ovulation can result in conception. Although it is important to have sex during your fertile period, it is not necessary to have sex every day. Frequent intercourse can reduce the number of sperm in men, so it is recommended to have intercourse every other day during the fertile period.

Conclusion

The journey to pregnancy can be exciting and challenging. Couples can increase their chances of success by taking proactive steps to optimize their health, understanding female and male fertility, and seeking appropriate medical help when needed. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and communicating openly with your partner can contribute to a positive and fulfilling family planning experience.

Ulaganje u planiranje trudnoće i aktivno sudjelovanje u njezi prije trudnoće ima dalekosežne prednosti za majku, dijete i cijelu obitelj. Promicanje zdravlja i dobrobiti budućih roditelja osigurava zdraviji početak života djeteta, a istovremeno smanjuje rizik od komplikacija i poboljšava dugoročne ishode. U tom kontekstu, ciljano odabrana suplementacija za oba partnera it can be a valuable part of the preparation, especially when it is aligned with individual needs and expert recommendations.

Author: Velena Radošević, MD. specialist in gynecology and obstetrics