Two-Person Plan for Extraordinary Results
Embarking on a pregnancy program is not the responsibility of just one party but both parties, namely the husband and wife. To achieve optimal results, both should also undergo fertility examinations.
Many people still believe that difficulties in conceiving are solely caused by one of the partners. In reality, both spouses play a crucial role in achieving fertilization. The fertility of both the father and mother is a key factor in successfully conceiving offspring. If either of them experiences fertility issues, pregnancy may be challenging or require more effort.
Before starting a pregnancy program, both partners should be aware of the necessary preparations.
Table of Contents
Things to Prepare Before Conceiving
1. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
You may have heard that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for a successful pregnancy program. This is important for increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Dr. Beeleonie, BMedSc, Sp.OG, Sups. F.E.R, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and an endocrine and fertility consultant at Bocah Indonesia, recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including achieving an ideal body weight. If either partner is overweight or underweight, it’s important to work towards an ideal weight for improved chances of pregnancy. Additionally, it’s essential for both partners to quit smoking and avoid alcohol for optimal pregnancy prospects.
2. Consuming Folic Acid Supplements
One type of supplement that should be taken by both partners planning a pregnancy is folic acid. Folic acid plays a crucial role in enhancing the fertility of both partners. For women, folic acid helps maintain the health and function of the ovaries, supports the fertilization process, aids in fetal development, and contributes to the health of the developing baby in the womb. For men, folic acid can help improve the quantity and quality of sperm, which can increase the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
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3. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for both partners planning a pregnancy, as it helps the body adapt to the preparations for pregnancy. Both partners should dedicate at least 30 minutes per day to exercise, both before and during pregnancy.
4. Preparing Mentally
In addition to physical well-being, both partners should prepare mentally. Every couple may experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, worry, and stress. If these psychological issues are not managed effectively, they can negatively impact overall health and fertility. Therefore, it’s important to manage these emotions effectively. Partners can share their feelings with loved ones, and if necessary, seek help from a psychologist to address these issues.
5. Financial Preparation
If you and your partner are planning a pregnancy, ensure that your financial situation is stable. Besides physical and mental conditions, financial stability is also crucial. A stable financial situation will help you smoothly go through the pregnancy program process. Some fertility programs may require substantial financial resources, especially if certain medical conditions or reproductive system problems exist. If your doctor recommends assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), substantial costs may be involved. Therefore, it’s essential to start saving for your pregnancy plans in advance.
6. Fertility Examinations
After preparing for all these aspects, don’t forget to undergo fertility examinations. These examinations are crucial to assess the fertility of both partners. The basic examinations include sperm analysis for the male partner and transvaginal ultrasound (USG) for the female partner. These tests provide essential information about sperm quality, quantity, and movement for men, and assess the condition of the uterus and surrounding areas for women. Dr. Ferry Darmawan, Sp.OG, MIGS., a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Bocah Indonesia, emphasizes that infertility examinations involve both partners, with the male partner undergoing sperm analysis and the female partner having a transvaginal ultrasound, along with tubal and ovulation confirmation examinations.
Fertility examinations can be conducted at the nearest fertility clinic. In Bocah Indonesia, there is a service called “Bocah 4 Langkah” (B4L) that can assist both partners in undergoing basic examinations. Through this service, the male partner can analyze sperm and consult with an andrology specialist regarding the results. The female partner can have a transvaginal ultrasound and consult with an obstetrics and gynecology specialist. These examinations will provide insights into the fertility conditions of both partners and help determine the appropriate pregnancy program.
Having children is a common desire for every couple. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and stay motivated in your efforts. Schedule fertility examinations with a doctor for both partners to ensure you’re on the right path. If you want other aspiring parents to know this information, please share this article. Let’s continue to fight together because there is always hope. #AlwaysHope
Source:
- Chitayat, D., et al. (2016). Folic acid supplementation for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy: 2015 update. J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Feb;56(2):170-5.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Planning for Pregnancy.
- Schaefer, E., et al. (2019). The Impact of Preconceptional Multiple-Micronutrient Supplementation on Female Fertility. Clin Med Insights Womens Health. 2019 Apr 23;12:1179562X19843868.
- Ulrich, F., et al. (2016). Consequences and Possible Predictors of Health-damaging Behaviors and Mental Health Problems in Pregnancy – A Review. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016 Nov; 76(11): 1136–1156.
