Parenthood entails taking on new roles and responsibilities, marking a significant life transition
Dr Shreya Gupta, Consultant, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lucknow explains the 5 things you must never do when planning a baby
Bringing a new life into the world is a profound and cherished milestone in the journey of many couples. Stepping into parenthood is such a wonderful journey that brings abundance of happiness into a couple’s life. As soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, the expecting parents start planning their onward journey right from looking out on a good maternity hospital, great doctor and pregnancy-related tests to planning a great baby shower, maternity break, preparation for arrival, buying clothes for the little one to decorating and welcoming the newborn either into a new house or prepping up a nursery. Parenthood entails taking on new roles and responsibilities, marking a significant life transition. However, there are important considerations to bear in mind when contemplating starting a family.
Ignoring Regular Check-ups with fertility experts
One of the most common mistakes couples make when planning for a baby is neglecting regular medical check-ups with fertility expert. It is crucial for both partners to ensure they are in optimal health before conceiving. Regular check-ups can identify and address any underlying health issues 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. By skipping these vital check-ups, you risk delaying your chances of conception and facing more significant challenges down the road.
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 impair 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, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits. By ignoring these factors, you not only decrease your chances of conception but also put the health of your future child at risk.
Misjudging Timing
Understanding your menstrual cycle and accurately predicting ovulation is crucial when planning a baby. Many couples make the mistake of misjudging the timing of intercourse. Fertility is highest during the fertile window, which typically occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Couples who are not aware of this and do not time their attempts accordingly may miss their chances each month. To avoid this mistake, consider meeting a fertility expert who can guide you the fertile window according to your period cycle or by using ovulation prediction kits or tracking your menstrual cycle to increase your chances of conceiving during the fertile window.
Allowing Stress to Overwhelm You
Dealing with the emotional burden of fertility challenges can be incredibly taxing. However, succumbing to stress is one of the least advisable actions when preparing for parenthood. Stress can exert detrimental effects on fertility by disturbing hormonal equilibrium and menstrual patterns. It can also result in sexual dysfunction and reduced libido, further complicating the path to conception. Fertility specialists frequently advocate stress-relief strategies such as yoga, meditation and counselling to assist couples in managing the emotional toll of infertility. Placing a premium on your mental and emotional welfare is imperative as you embark on your parenthood journey.
Hesitating to Seek Professional Help with fertility expert
Perhaps one of the most significant mistakes couples make when facing fertility challenges is waiting too long to seek professional assistance. Many individuals believe that if they just keep trying, they will eventually conceive. While this may be true for some, fertility issues often require expert guidance and intervention. If you have been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. Delaying professional help can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and treatment, potentially making it harder to achieve your dream of parenthood.
Embarking on the journey to parenthood is a remarkable journey filled with optimism and hope. However, it’s essential to approach this journey with knowledge and awareness of potential pitfalls. By avoiding these five common mistakes—ignoring check-ups with 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 that fertility experts are here to support you on your path to parenthood, offering guidance and solutions to help you overcome any challenges you may face.
