Do you desire to have children? Is there a time frame within which you’d like to conceive and how do forms of contraception and your cycle play into conception timing? Have you become pregnant before and were there any complications?  Have you had difficulty conceiving in the past? 

Topics like this all have a likelihood of being explored when discussing your plan for your pregnancy with your provider. Your provider may also have insights into how to increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant by timing your window for fertility, so take advantage of this opportunity to ask them. 

Your provider will likely ask about your health history, including medical conditions and your last annual exam results. Conditions like STDs, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, diabetes, and PCOS can affect pregnancy outcomes. Some STDs can reduce your chances of conceiving, so your provider may recommend screening for both you and your partner.1

Click here to book an STD screening at an Obria clinic near you.

Your provider may also review your vaccination record, as getting vaccinated before pregnancy can protect both you and your baby. Certain vaccines, like the MMR and Varicella, should be given before pregnancy, not during.2

Some medications you’re currently taking may be fine to continue, while others your doctor may advise you to stop for a successful pregnancy. Medications for psychiatric conditions, cholesterol, Retin-A (for acne), and even over-the-counter ibuprofen should not be taken during pregnancy. It’s important to discuss all your medications with your provider and get their approval on what’s safe to take.3 Never start or stop any medication without consulting your doctor first.

Reviewing your family history can help identify factors that may affect your chances of pregnancy or your baby’s health. The CDC advises sharing any family history of conditions like sickle cell or heart defects, as these can have genetic implications for your child.5

It’s important for both you and your partner to discuss any genetic conditions with your provider. They may recommend genetic counseling if needed, especially if you’ve experienced infertility, multiple miscarriages, or genetic issues in previous pregnancies.

Avoid Alcohol, Smoking & Caffeine 

While it may be common knowledge that alcohol and cigarettes (including secondhand smoke) can harm a baby during pregnancy and are strongly discouraged, avoiding these substances when trying to conceive is also recommended. While research is divided on whether drinking 1-2 alcoholic drinks daily negatively affects fertility, the act of smoking cigarettes has been proven to decrease fertility in both men and women.7 Additionally, your doctor may also encourage you to decrease your caffeine intake, if applicable.  

Regardless of the substance, abstaining from or limiting (in the case of alcohol or caffeine) the rate at which you partake may increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight 

Research shows that being both overweight or underweight during a pregnancy can result in adverse outcomes such as premature birth, diabetes and high blood pressure.8  In order to ensure you are healthy, your doctor may examine your BMI (Body Mass Index) which is an estimate of your body fat percentage based on the ratio of your height to weight, which can indicate whether you need to lose or gain weight. Additionally, your practitioner may explore the importance of a healthy diet with you coupled with physical activity and exercise.