Hello,

Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX platform. I am trying to give answers as per your query.

1) As you have decided to start family, you must take Vitamin-E & Folic acid supplements for at least 3 months before and after conception.

2) Before planning a pregnancy, some investigations are mandatory and some need for general health. This is called pre-conceptual investigation.

a) Fresh Semen analysis of your husband with 3-4 days abstinence from sexual intercourse or masturbation.
b) FOR BOTH- Blood test for Hb%/ TC/ DC/ ESR, Fasting & PPBS (blood sugar), Blood Group & Rh Typing, Test for Thalassemia, VDRL test to rule out STD and HIV 1 & 2
c) Specific hormone testing like thyroid profile, Day-21 progesterone hormone assay (to confirm ovulation on that cycle), Anti Mullarian Hormone ( to assess ovarian function).
d) One ultrasound scan (USG) to check reproductive organs in details.
e) For tubal patency- One HSG scan (Hystero Salpingography).
f) Routine & microscopic urine examination.
g) General health check up including measurement of Blood Pressure, Height & Weight , BMI calculation, Significant past medical or family history.

3) Steps to be taken to become pregnant successfully:

a) All above mentioned investigations must have to be normal. Otherwise, supportive medications are needed to be taken after consultation with your doctor.
b) Do not use any type of contraception method (like OCP/ Condom etc) for at least 3-4 months before planning of pregnancy.
c) Your period must be regular in 28-30 days cycle (Preferably). Though 21-35 days cycle is normal.
d) Calculate your ovulation time which occurs 14 days before next due date and fertile days will be 10th-18th day for each 28 days regular cycle.
e) Have to unprotected sex daily/ alternate day on fertile days for high chance of successful pregnancy. Sperm can survive 3-5 days within female genital tract after ejaculation while ovum can survive 24-36 hrs after ovulation.
f) You have to sex each month particularly on those days for 1 year to be pregnant by natural method.
g) To predict your ovulation, you can use ovulation prediction kit (OPK) or LH kit.
h) Take healthy balanced diet with more XXXXXXX vegetables & fresh fruits. Drink more water/ fluids to stay hydrated and for better body circulation. You may take an additional good health drinks. Always take cooked foods with complete avoidance of fatty/ junk/ fast/ spicy food stuffs. You can take dry fruits like almond, walnuts etc.
i) Avoid mental stress/ tension/ depression by regular yoga or breathing exercise.
j) Control body weight by regular physical exercise- jogging/ running/ treadmill etc.
k) Maintain genital hygiene with proper cleaning and shaving. Wear only cotton underwear.
l) Always take a sound sleep with complete body relaxation.

You need to check your pregnancy by doing one home pregnancy test with urine after 7 days of missed period. Blood test for beta-HCG & ultrasound scan gives more accurate result on pregnancy status.

Hope, above information is very much helpful and sufficient to you.If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

For any future query, you can directly consult with me by visiting my profile on WWW.WWWW.WW and press the button "ask me a question".

Wish your good health & take care yourself.

Regards,
Dr Soumen.

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