Planning a Baby? 8 Things to Do 3 Months Before You Get Pregnant

You have decided it's time for a baby. Congratulations! Now your family is asking when, your friends are giving advice, and you are googling everything at midnight.

Here is the good news. You don't need to be perfect. But a little preparation in the three months before you start trying can make pregnancy smoother and healthier for you and your baby.

Here are eight simple things to do.

1. Book a pre-pregnancy check-up

Visit your gynaecologist before you start trying. Share your health history, any past pregnancies or miscarriages, and any medicines you take. Your doctor may suggest a few tests, like blood count, thyroid, blood sugar and blood group, and tell you what is right for you.

2. Ask about folic acid

Doctors usually advise women to start folic acid before they get pregnant, because it helps in the early development of the baby. Ask your doctor about the right amount for you. Don't start any supplements on your own without checking.

3. Check your iron

Many Indian women have low iron without knowing it, especially if they have heavy periods. Starting pregnancy with low iron can make you feel more tired. Ask your doctor for a haemoglobin test, and follow their advice if it is low. Eat iron-rich food like dal, green leafy vegetables, chana, jaggery and eggs, and add a fruit with vitamin C to the same meal.

4. Review your medicines

Some medicines are not safe in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including herbal products, painkillers and skin medicines. Don't stop any prescribed medicine on your own. Ask what to do first.

5. Check your vaccinations

Some infections can harm a pregnancy. Ask your doctor whether you are protected against illnesses like rubella and chickenpox, and which vaccines are advised before you try. Some vaccines need a gap before pregnancy, so plan early.

6. Build healthy habits

Eat regular, balanced meals with vegetables, fruit, pulses, grains and curd

Walk or exercise for around 30 minutes most days

Aim for a healthy weight, with your doctor's guidance

Sleep well and manage stress

Stop smoking and avoid alcohol, and also keep away from second-hand smoke

Limit caffeine, like tea, coffee and cola

Small steps are enough. You don't need a big diet plan or an expensive routine.

7. Learn your cycle

Track your periods in an app or a notebook for a few months. Knowing when you ovulate, usually around the middle of your cycle, can help you time things. If your periods are very irregular, very painful or very heavy, tell your doctor. It's worth checking before you start trying.

8. Involve your partner

Pregnancy is a team effort. Your partner's health matters too, and he can also quit smoking, cut down alcohol, eat well and visit a doctor if needed. Talk openly about plans, money, work and who will help once the baby arrives.

How long should it take?

Many healthy couples take a few months to conceive, and that is normal. Doctors usually suggest seeing a specialist if you have been trying for a year without success. If you are 35 or older, or you have known health conditions, ask for advice after six months.

Please see a doctor sooner if you

Have very irregular periods, or none at all

Have severe period pain or very heavy bleeding

Have had two or more miscarriages

Have a condition like PCOS, thyroid problems, diabetes or high blood pressure

Are worried about anything

Looking after your mind, too

Waiting can be stressful, and comments from family can make it worse. Be kind to yourself. Talk to your partner, a friend or a counsellor if you feel anxious or low. A calm mind helps your whole body.

A small note for later

Once your baby arrives, you will need rest, good food and care. Planning ahead for the first weeks, including what to pack in your hospital bag and how to manage the bleeding after delivery, will make that time easier. But that is for another day. For now, take it one step at a time.

Where Dreamease can help

At Dreamease, we support women at every stage, from periods to pregnancy to recovery after delivery. If you have a question about your health and don't know who to ask, you can talk to a gynaecologist on Dreamease for just ₹49.

This article is for general information. It doesn't replace advice from your own doctor.