By Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG
[Los Gatos & Mountain View, CA]
Pregnancy is a profound and exciting journey that brings major changes to your body, lifestyle, and future. For many women, the desire to conceive comes with the question: “What can I do to prepare for a healthy pregnancy?” The answer begins well before a positive test result.
At the practice of Dr. Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG, we believe that preconception planning is essential to promoting a smooth pregnancy, healthy baby, and overall maternal wellness. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or planning for the near future, here’s what you need to know.
Why Preconception Health Matters
Your health before pregnancy sets the foundation for your baby’s development. Preconception care focuses on optimizing a woman’s physical, mental, and emotional health before conception. This care is tailored to identify risk factors, treat underlying conditions, and ensure that both your body and mind are ready for pregnancy.
Even seemingly minor factors like vitamin deficiencies, poorly managed medical conditions, or untreated infections can affect fertility and increase risks during pregnancy. A proactive approach—under the guidance of an experienced OB/GYN like Dr. Khoo—can make all the difference.
Steps to Take Before Trying to Conceive
1. Schedule a Preconception Visit
Book a consultation with your OB/GYN to review your medical history, discuss any chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), review medications, and evaluate reproductive health. Dr. Khoo can also assess your menstrual cycle, hormone levels, and general wellness to determine your fertility window.
2. Begin Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400-800 mcg of folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which can occur within the first 28 days of pregnancy—often before you even realize you’re pregnant.
3. Review and Adjust Medications
Certain medications and supplements may not be safe for pregnancy. Dr. Khoo can help you modify or replace any that could interfere with fertility or fetal development.
4. Update Vaccinations
Ensure you are up to date on key vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, and the flu shot. Immunizations protect both you and your future baby from preventable diseases.
5. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. If you have a high body mass index (BMI), even modest weight loss can improve your fertility and lower pregnancy risks.
6. Consider Genetic Testing
Depending on your family history and ethnic background, genetic carrier screening may be recommended. This helps assess the risk of passing on certain inherited conditions to your child.
7. Manage Stress and Mental Health
Pregnancy is not just physical—it’s also emotional. Make time for self-care, therapy if needed, and strategies to manage anxiety or depression.
Q&A: Common Questions About Pre-Pregnancy Preparation
Q: How long should I try to conceive before seeking help?
A: If you are under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without success, or over 35 and trying for 6 months, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. Dr. Khoo can guide you through basic fertility assessments and provide referrals if advanced care is needed.
Q: Can my partner do anything to help?
A: Yes! Sperm health matters. Men should avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, hot tubs, and wear loose-fitting underwear. A healthy diet and lifestyle can improve sperm count and quality.
Q: Is it safe to continue exercising while trying to conceive?
A: Absolutely. Moderate, regular exercise supports hormonal balance and general wellness. However, extreme exercise or low body fat can interfere with ovulation, so it’s important to find a healthy balance.
Q: Should I stop drinking caffeine?
A: Moderate caffeine intake (less than 200mg per day, or about one 12-oz cup of coffee) is generally considered safe during preconception and pregnancy. Still, cutting back is often beneficial for hormone balance and sleep.
Q: What role does age play in pregnancy planning?
A: Female fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35. That doesn’t mean pregnancy isn’t possible—it just requires a more strategic approach and sometimes additional support from a fertility expert like Dr. Khoo.
Q: How does Dr. Khoo support women preparing for pregnancy?
A: Dr. Khoo provides individualized care, including fertility assessments, lifestyle guidance, medication reviews, and emotional support. She emphasizes evidence-based strategies for achieving a healthy pregnancy and offers continued care throughout conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.
Partner with Dr. Maureen O. Khoo for Personalized Preconception Care
Preparing for a healthy pregnancy is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself and your future child. With compassionate guidance and comprehensive care from Dr. Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG, you can embark on your fertility journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Whether you’re just starting to consider pregnancy or have been trying for some time, our practice is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Information
Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG
📞 Phone: (408) 364-2440
📍 Los Gatos Office:
320 Dardanelli Lane, Suite 20
Los Gatos, CA 95032
📍 Mountain View Office:
2490 Hospital Drive, Suite 209
Melchor Pavilion, Mountain View, CA 94040
Your path to motherhood starts with a healthy foundation. Schedule your preconception visit with Dr. Khoo today.