Preparing for pregnancy is an important step for those who want to have a child. When the body is ready, it will have a positive impact on the baby's health, making it complete and strong. The next question is, how should you prepare if you want to have a baby? Here are the ways to prepare before pregnancy
What Causes Infertility?
Infertility is becoming increasingly common and may be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Lifestyle Factors
Many people today choose to start a family only after achieving financial and personal stability. As a result, pregnancy is often delayed beyond the years when fertility is at its peak.
Female Health Conditions
Common causes include:
- Ovulation disorders
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic adhesions
- Hormonal imbalances
Women with these conditions may experience symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, severe menstrual pain, or abnormal uterine bleeding.
Male Health Conditions
Male infertility may be associated with:
- Ejaculatory disorders
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm quality
- Erectile dysfunction
- Other medical conditions that affect sperm production or function
8 Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
If you are planning to have a baby, these simple lifestyle changes may help improve your chances of conceiving.
1. Plan Your Pregnancy Early
For women, the most favourable reproductive years are between the ages of 20 and 35, when both egg quality and overall fertility are generally at their highest.
If you plan to delay pregnancy, consider discussing egg freezing with a fertility specialist while your ovarian reserve is still favourable. Frozen eggs can later be used as part of an IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) treatment.
2. Know When You Ovulate
The most fertile time is around ovulation, which typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period in women with regular cycles.
Having intercourse during the fertile window significantly increases the likelihood of fertilisation.
3. Have Regular, Well-Timed Intercourse
Rather than having intercourse every day, couples are generally advised to have intercourse every other day during the fertile window.
This approach helps ensure healthy sperm quality while maximising the chances of fertilisation.
4. Eat a Balanced, Nutritious Diet
A healthy diet supports reproductive health in both women and men.
Important nutrients include:
- Zinc, which supports male reproductive hormones and healthy sperm production.
- Folic acid, which is recommended before conception and during early pregnancy to support normal fetal development and reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Aim for a varied, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep allows the body to recover and helps maintain healthy hormone levels, both of which are essential for ovulation and sperm production.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and recreational drugs can all reduce fertility in both men and women.
They may also increase the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects and other pregnancy complications.
7. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being either overweight or underweight can disrupt hormone balance and interfere with ovulation.
Women with obesity are more likely to experience irregular menstrual cycles, making it more difficult to predict ovulation and conceive naturally.
8. Manage Stress
Chronic stress may affect reproductive hormones and reduce fertility in both women and men.
In women, stress can interfere with egg development and ovulation. In men, it may reduce sperm count, sperm quality and sexual function, including erectile function and ejaculation.
Managing stress through regular exercise, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep and emotional support may help promote overall reproductive health.
Fertility Treatments: Helping You on Your Journey to Parenthood
If you are struggling to conceive, lifestyle changes and natural conception may not always be enough. Fortunately, advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have made it possible for many couples to achieve a successful pregnancy.
The most commonly used fertility treatments include:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared, high-quality sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
By shortening the distance the sperm need to travel, IUI increases the chance of fertilisation occurring naturally within the fallopian tubes.
IUI is one of the least invasive fertility treatments and closely resembles natural conception. It is generally recommended for couples with mild fertility issues, unexplained infertility, or certain male fertility factors where the fallopian tubes are healthy.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involves collecting eggs from the ovaries and sperm from the male partner before fertilisation takes place in a carefully controlled laboratory environment.
Once healthy embryos have developed, one or more embryos are transferred into the uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
IVF is commonly recommended for couples with infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, reduced ovarian reserve, male factor infertility, or when other fertility treatments, such as IUI, have not been successful.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced form of IVF in which a single healthy sperm is injected directly into a mature egg using specialised microscopic equipment.
The resulting embryo is cultured in the laboratory before being transferred to the uterus.
ICSI is particularly suitable for couples experiencing severe male factor infertility, including very low sperm count, poor sperm motility or abnormal sperm morphology. It may also be recommended for patients with previous failed IVF cycles or when fertilisation is unlikely to occur using conventional IVF.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I have fertility treatment if I do not have a husband or partner?
Eligibility for fertility treatment depends on the laws and regulations of the country where treatment is provided.
In Thailand, assisted reproductive treatment using a couple's own eggs and sperm is generally permitted only for legally married couples under current legislation. Patients considering treatment should seek advice from a licensed fertility specialist regarding their individual circumstances.
2. Can my husband’s thyroid condition affect our chances of having a baby?
A thyroid condition in the male partner does not usually affect the woman's ability to become pregnant or increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
However, uncontrolled thyroid disease may affect overall health and, in some cases, sperm quality. A semen analysis and appropriate medical assessment can help determine whether fertility has been affected.
3. Why is it difficult to conceive a second child?
Some couples experience secondary infertility, meaning they have previously conceived naturally but are unable to achieve another pregnancy.
Factors such as increasing maternal age, changes in reproductive health, or the time interval since the first pregnancy may all contribute.
If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if the woman is aged 35 or over) without success, it is advisable to seek assessment from a fertility specialist.
4. Can I choose my baby's sex?
In Thailand, sex selection for non-medical reasons is prohibited by law.
During Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), embryos may be screened for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. As part of this process, the sex chromosomes (XX or XY) are also identified. However, the primary purpose of PGT is to reduce the risk of inherited genetic and chromosomal conditions rather than to select the baby's sex.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you are planning to have a baby but are unsure where to begin, speaking with a fertility specialist is an important first step.
If you have been trying to conceive for more than one year without success (or more than six months if the woman is aged 35 or older), you should arrange a fertility assessment. Early diagnosis can help identify the underlying cause and ensure that the most appropriate treatment is offered as soon as possible.
Our fertility specialists are here to guide you through every stage of your fertility journey—from initial investigations and personalised treatment planning to ongoing support throughout your care.
For more information about fertility assessment and family planning, please contact Beyond IVF.
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