10 Things to Consider while Planning your Pregnancy

By Dr. Nutan Pakhare

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative phase of life, a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and self-discovery. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Vikrant Massey and Sheetal Thakur, and many others embracing parenthood at the right time remind us of the importance of thoughtful pregnancy planning since this is a life-changing experience. Their stories inspire millions and remind us that balancing careers and family dreams is possible.

Recently, Vikrant Massey shared how fatherhood has taught him to rediscover life, cherish every moment, and learn something new every day because of his child. These candid reflections emphasise that parenthood is not just about nurturing a baby but also about personal growth, patience, and creating a new perspective on life.

couple planning pregnancy

10 essential things to consider while planning your pregnancy

For couples considering this profound step, planning a pregnancy thoughtfully ensures the healthiest and happiest start to this new chapter. If you’re wondering where to begin, here are 10 essential things to consider while planning your pregnancy:

1. Willpower and Shared Thoughts About a Baby 

The first step to pregnancy planning begins with a strong and shared will between partners. Both individuals must be mentally prepared and aligned with the decision to bring a new life into this world.

  • Ask yourselves: Are we ready to embrace this phase of life together?
  • Discuss the roles you’ll play, your dreams for your child, and your shared parenting values.
  • Be mindful of how your schedules, careers, and priorities will adjust to accommodate the baby.

Mutual agreement and positive intentions create a strong foundation for a healthy and harmonious pregnancy journey. When both partners are committed to the process, the emotional connection to this decision only deepens. Ayurveda quotes regarding the concept of “Saumanasya Garbhaadharana.”

2. Join Fertility Yoga Classes 

Yoga, especially Fertility Yoga, is a powerful tool to prepare your body and mind for conception. It helps enhance fertility naturally by:

  • Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs.
  • Balancing hormones and reducing stress, which is critical for conception.
  • Promoting overall physical and mental well-being through pranayama (breathing techniques) and specific asanas.

Classes tailored for pre-pregnancy not only focus on physical fitness but also on relaxation techniques and mental preparation. Garbhasanskar Yoga practices can also help prepare the body for a smooth conception and pregnancy.

A child is the bridge to the future,
carrying the dreams of today into tomorrow.

 

3. Medical Guidance as a Part of Pregnancy Planning

Before trying to conceive, it is essential to consult with a gynecologist or fertility expert. This step ensures that both partners are medically fit and ready for a healthy pregnancy.

  • Get a thorough preconception health check-up, including blood tests and reproductive health assessments.
  • Address any underlying medical conditions like thyroid issues, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
  • Understand ovulation cycles and fertile days for natural conception.

Taking this step early can help identify and treat any issues that may interfere with conception and ensure a smooth pregnancy journey.

4. Focus on Physical Health of Both Partners 

Pregnancy planning is not just about the woman—it involves the health of both partners. Improving physical health ensures a higher chance of conception and a healthy pregnancy.

  • Adopt a nutritious diet rich in folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein.
  • Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and boost stamina.
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol, and processed foods, as they can affect fertility.

For men, improving sperm quality through a balanced lifestyle and diet plays an equally important role in conception.

5. Pay Attention to Mental Health 

Mental health is often overlooked during pregnancy planning, but it is equally crucial for conception and a stress-free pregnancy.

  • Practice stress management through mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
  • Openly discuss fears, anxieties, or concerns with your partner or a counselor.
  • Prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

A calm and balanced mind contributes positively to hormonal balance and fertility, creating a peaceful environment for conception.

6. Reproductive Health Matters 

Understanding and improving reproductive health is critical when planning pregnancy.

  • For women, monitor the regularity of your menstrual cycles and identify your fertile window. Address conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or irregular periods with your doctor.
  • For men, focus on improving sperm quality, motility, and count through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
  • Both partners should avoid stress, toxins, and excessive exposure to environmental pollution, which can impact reproductive health.

Prioritizing reproductive health early can help ensure a smooth path to conception.

Deciding to have a child is momentous—
to decide forever to have your heart walk around outside your body.

 

7. Embrace Beejasanskar: The Foundation of Garbhasanskar 

Beejasanskar is the sacred process of purifying and preparing the reproductive cells—the sperm (shukra) and ovum (artava)—for healthy conception. It forms the very basis of Ayurveda and Garbhasanskar, ensuring that the qualities present in each “beeja” (seed) combine to create a new life with unique physical, mental, and emotional influences.

When a child is conceived, the qualities of both the sperm and ovum come together, shaping not just the baby’s body but also their mindset, behaviour, and overall destiny. The purity, health, and vitality of these seeds play a significant role in forming a strong foundation for the baby’s future.

Here’s how you can begin with Beejasanskar to create the ideal environment for a new life:

A- Nourish the Reproductive Tissues (Shukra Dhatu)

  • Follow a fertility-enhancing diet rich in nutrients like ghee, milk, almonds, sesame seeds, and seasonal fruits.
  • Include Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Gokshura under expert guidance to improve fertility, vitality, and hormonal balance.

B- Detoxify and Rejuvenate the Body

  • Practice Panchakarma (Ayurvedic detox therapies) to remove toxins and rejuvenate the body before conception.
  • Incorporate pranayama and meditation for stress reduction, mental clarity, and improved energy flow.

C- Prepare Both Partners for Healthy Conception

  • Beejasanskar is not just for the mother but also equally essential for the father. Both partners must:
    • Adopt a healthy lifestyle with balanced sleep, exercise, and emotional well-being.
    • Avoid alcohol, smoking, and processed foods that can harm reproductive health.

D- Beyond Physical Health: Mental and Emotional Preparation 

  • Engage in activities that enhance positivity and mindfulness, like yoga, painting, music, or journaling.
  • Maintain a stress-free environment and align your thoughts to manifest a virtuous and healthy child.
  • Remember: Garbhasanskar begins with Beejasanskar—a process of conscious preparation that continues even after conception to nurture the baby’s development.

Why is Beejasanskar So Important?

It is said that whatever qualities reside in the sperm and ovum—such as strength, purity, vitality, and emotional well-being—will combine and influence the baby’s physical health, intelligence, emotional balance, and behaviour. A strong and pure foundation ensures the child grows into a healthy, virtuous, and balanced individual.

Many people mistakenly believe that Garbhasanskar begins only after conception. In truth, Beejasanskar is the first step—ensuring both parents are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to bring a new life into the world.

By embracing Beejasanskar, couples take an active role in preparing for their child’s well-being even before conception. This conscious effort leads to Garbhasanskar—a holistic journey of nurturing the baby with love, care, and positivity.

8. Plan Auspicious Time and Ovulation

Timing plays a vital role in conception.

  • Track your ovulation cycle using apps, ovulation kits, or with the help of your doctor. This ensures you are trying for conception at the most fertile time.
  • In Garbhasanskar, the auspicious timing for conception is emphasized to attract positive energy and virtuous qualities to the baby.
  • Aligning conception with a calm and stress-free environment also creates a positive influence on the process.

Planning thoughtfully adds a spiritual and scientific dimension to your pregnancy journey.

9. Financial Preparation

Having a baby is a joyous experience, but it does come with financial responsibilities. Planning ahead can help you navigate this phase smoothly.

  • Assess your current financial situation and create a budget to include medical expenses, prenatal care, delivery costs, and postnatal care.
  • Look into health insurance that covers maternity benefits and hospital costs.
  • Start saving for future expenses like education, childcare, and more.

Being financially prepared reduces stress and allows you to focus fully on enjoying your pregnancy.

10. Family Support

Pregnancy is not just a personal journey—it’s a family journey. Having emotional and physical support from your family can make the process easier and more fulfilling.

  • Involve your close family members and seek their guidance and help during the planning stage.
  • Build a strong support system for post-pregnancy care, especially during the initial months after childbirth.
  • Share your plans and decisions with your family so they can be there for you when you need them the most.

The love and support of family create a positive and nurturing environment for both the parents and the baby.

Planning a pregnancy is about creating the best possible foundation for the new life you are about to bring into the world. By focusing on your health, mind, lifestyle, and support systems, you are not only preparing yourself but also creating the right environment for your baby to thrive.

As you embark on this beautiful journey, remember that thoughtful preparation, love, and dedication will make every moment of pregnancy and parenthood truly joyful and fulfilling.

Are you ready to begin? If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out—because the most beautiful journeys start with the smallest steps!