Pre-Conception & Fertility Counselling

Starting a family is one of life’s most important decisions, and the journey to parenthood begins long before conception. Pre-conception health plays a vital role in improving fertility, ensuring a healthy pregnancy, and supporting the well-being of both mother and baby. Whether you are planning your first child, have faced challenges conceiving, or are simply looking to optimise your reproductive health, Dr. Parul Sharma offers compassionate, evidence-based guidance to help you prepare physically, emotionally, and medically for pregnancy.

Why Pre-Conception Care Matters

Many people focus on pregnancy care only after conception, but the months leading up to it are equally critical. A woman’s health before pregnancy influences:

• Egg quality and ovulation
• Uterine environment for implantation
• Risk of pregnancy complications (e.g., gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia)
• Fetal development in the first trimester when many organs form
• Long-term health of the baby

By addressing health factors early, couples can significantly improve their chances of natural conception and reduce risks during pregnancy.

Who Should Seek Pre-Conception Counselling

Pre-conception counselling is valuable for:

• Women planning to conceive in the near future
• Couples who have been trying for 6–12 months without success
• Women with irregular cycles or known hormonal conditions (PCOS, thyroid disorders)
• Those with a history of miscarriage or pregnancy complications
• Women over the age of 35 who want to optimise fertility
• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders

Comprehensive Fertility Assessment

Dr. Parul Sharma’s pre-conception and fertility counselling begins with a detailed assessment to understand each patient’s health status, fertility potential, and unique needs. This may include:

1. Detailed medical, menstrual, and reproductive history – To identify patterns and potential risk factors.
2. Physical and pelvic examination – Assessing general and reproductive health.
3. Hormonal testing – Including FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, and thyroid function.
4. Ovarian reserve assessment – AMH testing and antral follicle count via ultrasound.
5. Ovulation tracking – Identifying cycle patterns and fertile windows.
6. Pelvic ultrasound – To check for fibroids, polyps, or ovarian cysts.
7. Partner evaluation – Semen analysis and relevant male fertility testing if required.
8. Screening for infections – Such as rubella immunity, hepatitis B, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections.
9. Nutritional and lifestyle assessment – To detect deficiencies, weight concerns, or unhealthy habits.

Optimising Fertility Naturally

Dr. Sharma emphasises that small, consistent changes before conception can have a big impact on fertility. Her personalised plans may include:

1. Nutrition for Fertility

• A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
• Correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially iron, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins.
• Reducing processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats.

2. Healthy Weight Management

• Achieving a healthy BMI to optimise ovulation and reduce pregnancy risks.
• Structured plans for safe weight loss or gain if needed.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular exercise to improve circulation and hormonal balance.
• Adequate sleep for reproductive hormone regulation.
• Stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or counselling.

4. Stopping Harmful Habits

• Guidance on quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and avoiding recreational drugs.
• Minimising exposure to environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors.

Addressing Underlying Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Sharma works to stabilise and manage these before conception:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Restoring regular ovulation.
• Thyroid disorders – Maintaining optimal hormone levels.
• Diabetes – Achieving tight blood sugar control.
• Endometriosis – Managing pain and improving pelvic health.
• Uterine or tubal issues – Addressing blockages or abnormalities.

Fertility Counselling & Support

Fertility challenges can be emotionally taxing. Dr. Parul Sharma provides both medical and emotional support for couples on their journey:

• Timed intercourse guidance – Helping couples identify the most fertile days.
• Ovulation induction – If cycles are irregular or anovulatory.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or IVF referrals – When advanced reproductive techniques are appropriate.
• Emotional well-being support – Counselling, stress-management, and relationship guidance to ease the strain of fertility treatments.

Pre-Conception Health for Men

Male health plays a significant role in conception. As part of her holistic approach, Dr. Sharma also advises partners on:

• Improving sperm count and motility through nutrition and lifestyle.
• Avoiding heat exposure to the testes (e.g., hot tubs, laptops on lap).
• Reducing alcohol and quitting smoking.
• Managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight.

Immunisations and Supplement Planning

• Ensuring immunity to infections such as rubella and varicella before conception.
• Recommending prenatal vitamins with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects.
• Adding supplements tailored to individual deficiencies or health conditions.

Pre-Conception Planning for Special Cases

• Advanced maternal age: Focus on ovarian reserve, egg quality, and time-sensitive fertility planning.
• History of miscarriage: Investigating hormonal, anatomical, or genetic causes before trying again.
• Chronic illness: Coordinating care with specialists to ensure safe pregnancy outcomes.
• Previous C-section or complicated delivery: Assessing recovery and readiness for the next pregnancy.

When to Seek Expert Help Early

You should seek fertility counselling promptly if you:

• Have been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if over age 35) without success.
• Experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
• Have known reproductive health issues.
• Have had multiple miscarriages.
• Suspect a partner’s sperm quality may be an issue.

Empowering Parents-to-Be Through Informed Care

Pre-conception and fertility counselling is about more than getting pregnant—it’s about building the healthiest foundation possible for both parents and baby. By combining thorough evaluation, medical expertise, and lifestyle guidance, Dr. Parul Sharma helps couples navigate their journey to parenthood with clarity, confidence, and hope.

Whether you are just starting to plan or have been facing challenges for some time, Dr. Sharma’s approach ensures you receive care that is personalised, proactive, and supportive—giving you the best possible chance for a healthy pregnancy and a thriving family.