Dr. Dimple Doshi (MBBS, MD, DGO)
Lady Gynecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
27+ years’ experience
20,000+ surgeries completed
Are you thinking of starting a family but unsure how to prepare? Many couples overlook one crucial step—optimizing their health before pregnancy. Skipping this step can increase the risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, or genetic issues in babies.
An unplanned or poorly prepared pregnancy can bring anxiety, unexpected health challenges, and increased chances of maternal and newborn complications. Without proper guidance, vital checks and preventive measures may be missed, leading to avoidable risks during pregnancy.
Preconceptional Counseling helps you plan for a safe and healthy pregnancy before you conceive. Ideally started 3 months before conception (or at least one month prior), this counseling focuses on nutrition, vaccinations, managing chronic conditions, and lifestyle adjustments.
At Vardaan Hospital, Dr. Dimple Doshi provides comprehensive, evidence-based pre-pregnancy consultations—ensuring both mother and baby enjoy the best possible start.
Preconceptional counselling prepares your body for pregnancy by optimizing health, reducing risks, and ensuring a safer conception and healthy baby.
In my clinical experience, couples who plan their pregnancy medically often have smoother pregnancies and fewer complications.
Ideally, preconception counselling should begin 3 months before trying to conceive, but even 1 month prior can still be beneficial.
Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
Even if you’ve had a normal pregnancy before, every pregnancy is different—planning again is always beneficial.
Any woman planning pregnancy can benefit, especially those with medical conditions, age-related risks, or past pregnancy complications.
You should definitely consider it if:
Pre-pregnancy tests help detect hidden health issues, infections, and nutritional deficiencies before conception.
Common investigations include:
Proper nutrition before pregnancy improves fertility and supports early fetal development.
Key recommendations:
Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
Folic acid should ideally start before conception—not after pregnancy is confirmed.
Certain vaccinations protect both mother and baby from preventable infections during pregnancy.
Important vaccines include:
Healthy lifestyle choices before conception significantly improve pregnancy outcomes and fertility.
Key lifestyle modifications:
Avoid:
Chronic conditions must be stabilized before conception to reduce risks during pregnancy.
Common conditions addressed:
Genetic counselling identifies inherited risks and helps prevent transmission of certain disorders.
Recommended if:
Tests may include:
Emotional well-being before pregnancy improves overall maternal health and pregnancy experience.
Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
A calm and prepared mind is just as important as a healthy body when planning pregnancy.
Ans. Yes, even healthy women benefit from early screening and preventive care.
Ans. Yes, counselling supports natural conception by optimizing your health.
Ans. No, male health also plays a role—both partners should be involved.
Ans. Usually 1–2 consultations, depending on tests and conditions.
Ans. Yes, it is essential for preventing birth defects in early pregnancy.
Ans. Yes, once your health is optimized, you can safely plan pregnancy.
Planning your pregnancy in advance allows you to take important steps toward a safer and healthier journey for both you and your baby. In my clinical experience, preconceptional counselling helps identify risks early, correct them in time, and improve overall pregnancy outcomes.
With the right medical guidance, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments, many complications can be prevented even before pregnancy begins. This not only supports a smoother pregnancy but also ensures better long-term health for your baby.
At Vardaan Hospital, Goregaon West, Mumbai, my focus is on providing personalized, evidence-based pre-pregnancy care so that every woman feels confident, prepared, and supported from the very beginning of her motherhood journey.
