Planning a Pregnancy? Here's Where to Start.
You haven't started trying yet — you're just trying to be ready. That instinct to prepare before you need to is a good one, and it's exactly what this page is for.
You're Not the Only One Asking This
Most people who come in at this stage aren't dealing with a problem. They're dealing with a question: "what should I be doing right now, before anything's even started?" It's one of the most common reasons women and couples first walk into a women's health consultation at Shree, and it's usually a short, reassuring conversation, not a long one.
Where Do You Fit?
- You haven't started trying yet — and you want a clear picture of where you stand before you do.
- You have an existing condition — thyroid, PCOS, diabetes, or anaemia — and want to know what it means for a future pregnancy.
- You're over 30 — and want to understand how age actually factors into the timeline, without the guesswork.
- A previous pregnancy had complications — and you want this one to start on firmer ground.
- You genuinely don't know where to begin — and that's a completely reasonable place to start from.
What This Could Mean
A preconception checkup is often misunderstood as something only for women who already suspect a problem. In practice, it's closer to a service check before a long drive — not because something is wrong, but because it's far easier to fix a small thing now than deal with it later.
What it actually involves
- A conversation about your health history and your partner's — this comes before any test, not after.
- Simple screening where relevant: thyroid function, blood sugar, anaemia, and rubella immunity are the most common.
- A review of any medication you're currently on, checked specifically for pregnancy safety.
- Folic acid and lifestyle guidance tailored to your actual history, not a generic printed sheet.
When It's Worth Seeing Dr. Madhupriya
- Ideally, about three months before you plan to start trying — it gives enough time to act on anything that needs attention, without any pressure.
- Sooner, if you have an existing medical condition that could affect pregnancy or needs its medication reviewed.
- Sooner, if you're above 30 and want clarity on your fertile window rather than relying on general advice.
- If a previous pregnancy had any complication, however minor it seemed at the time.
- And honestly — there's no such thing as too early to start this conversation.
What Happens at Your First Consultation
- A conversation first — about your health, your cycle, your family history, and your partner's, if relevant. Nothing is examined before it's discussed.
- Simple blood tests if your history suggests they'd help — explained before they're ordered, not after.
- A check of any medication you're already taking, for pregnancy safety.
- Practical, personal guidance on folic acid, diet, and lifestyle — specific to you, not a leaflet.
- A clear sense of what the next few months should look like, so you leave with a plan, not just information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preconception counselling?
Around three months before you plan to start trying is ideal, since it leaves time to act on anything that comes up. That said, coming in earlier is never wasted — there is no visit that's "too soon."
Do I need any tests done before my first visit?
No. The first visit is a conversation to understand your history. Any tests are decided after that, and only if they're genuinely useful to you.
Is this only for women who already have a health problem?
No — most people who come in for this have no diagnosed condition at all. It's simply the most useful time to ask questions, before decisions need to be made quickly.
Can my partner be part of this consultation?
Yes, and it's often more useful when they are, since family history and lifestyle factors on both sides matter.
Does a preconception consultation cost more than a regular visit?
It's a standard consultation. There's no separate "preconception package" pricing — you can check current consultation charges when you book.
