Preparing for Parenthood



Preparing for Parenthood
 Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences a couple can share. However, did you know that the journey to a healthy pregnancy begins before conception? At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivali, Dr Chinmay Pataki believes that parenthood should begin with preparation—not uncertainty.
Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the best fertility experts and gynaecologists of Dombivali, has specially designed one of the best preconception programs to help couples take confident, informed steps toward starting a family. Whether you’re just thinking about trying, facing fertility concerns, or want to ensure your first pregnancy is smooth and stress-free, this guide is your complete roadmap.
From hormone testing to personalized nutrition, from stress management to emotional readiness—


The Importance of Preconception Planning

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most beautiful journeys—but it starts long before the positive pregnancy test. Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the most renowned Gynecologist and Fertility experts, at Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivali, emphasizes the critical role of preconception planning in ensuring a smooth, healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.
Why Pre-Pregnancy Preparation Matters
This powerful analogy sums up why preparing your body and mind before conception can make a world of difference. Just as a strong foundation supports a safe home, a healthy body lays the groundwork for a successful pregnancy.
At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dr Chinmay Pataki strongly advocates preconception counselling for every couple. 
Here's why:
It improves your chances of:
  • Natural conception by identifying and enhancing fertility windows
  • A healthy, complication-free pregnancy through early health optimizations
  • A safe delivery by minimizing risks and managing chronic conditions early
It helps prevent:
  • Miscarriages due to untreated hormonal imbalances or poor egg/sperm quality
  • Birth defects linked to nutritional deficiencies or unmonitored infections
  • High-risk pregnancies, especially in women with PCOS, thyroid issues, diabetes, or advanced maternal age
With Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s evidence-based protocols and personalized care at Isha Women’s Hospital, every couple receives a tailored action plan that aligns with their medical history, fertility goals, and lifestyle.


When Should Couples Start Preparing?

Knowing when to start is just as important as how to start. The general rule? Sooner is better—especially if you have existing health concerns or are over the age of 35.
Here’s a quick reference from Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s fertility timeline:
Situation and When to Start Preparing
  • First-time trying for a baby - 3–6 months before conception
  • History of miscarriage or abortion - At least 6 months prior
  • Chronic issues (e.g., PCOS, thyroid) - Immediately
  • Women aged 35+ - As early as possible
Why early preparation matters:
  • Time to correct deficiencies like low iron, vitamin D, or folic acid
  • Opportunity to manage conditions like PCOS, obesity, or endometriosis
  • Improved egg and sperm quality through nutrition, detox, and lifestyle support
  • Peace of mind for couples knowing they’re physically and emotionally ready
Isha Women’s Hospital, the best fertility center of Dombivali offers comprehensive preconception check-ups which include hormone testing (like AMH, TSH, LH/FSH), pelvic scans, semen analysis, infection screening, and fertility counseling. Dr. Chinmay Pataki personally reviews each case and guides couples through every step of the preparation process.


Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s 360° Parenthood Preparation Plan

Once you’ve made the decision to become parents, the next step is preparing your body and lifestyle for conception. At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dr. Chinmay Pataki offers a holistic, 360° Parenthood Preparation Plan that includes medical evaluations, nutritional guidance, and ovulation tracking—all under one roof.
Health Checkups & Fertility Tests
Preconception testing is not just for those struggling to conceive—it’s for every couple who wants a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Pataki stresses early evaluation to identify and fix issues before they become problems. 
For Women:
  • Hormone Panel: AMH (ovarian reserve), TSH, LH, and FSH
  • Pelvic Ultrasound: Checks ovarian health, uterus structure, follicles, fibroids or cysts
  • Blood Tests: To assess vitamin D, thyroid levels, blood sugar, hemoglobin
  • Pap Smear: Screens for cervical health before pregnancy
  • STI Testing (if required): Ensures no infections interfere with conception or pregnancy
For Men:
  • Semen Analysis: To check sperm count, motility, morphology, and semen volume
  • Testosterone & Hormonal Profile: Especially in men with low libido, fatigue, or weight gain
  • Lifestyle & Medical Screening: Including smoking/alcohol history, sleep quality, exercise, and BMI
  • STI Testing (if needed): To rule out any infections that can affect sperm health
Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s Tip: “Don’t wait for a problem to get tested — test to prevent one.”


Focus on Nutrition & Supplements

A healthy pregnancy begins on your plate. What you eat before conception has a major impact on egg quality, sperm parameters, hormone balance, and fetal development. At Isha Women’s Hospital, our pre-pregnancy diet consultations are tailored to Indian eating patterns and local lifestyle habits.
Here are the most important nutrients Dr. Chinmay Pataki recommends:
Nutrient and Role in Fertility & Pregnancy
  • Folic Acid - Prevents neural tube defects; supports cell development
  • Iron - Builds red blood cells, supports increased blood volume
  • Vitamin D - Supports egg/sperm quality and strengthens immunity
  • Omega-3s - Aid brain, eye, and hormone development in baby
What to avoid:
  • Processed foods & trans fats (interfere with hormone balance)
  • Excessive caffeine (limit to
  • Smoking & alcohol (toxic to reproductive cells and baby health)
Dr. Chinmay Pataki helps couple create balanced meal plans with Indian foods like:
  • Spinach, chana, jaggery (iron-rich)
  • Dahi, paneer, eggs (protein and vitamin D)
  • Flaxseeds, walnuts (omega-3 fatty acids)
  • Whole grains, millets, and seasonal fruits


Track Ovulation & Fertile Windows

Timing is everything in conception. Many couples miss their chance simply because they don’t know when the woman is ovulating. Tracking ovulation accurately can increase your chances of conceiving by nearly 5 times.
Dr. Chinmay Pataki recommends these simple, science-backed tools for ovulation tracking:
Apps & Digital Tools:
  • Use apps like Flo, Clue, or Glow to track your periods and fertile days
  • Enter symptoms like cervical mucus, cramps, or spotting
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs):
  • Detects the LH surge in urine that signals ovulation
  • Best used between Days 10–18 of your cycle (based on a 28–32-day cycle)
Physical Signs to Watch:
  • Cervical mucus: Clear, stretchy, egg-white-like mucus indicates peak fertility
  • Basal Body Temperature (BBT): A slight rise indicates ovulation has occurred
Ideal Timing for Intercourse: 2 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation are the most fertile.


Mental & Emotional Readiness

While medical tests and healthy diets play a major role in preparing for pregnancy, mental and emotional readiness is equally important. As Dr. Chinmay Pataki being the best fertility expert of Dombivali often reminds couples at Isha Women’s Hospital, a calm mind and a supportive relationship lay the emotional foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
Manage Stress Together
“The calmer you are, the more cooperative your body becomes.”– Dr. Chinmay Pataki
Stress is often the invisible factor behind delayed conception. When cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) rises, it disrupts hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and ovulation. For men, it can even affect testosterone levels and sperm quality.
That’s why Dr. Chinmay Pataki encourages couples to tackle stress together as part of their fertility journey.
Recommended Mind–Body Practices:
  • Yoga: Increases blood flow to reproductive organs, reduces anxiety, and improves hormonal health
  • Meditation: Calms the mind, reduces cortisol levels, and improves emotional resilience
  • Counseling: Offers a safe space to express fears, expectations, and emotional blocks


Align as a Couple Before You Conceive

“Strong partnerships make for smoother pregnancies.”– Dr. Chinmay Pataki
Becoming parents is a shared responsibility. Before you bring a child into your life, it’s important to have open and honest conversations as a couple. These talks help strengthen your relationship and ensure you’re both mentally prepared for the journey ahead.
Topics Dr. Pataki recommends discussing:
  • Parenting Roles: Who will take on what responsibilities? 
  • Finances: How will you handle medical expenses, baby-related costs, maternity leave, or daycare?
  • Work–Life Balance: Will your routines need adjustment? How can you support each other emotionally and practically?
Many couples find that these conversations deepen their bond and clarify their shared values. At Isha Women’s Hospital, preconception counseling includes not just fertility guidance but also emotional coaching for couples.
Emotional Readiness Is Fertility Readiness
Research shows that emotional health directly impacts reproductive health. Women with lower stress levels and strong partner support are more likely to conceive faster and enjoy smoother pregnancies. Similarly, men who feel supported and mentally prepared have better hormone regulation and sperm health.
That’s why Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s 360° Parenthood Preparation Plan includes emotional readiness as a core pillar—because fertility is not just physical, it's emotional, mental, and relational.


Common Issues to Catch Early

Many fertility challenges are treatable when detected early—but the key is knowing what to look for before they become obstacles. At Isha Women’s Hospital, one of the best IVF centre of Dombivali, Dr. Chinmay Pataki takes a proactive, diagnostic-led approach to fertility, helping couples uncover hidden issues and address them before they affect conception or pregnancy.
Conditions That Affect Conception
Fertility isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, seemingly healthy couples face delays due to underlying conditions that may not show obvious symptoms. Here are some of the most common medical reasons couples struggle to conceive:
Condition and Effect on Fertility
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) - Irregular ovulation, poor egg quality
  • Thyroid Disorders - Disrupts hormonal balance, causing irregular periods
  • Endometriosis - Affects the uterus lining and egg release, causing pain
  • Low Sperm Count - Reduces chances of natural conception
The good news? These conditions are completely manageable—especially when caught early.
Many women with PCOS or thyroid issues go on to have smooth pregnancies after targeted treatment. Similarly, male fertility issues like low sperm count or motility can be improved with medical intervention, lifestyle changes, or advanced fertility treatments like ICSI.
At Isha Women Hospital, Dr. Chinmay Pataki uses simple, non-invasive diagnostics—such as ultrasound scans, AMH testing, and semen analysis—to detect these conditions early and build personalized treatment plans.


When to See a Fertility Specialist

Not sure when it’s time to seek professional help? Dr. Pataki provides a clear timeline based on your age, medical history, and how long you've been trying:
Your Situation and Recommended Action
  • Trying to conceive for 6+ months (under 35) - See a gynecologist for basic fertility tests
  • Trying to conceive for 3+ months (age 35+) - Consult a fertility specialist 
  • Irregular cycles / diagnosed PCOS - Immediate evaluation
  • History of miscarriage - Start with preconception care

By not delaying your fertility checkups, you give yourself the best chance at a natural conception—or early support through treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF, if needed.
Starting a family isn’t just a medical decision—it’s one of life’s most meaningful milestones. And like every important journey, it’s best begun with guidance, preparation, and clarity.
Dr. Chinmay Pataki believes that a healthy pregnancy begins with a healthy, informed, and emotionally prepared couple. That’s why Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivli, offers a complete, compassionate approach to pre-pregnancy care.
Here’s what we provide for couples thinking about parenthood:
  • Pre-pregnancy checkups for both partners
  • Fertility evaluations, including AMH, hormone panels, and semen testing
  • Nutritional counseling tailored to Indian diets
  • Mental & emotional wellness support for stress reduction and relationship strengthening
  • Preconception counseling with Dr. Pataki to build your roadmap to parenthood
Whether you’re ready to start trying or just beginning to consider your options, this is your sign to take that first smart step.
Visit Isha Women’s Hospital, the best IVF and fertility center in Dombivli & Thane district & consult Dr. Chinmay Pataki, the most trusted fertility specialist, gynecologist, and laparoscopic surgeon of Kalyan-Dombivali
“Your journey to parenthood deserves expert care, emotional support, and a plan that’s made just for you.”
— Dr. Chinmay Pataki
Book your consultation today. Let us help you turn hope into happiness—with clarity, compassion, and care.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is preconception care only for women?
Ans - No — men play an equal role. Sperm health matters too.
2. Do I need tests even if I’m healthy?
Ans - Yes — to catch any silent hormonal imbalances.
3. How long before trying should I start supplements?
Ans - Start 3–6 months in advance.
4. Can we try naturally first?
Ans - Absolutely — with tracking and timing support from your OB-GYN.
5. What if we’re older or have a past fertility issue?
Ans - Dr.Chinmay Pataki offers customized care plans based on age and history.