Starting a family is an important journey, and supporting your health before conception can help you prepare for pregnancy. Reviewing your lifestyle can help identify habits and factors that may affect your reproductive health. Both partners should aim to maintain a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight may affect fertility and, in some circumstances, influence pregnancy outcomes and the response to fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI.

Lifestyle factors can play an important role in reproductive health and may affect fertility in both women and men. For example, obesity in women may contribute to ovulatory problems, while in men, excess weight has been associated with changes in sperm quality, including reduced sperm concentration, motility, and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Maintaining a healthy weight and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can support overall reproductive health and may be an important part of preparing for pregnancy.

Maintaining a healthy weight can support reproductive health and may improve ovulatory function in women who are overweight or obese. Even modest changes in body weight may have a positive effect on menstrual regularity and ovulation for some women. However, the impact of weight management on fertility can vary depending on individual circumstances and underlying health conditions.

Smoking can negatively affect reproductive health in both women and men, including egg and sperm health. Quitting smoking can help reduce the harmful effects of tobacco exposure and support overall reproductive health. If you are planning a pregnancy, stopping smoking is an important lifestyle change for both partners and can also support a healthier pregnancy.

Alcohol consumption may affect reproductive health, and limiting or avoiding alcohol may be advisable when planning for pregnancy. Caffeine intake should also be kept moderate, particularly when trying to conceive and during pregnancy. Discussing appropriate alcohol and caffeine intake with your healthcare professional can help you make informed choices based on your individual circumstances.

Adequate nutrition is an important part of preconception care. Folate is particularly important before and during early pregnancy because adequate folate intake can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Iodine and vitamin D are also important nutrients for reproductive and maternal health, although individual requirements may vary.



If you are planning to conceive, your healthcare professional can advise you on whether prenatal vitamins or specific supplements are appropriate based on your diet, health, and nutritional needs. Starting folic acid supplementation before conception is generally recommended to help ensure adequate folate levels during the early stages of pregnancy.

Get all your questions answered and receive guidance on your next steps from our Fertility team.

By addressing these key lifestyle and reproductive health factors, couples can take practical steps to prepare for pregnancy and make informed decisions about their fertility. At Genea Thailand, our fertility specialists provide personalised guidance, fertility assessments, and treatment options to support couples throughout their family-building journey. With decades of experience in fertility and reproductive health, our team is here to help you understand your options based on your individual circumstances.