When you decide to start a family, it’s easy to focus solely on conception. But as highlighted in the blog “Don’t Just Conceive… PREPARE: A 7-Step Guide to Fertility Readiness”, true success begins with preparation. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal
This article expands that framework to eight key steps to help both partners optimise their fertility and overall readiness for parenthood.

1. Get a Pre-Conception Health Check

Begin by scheduling a comprehensive pre-conception visit. This should include screening for chronic conditions (diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension), checking medications, lifestyle review, and discussing family medical history.
Having this early check-up aligns with the guidance from Dr. Agarwal’s article to prepare before conception begins. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal

2. Optimise Nutrition and Micronutrient Status

Good nutrition underpins fertility. Ensure you and your partner:

• Take a prenatal or fertility-support vitamin with folic acid, iron, iodine and other key nutrients.
  
  
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fresh vegetables and healthy fats.
  
  
• Limit processed foods, excessive sugar and trans fats.
  These recommendations echo the emphasis on preparation in the original blog. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal
  
  

3. Achieve a Healthy Weight and Body-Composition

Being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone function, ovulation and sperm quality.
Work toward:

• A healthy body-mass index (BMI) appropriate for your height and age.
  
  
• Moderate exercise (not extreme training) and adequate rest.
  This step supports fertility readiness prior to trying conception, in line with the “PREPARE” philosophy.
  
  

4. Adopt a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors matter:

• Stop smoking and minimise alcohol and recreational drugs — all of which impair egg or sperm quality.
  
  
• Avoid excessive exposure to toxins (heavy metals, certain chemicals, high heat for men).
  
  
• Get adequate sleep and manage stress through mindfulness, yoga or relaxation.
  These lifestyle adjustments reinforce the pre-conception grounding described in the original guide. Positive Steps Fertility Clinics+1
  
  

5. Review and Optimise Partner Health

Fertility is a team sport. Encourage your partner to also:

• Get a general health check including semen analysis if indicated.
  
  
• Make lifestyle changes (stop smoking, optimise weight, reduce toxin exposure).
  
  
• Be supported emotionally — stress in either partner can influence fertility outcomes.
  The original article emphasises that preparation involves both partners. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal
  
  

6. Understand and Monitor Your Reproductive Cycle

Knowledge is power:

• Keep a record of your menstrual cycles (length, irregularities, symptoms).
  
  
• Learn signs of ovulation or consider tracking tools if appropriate.
  
  
• Discuss any irregularities with your doctor early — timely assessment is better than waiting.
  Dr. Agarwal emphasises that timing and readiness matter beyond just trying to conceive. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal
  
  

7. Align Your Environment and Emotional Readiness

Fertility readiness extends beyond biology — also address:

• Emotional resilience: stress, anxiety and mood can impact hormone levels.
  
  
• Communication with your partner about expectations, roles, and support.
  
  
• Home and work environment: limit exposures (chemicals, excessive heat, sedentary habits).
  This holistic dimension echoes the “PREPARE” mindset emphasised in the referenced blog. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal
  
  

8. Plan With a Fertility Specialist

Finally, consider consulting a fertility specialist before trying if any of the following apply:

• Age over 35 (woman) or partner over 40.
  
  
• Known reproductive issues (PCOS, low ovarian reserve, prior fertility treatments).
  
  
• Previous miscarriage(s) or underlying medical conditions.
  Working proactively with a specialist can flag issues early and maximise your readiness — reinforcing the message that preparation matters.
  
  

Conclusion

Trying for a baby doesn’t begin with conception: it begins with preparation. Following these eight steps helps you build the physical, emotional and environmental foundation for a healthy journey toward parenthood. By preparing now, you give yourself the best possible start.

To deepen your understanding, you might also refer to the original step-by-step guide: “Don’t Just Conceive… PREPARE: A 7-Step Guide to Fertility Readiness” from Dr. Rajeev Agarwal’s blog. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal