When couples decide they’re ready for a baby, the first instinct is often to try right away. But after more than two decades as a fertility specialist, I can tell you this: success in pregnancy doesn’t start with conception—it starts with preparation.

I’m Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, a fertility specialist based in Kolkata. Over the years, I’ve delivered more than 250 lectures, authored 17 chapters in medical books, and published papers on fertility. But beyond the science and statistics, I’ve spent thousands of hours with couples wondering, ‘Why am I not getting pregnant?’ or ‘What more can I do to increase my chances?’

That’s why I created the PREPARE Method—a 7-step roadmap for couples who want to optimize their fertility and plan for a healthy pregnancy. Whether you’re planning to conceive now or in the future, this method is your starting point.

The PREPARE Method: Your Fertility Checklist

Here’s what PREPARE stands for:

• P – Planning: Set clear pregnancy goals and begin prenatal vitamins like folic acid, B12, and vitamin D.

• R – Review: Review your medical, surgical, and family history. Evaluate past pregnancies and look for genetic risks.

• E – Evaluate: Conduct fertility tests like hormone levels, ovarian reserve, semen analysis, and review your vaccination status.

• P – Prevent & Protect: Get necessary vaccinations like Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis B before trying to conceive.

• A – Assess: Identify and manage conditions like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid disorders, or insulin resistance.

• R – Reinforce: Address lifestyle factors—stop smoking, reduce alcohol, improve diet, and manage stress through yoga, meditation, or counseling.

• E – Enhance: Learn about fertile window tracking, time intercourse correctly, and debunk common fertility myths.

Why PREPARE Before You Conceive?

Fertility is not just about egg and sperm. It’s about timing, biology, hormones, lifestyle, mindset, and prevention. The PREPARE method brings all of these together into one practical, easy-to-follow plan. It ensures that when you do conceive, you’re doing so with the best possible foundation—for yourself, your partner, and your baby.

Start Your Journey Today

In the coming weeks, I’ll be breaking down each step of the PREPARE method through Instagram reels, patient guides, and detailed articles. Follow me on Instagram at @docrajeevagarwal and stay tuned for science-backed, actionable fertility insights. And remember—Don’t just conceive… PRECONCEIVE.