Conception is an important and exciting period in the life of every couple. Although in a large percentage of cases fertilization is unplanned, its planning and a responsible attitude towards future parenthood are recommended. For this purpose, several months before conception, the partners need to become more responsible, reduce the harm to the environment and minimize the risks of complications and difficulties with pregnancy. It is known that fertilization is possible only in the period around ovulation. Ovulation is a period of release of a mature egg from a mature Graafian follicle, which is preceded by an increase in progesterone levels and a peak in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Women under the age of 35 should seek medical advice regarding pregnancy after unsuccessful attempts for more than 1 year. For women over 35, this period is shortened to 6 months of unsuccessful attempts. What is important to do when planning a pregnancy? 1. Prophylactic examination at an obstetrician-gynecologist – it is recommended when making such a decision to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist, who will assess the condition of the reproductive organs, rule out the presence of infections. It is recommended to collect a secretion for a smear, as well as a secretion for microbiological examination. Testing for STDs should not be underestimated either. The detection of any infectious or inflammatory process requires its treatment and postponement of conception until the end of therapy. 2. Ovulation monitoring – ovulation is normally found to occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle, i.e. 14th day, but for each woman it can be shifted earlier or later than the middle of the cycle depending on the length of her period. Determining the day of ovulation can be done by measuring the basal temperature or by ovulation tests . Basal temperature should be monitored for at least a period of two to three months. Outside the period of ovulation, the anal temperature is 36.4 – 38.6 degrees, while on the day of ovulation, the basal temperature rises by 0.4 – 0.6 degrees. Determination of ovulation can also be done with the help of ovulation tests. It is recommended that testing begin around day 7-9 of the menstrual cycle. At a peak in LH levels, marking ovulation, the test shows two red lines. When planning a pregnancy, the frequency of intercourse should be every other day or every two days, as more frequent intercourse can reduce sperm quality. 3. Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting harmful habits – before becoming pregnant, you need to optimize your diet, limit sugar, pasta, caffeine, seafood rich in mercury, and stop smoking. It is recommended to eat fruits and vegetables, foods rich in fiber, proteins and omega acids. Body weight, both under and over, should be corrected because it can create difficulties in conceiving. 4.Intake of folic acid – folic acid or vitamin B9 is extremely important for the development of the neural tube and the prevention of diseases such as spina bifida, etc. The formation of the neural tube occurs very early in pregnancy, 4-5 weeks of gestation. For this reason, it is recommended to take folic acid three months before conception to prevent defects of the brain and spinal cord. The recommended daily dose is 400 micrograms. 5. Control of chronic diseases – in the presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, bronchial asthma, thyroid gland diseases, the conditions must be strictly controlled – for example, in case of hypofunction of the thyroid gland, the values ​​of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be in the range between 1 and 2 several months before conception. 6. Limit the intake of medicines without a doctor’s prescription – the intake of some over-the-counter drugs (medicines that are sold without a doctor’s prescription) can be harmful and cause defects to the fetus. The risk of taking drugs is greatest during the first weeks of pregnancy, when it is the period of organogenesis and all organs and systems are formed. Antibiotics during pregnancy should also be taken with caution. Antibiotics from the groups of penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides are permitted and proven to be harmless. Pregnancy planning is a responsible moment that should not be neglected to reduce the risk of complications such as miscarriages, fetal development defects, premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, placenta previa, etc.Antibiotics from the groups of penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides are allowed and proven to be harmless. Pregnancy planning is a responsible moment that should not be neglected to reduce the risk of complications such as miscarriages, fetal development defects, premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, placenta previa, etc.Antibiotics from the groups of penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides are allowed and proven to be harmless. Pregnancy planning is a responsible moment that should not be neglected to reduce the risk of complications such as miscarriages, fetal development defects, premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, placenta previa, etc.