Gómez Palomares, gynecologist, on trying to get pregnant: "You have to have sex every two days after your period ends."

Planning a pregnancy goes far beyond stopping birth control or calculating fertile days. For Dr. José Luis Gómez Palomares, a gynecologist specializing in assisted reproduction, it's a decision that must be accompanied by medical preparation, dietary changes, vaccination checks , and even reflection on the work environment. In an informative video published on his TikTok account, the expert summarized in ten key points what he considers essential before trying to conceive.

Gómez Palomares is the medical director of the Wilson Fertility by Cefivba center in Mallorca and works with FivMadrid. Based on his experience, he has now emphasized in a video the importance of avoiding anxiety related to ovulation and hormone tests: "There's no need to search for fertile days or use LH tests; that's very stressful." Therefore, his recommendation is based on regularity and peace of mind for couples: having sex every 48 hours after the end of menstrual bleeding.

But the frequency of intercourse isn't the only thing highlighted in his preconception guide. The essential first step, according to the specialist, is a gynecological consultation. "It's essential that you have had your recent checkup, including a Pap smear and ultrasound," he points out. He also recommends that the gynecologist be aware that the patient is trying to conceive, "in order to provide early advice and prevention."

One of the most developed aspects in his video is prenatal screening. The doctor indicates that the same tests performed during the first pregnancy appointment should be requested in advance: thyroid (TSH) levels, tests for AIDS, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, blood type and RH, Coombs' disease, and serology tests for diseases such as Chagas or Zika, depending on where you live or recent travels. "It's not a good idea to plan a trip to areas with Zika if you're trying to get pregnant," he warns. If the woman or her partner has been to any of these countries, he recommends a three-month quarantine or serological testing.

Diet also plays an essential role in this phase. The doctor advocates a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables and white meat, but places special emphasis on hygiene when it comes to raw foods. To achieve this, he has developed two key rules: the "one-plate rule," which consists of peeling, washing, or cooking food depending on the risk, and the "two-spoon rule," based on the use of baking soda to remove pesticides, especially from fruits such as strawberries and apples.

Regarding supplements, Gómez Palomares emphasizes the importance of starting to take iodine, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids even before pregnancy. “Folic acid should be taken in a minimum dose of 400 micrograms, but if you have diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, or a history of children with neural tube defects, you need more.” She adds that iodine prevents neurodevelopmental disorders and that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the baby's health.

The video also addresses issues less discussed in other guides, such as the work environment and relationships with pets. Regarding work, it advises avoiding standing for more than six hours a day. And regarding animals, it makes it clear that it's not necessary to get rid of the cat if basic hygiene measures are followed: "It's fine if you clean its litter box with gloves or wash your hands thoroughly. Toxoplasmosis is rare and can be prevented."

Vaccinations are another pillar of the preconception plan. The doctor recommends keeping up-to-date on tetanus, influenza, and rubella vaccines. If you are not immunized against the latter, it is advisable to get vaccinated and wait a month before trying to conceive. Even if accidental exposure to the vaccine occurs, he assures that "it has not been proven that the pregnancy should be terminated."

Finally, one of the most technical but crucial topics it introduces is genetic matching . This is a test to check whether both partners are carriers of the same recessive disease, such as cystic fibrosis or fragile X. "If they are, we can resort to in vitro fertilization and select healthy embryos. I consider it money well spent to prevent serious hereditary diseases," he comments.