How Preventive Health Is Changing the Way Women Plan Motherhood, Expert Insights

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For a long time, women's health was something many only thought about when a problem showed up-or when pregnancy was already on the horizon. But that's slowly changing. Today, more women are asking questions earlier, planning ahead, and wanting clarity about their bodies before making big life decisions like motherhood. It's no longer just about 'when it happens, it happens.' It's about being informed, prepared, and in control. This shift is bringing preventive care and fertility planning into everyday conversations, where they perhaps always belonged.

We spoke to Dr Aditi Kundoo, Medical Director, Cryoviva Life Science, who explained how preventive health and early fertility planning are helping women make more informed choices about motherhood.

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Delayed Motherhood and Rising Awareness

"For many women today, motherhood is a more considered and planned decision than ever before. As more women choose to start families in their 30s, awareness around fertility has become increasingly important," said Dr Kundoo. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, nearly 10-15% of Indian couples experience infertility, while natural fertility is known to decline more significantly after the age of 35. Data from NFHS-5 also points to a gradual increase in the median age at first birth in urban India.

Why Preconception Health Matters

This changing reality also makes preconception health an essential part of preventive care. Rather than waiting until pregnancy, women can now assess important health indicators in advance.

"Evaluations such as metabolic screening, thyroid assessment, reproductive hormone profiling, and ovarian reserve testing can offer valuable insights. Markers, including Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count, help provide a clear understanding of reproductive potential and can support decisions related to timing, fertility preservation, or assisted reproductive interventions when required," explained Dr Kundoo.

Addressing Underlying Health Conditions

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"At the same time, several underlying conditions are becoming more common among women in their reproductive years. Disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid imbalances, can directly impact ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. PCOS alone is estimated to affect nearly one in five women," added Dr Kundoo.

The encouraging aspect, however, is that early diagnosis and timely management can make a significant difference. Steps such as correcting micronutrient deficiencies, improving sleep, managing stress, and opting for regular annual health check-ups instead of symptom-led consultations all play an important role in supporting reproductive well-being.

The Role of Regenerative Medicine

Alongside these developments, regenerative medicine has introduced another dimension to future health planning. Umbilical cord blood and cord tissue are rich in stem cells and are being explored for both established and emerging therapeutic applications.

"Haematopoietic stem cells from cord blood are already used in the treatment of several blood-related disorders and immune deficiencies. At the same time, mesenchymal stem cells from cord tissue continue to be studied for their regenerative and immunomodulatory potential within regulated clinical settings," added Dr Kundoo.

Understanding Stem Cell Preservation

It is equally important to maintain clarity about what stem cell preservation means. It is not a guaranteed cure or a promise of future medical treatment. "Rather, it involves preserving a biological resource that may hold value as medical science continues to advance. Today, many families are beginning to see it as a proactive measure, one that helps keep future possibilities open while remaining grounded in scientific and regulatory realities," said Dr Kundoo.

Bottomline

Dr Kundoo concluded, "In the journey to motherhood, preventive health is no longer a secondary consideration; it has become central to it. The journey starts much earlier than pregnancy itself, with proper awareness, timely medical screening, well-informed choices, and a more proactive approach to long-term reproductive health."