'Sip & Share Cafe Talk' What Women Want Forum: Before We Bloom – A Couple’s Guide to Pre-Pregnancy

Getting pregnant isn't always easy, but it's always worth it.

All married couples expect to have kids of their own, but in this modern era, many people having trouble conceiving. There are many factors could cause this problem. But mainly, fertility is an issue that should not be taken lightly.

Assalamualaikum & hi!

Parenthood Media, together with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), recently hosted What Women Want Forum: Before We Bloom – A Couple’s Guide to Pre-Pregnancy, an informative session focused on trying to conceive (TTC), fertility and pre-pregnancy health. 

I was so glad I attended this forum, since I am also one of the TTC mother, and I gotta learnt and gained so much information and knowledge from certified medical experts.

 

Held recently at MyToday, Atria Shopping Gallery, the forum brought women together for an open discussion on reproductive health, common fertility concerns and the importance of seeking the right medical guidance early.

The panel featured Dr Raymond Lim, Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), and Dr Lim Sue Wen, Endocrinologist, from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Together, they shared insights on fertility, hormonal health, age-related considerations, underlying medical conditions and the different factors that can affect conception.

Lunch by Legumes

Pregnancy Preparation Should Starts Early 

One of the key messages from the forum was that pre-pregnancy care does not have to begin only when someone is actively trying to conceive. Looking after reproductive and overall health earlier can help identify potential concerns and support better preparation for pregnancy. 

The specialists, Dr Raymond Lim and Dr Lim Sue Wen, also discussed how fertility changes with age, while health conditions such a polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders and diabetes may make conception more challenging. 

Recognising possible warning signs and seeking medical advice early can help women better understand their reproductive health and what steps may be appropriate for them.

Fertility is Not Just Women's Issue

Another important takeaway was that difficulty conceiving should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue. When conception is taking longer than expected, both partners may need to be evaluated, as male factors can also contribute to infertility.

The discussion also touched on the role of hormonal health, body weight, nutrition, physical activity, stress and underlying medical conditions in reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. By addressing these topics openly, the forum aimed to make trying to conceive (TTC) conversations feel more informed, practical and less intimidating.

Seeking Support Doesn’t Necessarily Mean IVF

The panellists also addressed a common misconception that seeing a fertility specialist automatically means undergoing IVF. A fertility consultation starts with understanding the possible cause of a fertility concern and exploring suitable options for the individual or couple.

Depending on the situation, recommendations may range from lifestyle adjustments and medication to managing underlying medical conditions or, where appropriate, assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.

What Parenthood Media & Pantai Hospital KL Wants to Achieve

Through What Women Want Forum: Before We Bloom, Parenthood Media and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur aimed to encourage more open conversations around trying to conceive (TTC) and pre-pregnancy health, helping women better understand the factors that can influence fertility and the options available to them.

If you or someone you know is facing difficulties conceiving or considering a pre-pregnancy

consultation, visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur to learn more about its specialist services

and seek professional medical advice.

A Tour of MyToday, Atria Shopping Gallery

Since the event was held at MyToday, Atria Shopping Gallery, us media, were invited to explore MyToday,  a family lifestyle and community hub located on the 3rd floor of Atria Shopping Gallery in Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 

It is designed as a space where families, parents and children can spend time together, rather than simply being a conventional retail shop.