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Considering
The stage before trying. Thinking about whether, when, and how to start a family.
What this stage is about
This is the quiet, often invisible stage that precedes conception. It’s about aligning values with a partner, understanding your baseline health, and making the big decisions that shape everything that follows: timing, finances, lifestyle, support network.
Common challenges
- Aligning with a partner on timing, number of children, and parenting approach
- Understanding your fertility baseline before any medical intervention
- Financial planning: healthcare, childcare, parental leave, housing
- Processing ambivalence — it’s normal not to know yet
Key decisions
- When to stop contraception (typical recommendation: 1-3 months before actively trying)
- Whether to get pre-conception health checks (recommended for both partners)
- Lifestyle adjustments (alcohol, smoking, weight, medications)
- Folic acid supplementation (400–800µg/day, start 1–3 months before trying)
When to seek medical attention
- Persistent disagreement with a partner about having children — seek couples counselling before escalating
- Known genetic conditions in either family — consider genetic counselling
- Chronic medical conditions that may affect pregnancy — talk to your doctor before trying
How Avelia helps
Avelia’s Considering stage provides values-alignment conversations, health baseline tracking, and a private shared space for the decisions you’re making together. Nothing is shared with your partner by default — you control what they see.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What is this stage about?
This is the quiet, often invisible stage that precedes conception. It’s about aligning values with a partner, understanding your baseline health, and making the big decisions that shape everything that follows: timing, finances, lifestyle, support network.
What are the most common challenges?
Aligning with a partner on timing, number of children, and parenting approach. Understanding your fertility baseline before any medical intervention. Financial planning: healthcare, childcare, parental leave, housing. Processing ambivalence — it’s normal not to know yet.
When should I seek medical attention?
Persistent disagreement with a partner about having children — seek couples counselling before escalating. Known genetic conditions in either family — consider genetic counselling. Chronic medical conditions that may affect pregnancy — talk to your doctor before trying.
How does Avelia help in this stage?
Avelia’s Considering stage provides values-alignment conversations, health baseline tracking, and a private shared space for the decisions you’re making together. Nothing is shared with your partner by default — you control what they see.