Parenthood Media and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Spotlight Pre-Pregnancy Health at ‘Before We Bloom’ Forum

The What Women Want Forum opened up conversations around fertility, hormonal health and preparing for pregnancy 

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. 

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.

Parenthood Media and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Spotlight Pre-Pregnancy Health at ‘Before We Bloom’ Forum

Preparing for Pregnancy Starts Earlier Than Many Think 

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 as 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 a Shared Journey

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 Help Does Not Automatically 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. 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. 

About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) 

For 5 decades, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) has remained the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur, steadfastly dedicated to delivering exceptional care and accessible cutting-edge technology to patients from all walks of life. Our journey began in 1974, with just 68 beds and a team of 20 medical specialists. Today, they stand as a healthcare icon, licensed for 507 beds and home to over 200 consultants, each specialising in diverse medical and surgical disciplines. At Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we are unwavering in our commitment to provide quality healthcare services while fostering clinical research and trials. We take pride in championing clinical excellence, service quality, and operational efficiency. Our pursuit of excellence has earned us accreditations from the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Additionally, we are honoured to hold certification as a Baby Friendly Hospital and a preferred hospital in Malaysia by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

About Parenthood Media 

Parenthood Media is Malaysia's premier parenting digital publisher and media network dedicated to guiding, supporting and empowering parents throughout their parenting journey. Through its signature print and digital publications, events and community platforms like KitaParents, Parenthood Media connects families with trusted experts, reputable brands and actionable advice to nurture the next generation.