More Than a Prescription: Health Advice for Newly Married Couples

It was another routine day at my clinic when Sameera, a 27-year-old regular patient, called to fix an appointment.

“Doctor, are you available today?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Come at 6 pm.”

That evening, Sameera arrived on his motorbike. Someone was seated behind him. At first glance, I assumed it might be his mother or younger sister. During the consultation, I realized I was mistaken. She was a young woman in her twenties.

I welcomed them and asked how I could help.

“Doctor, she has had cough, cold, and fever for one day,” Sameera said.

The diagnosis was straightforward: a viral upper respiratory tract infection, a common cold. But family medicine is never only about treating symptoms. This was a new patient, and I took the time to know her better, her health, her background, and her concerns.

As I took a detailed history, I learned that she was Sameera’s wife. They had been married just two weeks earlier.

I congratulated them, genuinely happy for this new beginning. As part of routine care, I asked about her general health. Then I asked a question that often surprises patients, especially when they come in for something as simple as a cold.

“Do you have any plans to conceive, or are you planning to postpone pregnancy?”

Without hesitation, they answered, “Doctor, we want to have a child soon. We don’t want to postpone.”

As I began writing the prescription for her cold, Sameera asked, “Doctor, can you give us any advice?”

It was clear they were not asking about cough syrup. They were asking how to prepare for life together, for parenthood, and for the responsibilities that come with both.

That moment captures the heart of family medicine.

A New Stage in the Family Life Cycle

From a family medicine perspective, this couple had just entered a new phase of the family life cycle, the stage immediately after marriage. This phase is often underestimated. There are no obvious illnesses, no emergencies, and no visible problems. Yet it is one of the most important stages for long-term health and wellbeing.

Decisions made now affect not only the couple but also the children they may have in the future. Habits formed during this period tend to last for years.

I shared with them what I share with many newly married couples, not as rules, but as guidance.

Key Message for Newly Married Couples

Marriage is not only an emotional and social bond. It is also a health partnership. From this point on, two individuals begin to influence each other’s physical health, mental health, lifestyle habits, and healthcare decisions.

Good health does not happen by accident. It is built, slowly and intentionally.

Building a Healthy Family Life

Creating Your Own Space

One of the first things we discussed was the importance of establishing their own space as a couple. Living independently, when possible, allows couples to understand each other’s routines, expectations, and boundaries.

This does not mean distancing from parents or family. It simply means creating space to grow as partners, learn to solve problems together, and develop mutual respect.

Couples who communicate openly early in marriage often handle future challenges better.

Communication and Emotional Health

I reminded them that disagreements are normal. What matters is how they handle them. Silent resentment, avoidance, and poor communication can slowly damage both mental and physical health.

Talking openly, listening without judgment, and seeking help early when conflicts feel overwhelming are signs of strength, not weakness.

Mental health is health.

Sexual Health: An Often-Unspoken Topic

Sexual health is rarely discussed openly, yet it plays a major role in marital satisfaction and emotional closeness.

I told them that a healthy sexual relationship is built on communication, consent, and comfort. There is no fixed definition of what is “normal.” What matters is that both partners feel safe, respected, and satisfied.

Pain, fear, or persistent discomfort during intimacy should never be ignored. These are medical issues, not personal failures, and help is available.

Preparing the Body for Pregnancy

Since they were planning to conceive soon, we spent time discussing preparation for pregnancy. One important message was this: pregnancy preparation is a responsibility of both partners.

Nutrition: What to Eat

I advised a balanced, varied diet for both:

• Plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates
• Adequate protein from eggs, fish, lean meat, lentils, and dairy
• Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oils

Skipping meals, extreme dieting, or relying heavily on fast food can affect fertility and overall health.

For women, good nutrition supports healthy ovulation and pregnancy. For men, it improves sperm quality.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity does not mean intense workouts. Even 30 minutes of walking most days of the week makes a difference.

Exercise helps with weight control, stress reduction, sleep quality, and hormonal balance, all of which matter when planning a pregnancy.

What to Avoid: Small Habits with Big Impact

Smoking and Alcohol

I made it clear that avoiding smoking and alcohol applies to both partners.

Many couples assume these habits matter only for women. In reality, smoking and alcohol in men can affect fertility, sperm quality, and pregnancy outcomes.

Quitting together often makes it easier.

Self-Medication

Another important point was avoiding unnecessary medications, herbal products, and supplements without medical advice, especially when planning pregnancy.

“Natural” does not always mean safe.

Mental Wellbeing Before and After Marriage

Stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation are common during the early months of marriage. Adjusting to new routines, expectations, and responsibilities takes time.

I encouraged them to:

• Get enough sleep
• Share household responsibilities
• Make time for rest and recreation
• Support each other emotionally

Persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, or emotional withdrawal should never be ignored. Early support prevents long-term problems.

Supplements, Vaccinations, and Health Checks

Supplements

Before pregnancy, certain supplements are important. I advised starting folic acid, which reduces the risk of serious birth defects. Other supplements may be needed based on diet and test results.

Supplements should be taken under medical guidance, not randomly.

Vaccinations

We discussed checking vaccination status, especially for infections that can affect pregnancy. Completing missing vaccines before conception protects both the mother and the future baby.

Blood Tests and Health Screening

I explained the value of basic tests before pregnancy, including:

• Screening for anemia
• Blood group and Rh factor
• Screening for common infections
• Checking blood sugar or thyroid levels when indicated

These tests are simple, affordable, and prevent avoidable complications later.

What Every Newly Married Couple Should Check

I summarized for them, and I summarize here for every newly married couple:

Check your health status

• Weight, blood pressure, and general wellbeing
• Existing medical conditions
• Vaccination history

Check your habits

• Diet and physical activity
• Sleep patterns
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, or substances

Check your mental health

• Stress levels
• Emotional connection
• Ability to communicate and resolve conflict

What to Do Early in Marriage

• Establish healthy routines together
• Eat meals together when possible
• Exercise together or encourage each other
• Attend health check-ups as a couple
• Discuss plans for children openly

What to Avoid Early in Marriage

• Ignoring health concerns
• Assuming one partner is solely responsible for health or fertility
• Delaying medical advice due to embarrassment
• Comparing your relationship to others

Every couple’s journey is unique.

Beyond the Prescription

They came to the clinic for a common cold. They left with much more than a prescription.

They left with information, reassurance, and a sense of direction.

That is the essence of family medicine. Every consultation is an opportunity to look beyond the immediate complaint and support people through the stages of life they are navigating.

For newly married couples, timely advice can lay the foundation for a healthier marriage, a healthier pregnancy, and a healthier family.

Sometimes, the most important medicine is conversation.