Yahoo Lifestyle This viral TikTok just flipped the script on pregnancy prep—and it makes a lot of sense
A viral TikTok from @maya.and.hunter is sparking an important conversation about preconception health—and this time, the focus is on men. With over 13.5 million views and thousands of comments, the video highlights a critical yet often overlooked aspect of family planning: the role of men in preparing for pregnancy.
Hunter, who runs the TikTok account with her partner, passionately argues that men should take an active role in preconception health, from improving diet to reducing stress, and viewers are applauding the refreshing take.
Let’s break down why this perspective not only makes sense but could also transform how we approach pregnancy prep.
The science behind male preconception health
Research suggests that sperm health plays a significant role in pregnancy outcomes. Poor sperm quality has been linked to complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and developmental challenges for babies. According to a study published in the journal Human Reproduction, sperm health can directly influence embryonic development and implantation success rates. Factors like diet, fitness, stress, and environmental exposures all impact sperm quality, meaning men’s preconception habits may play an important role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.
While maternal health remains a key factor, scientists are beginning to explore how sperm health may influence the placenta and early fetal development. Additionally, everyday environmental exposures—such as chemicals in plastics, pesticides in food, and air pollution—may also impact sperm quality and reproductive health.
Lifestyle choices also play a crucial role; for instance, smoking has been associated with reduced sperm quality and increased miscarriage rates. While not all fertility challenges can be addressed through lifestyle changes alone, prioritizing health before conception can support overall reproductive wellness and improve certain factors that influence fertility.
[Editor’s note: However, it’s important to note that some fertility challenges are medical in nature and cannot be resolved through lifestyle changes alone. Seeking medical guidance can provide a clearer picture of reproductive health for both partners.]
Hunter explains it plainly in the viral TikTok: “If you’re going to spend nine months following all these rules while building a baby inside you, then I can spend the nine months prior to that not drinking alcohol, limiting caffeine, I’ll get blood work, I’ll have three healthy meals a day, I will be in the best physical shape of my life prior to you getting pregnant for the betterment of you and your pregnancy and our baby. It’s common sense.”
Related: 6 Ways Dad Can Prep for Pregnancy
Balancing the mental load of pregnancy prep
Historically, much of the responsibility for pregnancy preparation has fallen on women, from tracking cycles to making lifestyle changes. While many men have been active participants in family planning, societal expectations have often placed the burden disproportionately on women.
A shared approach not only eases the mental load but also strengthens the partnership, emotionally and psychologically. Since fertility is complex and not all challenges can be solved through lifestyle changes, men who take proactive steps can contribute to a more supportive and informed journey for both partners.
Many commenters on the viral TikTok celebrated the shift:
@fry4pets: This is the greenest flag I’ve ever seen
@dogmomkel: We need him to present this as a TED talk
@Gabriella
�� �� �� : Learning this actually changed my brain chemistry
Actionable steps men can take to support pregnancy prep
If you’re wondering what this might look like, here are practical ways men can help prepare for pregnancy, starting before conception:
Optimize diet and nutrition: Nutrients like antioxidants, zinc, and folate support healthy sperm. Leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins are key.
Prioritize movement: Regular exercise improves circulation and hormone regulation, both of which support sperm quality.
Get blood work and genetic screening: Just as women do, men can benefit from understanding their genetic health and addressing potential concerns early. For some, fertility testing may also be beneficial in identifying potential barriers to conception.
Reduce harmful habits: Limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and cutting back on caffeine can positively impact fertility.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can interfere with sperm production, making mindfulness practices or therapy a valuable addition to preconception care.
Related: Thank you for pampering + supporting me through my pregnancy
A cultural shift in pregnancy prep
While this concept may feel new in Western culture, many Indigenous traditions have long emphasized the importance of male preconception health. In some cultures, men follow strict diets and abstain from alcohol before conception as part of their responsibility in family creation.
By shifting the perspective that pregnancy prep is solely “women’s work,” this TikTok is highlighting the importance of shared responsibility. While many men already prioritize their health before conception, this conversation helps normalize the discussion.
The emotional payoff of shared responsibility
When men take an active role in preconception health, both partners benefit. Women feel supported rather than carrying the full burden, and men establish a deeper connection to the journey of parenthood before the baby even arrives.
As one TikTok commenter, @Dani Balloverass, put it:
“Yes! Some men actually do the work. My husband lost 30lbs, and prioritized eating healthy and specific fruits…”
The bottom line
This TikTok is more than just a viral moment—it’s a call to action. Regardless of how you’re building your family, preconception health plays a crucial role in supporting a successful pregnancy journey. While not all fertility challenges are within our control, taking proactive steps together creates a foundation of support, care, and connection that can positively impact both parents and baby. Because when both parents are invested from the start, everyone benefits.
Sources:
Exploring the link between recurrent miscarriages and sperm health. Imperial News. 2019. “Recurrent miscarriage linked to faulty sperm.”
A guide for men on health before conception. American Pregnancy Association. “Preconception Health For Men”
Surveying men’s knowledge and behavior regarding preconception health. NIH. 2019.“Preparation for fatherhood: A survey of men’s preconception health knowledge and behaviour in England”
Investigating sperm defects and their role in pregnancy complications. Lund University. 2024. “Defective sperm doubles the risk of preeclampsia.”
A comprehensive analysis of reproductive health research. Oxford Academic. 2025. “Human Reproduction”
Evaluating the impact of diet on male fertility. PMC. 2020. “Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility—Underestimated Factors.”
Research on how seminal fluid impacts offspring health. PNAS. 2014. “Maternal tract factors contribute to paternal seminal fluid impact on metabolic phenotype in offspring.”
Examining preconception care specific to men. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008. “The clinical content of preconception care: preconception care for men”
The effects of smoking on male reproductive health. PMC. 2016. “The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Male Fertility”
Reviewing how exercise affects male reproductive functions. PMC. 2024. “Unraveling the complexity of the impact of physical exercise on male reproductive functions: a review of both sides of a coin.”
Examining the role of nutrients in sperm health. Oxford Academic. 2008. “Association of folate, zinc and antioxidant intake with sperm aneuploidy in healthy non-smoking men.”
Insights into how lifestyle choices affect fertility. FertilityIQ. “Smoking, Caffeine, Alcohol: Impacts On Fertility.”
Understanding the link between stress and male fertility. Posterity Health. “Managing the Impact of Stress on Male Fertility”
Addressing barriers and opportunities in male parenting roles. American Journal of Men’s Health. 2017.“Fatherhood in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: An Examination of Barriers and Opportunities to Strengthen the Male Parenting Role”
The importance of alcohol abstinence for men pre-conception. European Society of Cardiology. 2019. “Fathers-to-be should avoid alcohol six months before conception”
