Before getting pregnant, there are a few factors to consider if you contemplate adding to your family. An expectant mom’s health and lifestyle choices greatly influence her developing kid. There are also emotional and financial concerns to consider. Before you get pregnant, make sure that you are prepared for all the changes and challenges ahead. These considerations will help prepare you for life with a newborn and ensure that you are ready to welcome a new baby into your home.
1) Consider Your Family Circumstances
Before you try to become pregnant, take some time to consider your family’s circumstances. Do you have children already? Will you want more than one child? Will you stay at home with your kids or go back to work? Ask yourself these most common pregnancy questions and plan accordingly. Once you’re pregnant, it’s not always easy to make these changes.
If you already have children, talk to your partner about how adding another child will impact your family. You may need to make adjustments, such as moving to a larger home or hiring additional childcare help. If you have young kids at home, think about what it will be like to suddenly no longer have their undivided attention 24/7—or if they are old enough, ask them how they feel about being big brothers and sisters.
2) Get Your Health in Check
Your health is one of the most important factors to consider before getting pregnant. Pregnancy can be a physically demanding time, and if you have any underlying medical conditions, it’s essential to get them under control first. This means getting any necessary vaccinations (if you believe in them), and seeing your doctor regularly for checkups. It would help if you also were up to date on all of the screenings recommended by your doctor, including blood pressure checks, thyroid screenings, and cholesterol tests.
Being healthy doesn’t just mean being physically fit—it also means managing any chronic conditions you may have. If you have asthma, diabetes, or another condition requiring medication, take your medicine as prescribed and talk to your doctor about how your condition may affect your pregnancy. If you have to take medication during pregnancy, there are often alternative treatments that are safer for you and your baby.
3) Check Your Finances
Before trying for a baby, take the time to review your finances. While having a child is an emotional commitment, it is also expensive and can put a significant financial strain on couples with little savings or income. By planning and saving up money, you can reduce the stress of raising kids.
Whether you plan on staying home or going back to work after having a baby, it is vital to understand your current financial situation. Take time to assess your monthly expenses and determine how much extra income will be needed to cover new costs like childcare, food, clothes, and healthcare for the baby.
4) Create a Support System
Having a child is one of the most amazing experiences in life—but it is also incredibly challenging. In addition to all of the physical changes, you will experience during pregnancy and motherhood. You’ll go through emotional ups and downs as well. It’s essential to have a support system to help you through the good times and the bad.
This means surrounding yourself with people you trust who can offer support during your pregnancy, such as close family members and friends. It also means finding someone outside of your circle of loved ones that you can confide in when you have a problem or are feeling overwhelmed by motherhood. Many new moms find it helpful to connect with other mothers through local parenting groups, online forums, and community-based programs for young families.
5) Consider Your Options for Childbirth
There are many different options regarding childbirth, so it’s essential to research what works best for you and your baby. You may want a natural birth without pain medication, vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBA2C), or an epidural. Other parents-to-be may choose to have a scheduled C-section, which is often recommended if the baby is in breech position or you are carrying more than one child.
Whatever your preference for childbirth, it’s vital that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. Ask lots of questions about each option from your doctor to make an informed choice that feels right for you and your family.
6) Consider Your Options for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding parts of motherhood—but it’s also not always easy to get started or to stick with it long term. It’s essential to educate yourself about the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
There are many different ways to breastfeed, so finding what works best for you and your baby is essential. Some moms choose to exclusively breastfeed, while others may opt for breastfeeding and formula-feeding. There is no right or wrong way, so do what feels best for you and your family.
7) Be Prepared for Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is one of the most common complaints among new parents, but it’s also one of the most challenging things to prepare for. The good news is that there are some things you can do to make the transition to parenthood a little easier on your body and mind. They include:
- Have a plan for when the baby wakes up during the night. Whether that means taking turns with your partner, hiring a babysitter to come by and help out, or simply developing a routine of getting up and feeding the baby yourself, there are many different ways to manage nighttime feedings as you adjust to life with a newborn.
- Preparing your bedroom so that it’s comfortable and conducive to sleep. This may include getting blackout blinds to block out light if you have trouble sleeping during the day, buying extra pillows for support while breastfeeding at night, or setting up a bassinet next to your bed so both you and the baby can sleep comfortably together.
These are just some of the things you should consider before getting pregnant. Of course, every pregnancy is different, and you may have unique concerns specific to your situation. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have to prepare for your new arrival and most importantly, try to enjoy every minute as much as possible – it goes by FAST!
