Factors to Consider Before Getting Pregnant
Deciding to have a baby is something worth thoroughly discussing about between couples because it involves life and responsibilities. Aside from physical preparations, there are salient points that couples need to be considered in planning for a family.
Physical and mental health
One of the top priorities, if not the first, to consider before getting pregnant, is to determine whether or not both would-be parents are physically fit to have a baby, because this factor has a bearing on the future offspring. It could be that the mother is not fit to be pregnant due to some health conditions. It would also be a futile attempt to forego medical consultation when, in the first place, the man has a problem with his sperm fertility. Likewise, both parents should avoid unnecessary stress because it can affect both their physical and emotional health. Studies also show that women suffering from depression tend to have fertility problems. Besides, a clinically depressed woman is generally unable to take care of herself, so much less can she be expected to look after her baby.
Lifestyle
Couples who smoke, drink excessively, and take illegal drugs must decide on quitting these vices if they want to have a baby because these can remarkably lessen the possibility of getting pregnant, and most likely to cause premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight babies. Besides, smoking adversely affects the fertility of both male and female. The would-be mother should also minimize her caffeine consumption because her body might not be able to absorb iron needed in pregnancy.
Financial status of the couple
Parents, who already have a child, or children, should consider whether or not they can still afford to have one more addition to the family. Likewise, new couples must answer the question “Are we ready yet?” since it is the parents’ responsibilities to provide for the basic needs of their offspring, such as food, clothing, shelter, and education. In other words, adding a new member to the family involves budget until that member would be capable of living on his own.
Child-rearing and child care
Couples, especially first time parents, should be prepared to enter into the family life. It is natural for them to have different views on child-rearing considering that they, too, have been brought up in different manners; but as a couple, they must agree and maintain a common ground on how to rear their own child. Issues that are necessary to discuss about should include discipline, values, nutrition, and physical activity. Religion is also worth discussing about, especially if the couple come from different faith denominations, because this might become an issue of contention if not yet agreed upon. Moreover, if both parents are working, they should discuss about who will take the full time duty in looking after the baby, and they should arrange for it before the baby comes.
Family time
This factor is very essential in building a wholesome family. The couple, especially if both have careers, should make room for quality time with their child and with each other. It is a different story to just leave all childcare to a crèche or a baby sitter because a child needs more than economic comfort.
Since the family is the basic unit of society, it is vital that couples work together at setting a stable and loving environment for their children to produce good and responsible citizens.You may also consider finding out on pregnancy signs in more details.
