Preconception

Starting a family is one of the most important decisions which a couple has to make. There are certain things which you might want to consider before planning for the arrival of your little one 

Finances

Before planning for a baby, it is always better to take a second look at your finances to ensure that once you have your baby, it will not make huge hole in your pockets especially if you are planning to stop working for a while. Keeping a budget aside every month will be an intelligent decision. If you are not doing it already, there is nothing wrong in starting now!

Age

I was reading an article on how urban women have become career centric and busy schedule of spouses further delay their plans of starting the family. The 20’s is considered the most fertile period for women. As you get older, your chances of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities like Down’s syndrome are higher. Personally I feel this is an ideal age as you are more physically active to chase your little one around!

Support system

Although this holds good once the baby is born, there is nothing wrong in deciding about your support system. This especially hold good for working mums. You need to have a good and reliable support system who can handle your infant once you go back to work. If are one of those lucky ones like me who have their parents who can look after your kid, then nothing like it! you know your child is in safe hands and you can concentrate on your work without worrying too much about the little one you left behind…If you are not, then you need to find someone who will take proper care of your precious one.

Preconception Check up

It is a good idea to go for a preconception check up if you are planning to start a family soon. This is to ensure that you are physically ready for pregnancy and that your baby will be born as healthy as possible. It includes blood test and urine test and sometimes your practitioner may suggest some other tests like pap smear. S& I went in for a preconception check up. It really puts your mind at rest just knowing that you are healthy enough to have a baby! Your doctor will also give general advice on getting pregnant which will include figuring out your ovulation. Women who have regular periods can easily calculate when ovulation occurs. Ovulation happens 14 days before you expect your period if you have 28 day cycle.

Prenatal Vitamins

At your preconception visit, your doctor may ask you to take Folic acid tablets. Folic acid prevents serious birth defects such as neural tube defect (a birth defect involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord) in your baby upto 70%. These tablets should be taken especially before conception and during early pregnancy.

1 comment April 19, 2009 Mochagirl