6 Actions Couples Should Make
Before Getting Pregnant
If you and your other half are planning to get pregnant in the near future, you will likely feel excited about your future as a family. Yet, you must ensure you and your partner are mentally and physically prepared for the journey ahead.
If you want to improve your chances of conceiving, enjoy a healthy pregnancy, and feel emotionally prepared for parenthood, there are some crucial things to consider before trying for a baby. Here are six actions couples should take before getting pregnant.
1. The Parenthood Talk
You and your partner must feel like a team when trying for a baby through to parenthood. Talk to your other half about serious topics before welcoming a baby into the world. For example, you must discuss your opinions on:
- Discipline
- Public or private education
- Conception difficulties
- Religious traditions
- Childcare
Discussing the above topics can prevent conflict and arguments down the road, and it can help you both set expectations and priorities.
2. Change Your Lifestyle
You and your partner may need to make various changes to your lifestyles when trying to get pregnant. For example, you may need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can affect both your fertility and a baby’s health.
Also, you both may need to embrace a healthier diet, as obesity can affect a woman’s ovarian reserve and a man’s sperm production. Plus, women should start taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid to ensure they have the right level of vitamins and minerals for a healthy, safe pregnancy.
3. Organize a Preconception Consultation
Set realistic expectations for the road ahead by organizing a preconception consultation for you and/or your partner. For example, if you’re struggling to get pregnant, you could organize a preconception consultation to review female fertility and semen quality. You can also take a look at the costs of different fertility treatments so you can determine which one is best for you and your budget.
If you or your partner have a fertility problem, don’t panic. There are many fantastic options to help both couples and individuals get pregnant. For example, you could embark on one of the many effective male infertility treatment options available, such as IUI or IVF.
4. Prep Your Finances
Babies might be small in size, but they require many clothes, toys, toiletries, books, and furniture. Plus, you’ll need maternity clothing, prenatal vitamins, and fresh, healthy food during pregnancy. All these expenses can quickly add up to a large lump sum, which is why you should aim to organize your finances before welcoming a child into the world.
You can improve your bank balance by:
- Cutting out unnecessary expenses (such as subscriptions and takeout)
- Saving money each month
- Comparing energy and insurance suppliers to find a more affordable rate
- Slashing your grocery costs
It will ensure you have the money available in the bank to cater to your son or daughter’s every need. Also, it can prevent money worries during pregnancy and once your baby has entered the world, which allows you to focus solely on enjoying every single moment.
5. Review Your Property
Your current home might be perfect for you and your other half, but it could be too small for a growing family. As mentioned, babies will need many items from birth through to their teenage years, and you may need a large home to accommodate their needs. Otherwise, you might struggle for space and storage, which can impact your quality of life.
Sit down with your partner to discuss if you both believe your property is right for a family. While you might feel the house is too small, he or she might have a renovation idea that could help you expand your square footage. For instance, you could convert an attic or garage into a nursery, playroom, or a bigger living room. Also, you might need to consider your home’s proximity to good schools, transport links, stores, green spaces, and entertainment venues.
6. Have Some Fun Together
Many couples can experience much pressure when planning a baby. When you are not busy monitoring ovulation cycles and taking vitamins, you may struggle with pregnancy test disappointment, which can be disheartening and stressful. For this reason, you must both try to have some fun together when attempting to conceive.
Make the most of your spare time to embrace activities you might have to skip once a baby arrives in the world, such as cuddling up at the movies, enjoying dinner at a high-end restaurant, enjoying a romantic stroll along the beach, or sleeping in on your day off together. It will remind you why you have chosen to start a family with your spouse, and the fun activities can strengthen your relationship.
Starting Your Family
So, if you are hoping to start a family in the near future, don’t overlook the above six actions. By doing so, you could improve your health and finances before getting pregnant, and you and your spouse can set realistic expectations to start parenthood as a team.