Planning for a baby

By Craig Swann


It is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and you want to ensure you make the right ones. Of course we are talking about starting a family and deciding when to have a baby may not be as straightforward as it may seem. Give yourself a head start and make an ovulation calendar. By taking note of signs that you are ovulating, an ovulation calendar will help you to get a good idea of when may be the best time of the month to try for a baby.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is a good start on the journey to trying for a baby. Limiting the amount of alcohol you consume, giving up smoking and taking the recommended dose of folic acid can all help increase your fertility and limit the chance of birth defects. A good diet rich in essential nutrients is a great way to ensure a balanced diet and keep you and baby healthy.

Deciding the right time to have a baby can be difficult. Age is a factor for both partners as are finances, career and the impact pregnancy and parenthood will have on them. As the body ages, the chances of conceiving naturally decrease. However, many women today are actively choosing to delay having a baby and of course an ovulation calendar can help you determine when you may be ovulating. Babies can be a drain on financial resources and change career plans, so all of these factors need to be considered when deciding to try for a baby.

A positive pregnancy test is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, but from this point forward, more choices will come your way. Routine antenatal care is usually provided by midwifes and they will explain the screening offered during pregnancy. Many trusts offer scans and sometimes the options of Down's Syndrome testing. You will be encouraged to think about what you would do if the results are classified as high risk before deciding on whether or not to have the tests done.

Towards the end of your pregnancy you will be asked to think about devising a birth plan which is essentially a list of your preferences. The important things to consider are where to give birth, express your desire for minimal or maximum pain relief and who you would like to be at your side during labour and birth. In midwife led centres and at home, pain relief options are limited so be sure to take this into consideration.

Searching for perfect baby names will be a recurring theme during pregnancy. It is a great opportunity to go through options with your partner, perhaps focusing on ones that have meaning or follow a family tradition. Books of baby names will help get you thinking and give you plenty of ideas.

Having a baby is very expensive, but take time to think about what you might need and your preferences on designs and brands. Large purchases will probably include a pram and somewhere for baby to sleep. There are plenty of choices available, so schedule plenty of shopping trips and do not be afraid to ask for in store demonstrations to help you decide on the perfect equipment.

From the initial decision of planning to have a baby, the journey of conception and pregnancy and birth is a very busy time. Ovulation calendars are useful when trying to conceive, midwives are there to guide you through the physical aspects of pregnancy and baby names and pram choices require personal thought and deliberation.




About the Author:



Grab The Post URL

URL:
HTML link code:
BB (forum) link code:

Leave a comment

  • Google+
  • 0Blogger
  • Facebook
  • Disqus

0 Response to "Planning for a baby"

Post a Comment

comments powered by Disqus
Powered by Blogger.