How to Prepare for Parenthood

Deciding to start a family is a huge obligation. There are many adjustments that will have to be made, so planning ahead of time is the wisest choice. Planning for parenthood will ensure that you are willing to take the steps necessary in each area of your life to welcome a new baby. Here are some important steps to get you started.

Instructions

1. Consider the time involved in raising a child. Babies don't come into the world on a schedule that meets your needs. Babies demand most of your time, leaving very little time for you to do anything else besides take care of them and survive. Take a look at your schedule and think about ways you can make more free time available.

2. Plan for increased costs. Babies come with big expenses. They need food, diapers, clothes, equipment and incur medical and daycare-related costs. You don't have to be rich to have a child, but it is important that you plan for extra expenses and be willing to cut back on your play money.

3. Stop smoking. You need to eliminate smoking out of your life at least 6 months before trying to get pregnant. This will give you time to deal with cravings and physical/emotional adjustment before dealing with pregnancy hormones. Smoking is associated with premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth and higher risks of fetal abnormalities.

4. Limit the alcohol. Some doctors say that a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy is OK, while others rule it out completely. If you are a heavy drinker, now is the time to stop completely or at least slow it down to one drink per day. Alcohol during pregnancy has been known to cause mental retardation, retarded growth, damage to the brain and fetal alcohol syndrome. Since no one seems to know what the "safe" consumption is for alcohol, it's best to avoid it entirely.

5. If you are taking illegal drugs, even recreationally, you must stop now. Starting a family while abusing illegal substances is an immature thing to do. Drug use can lead to early miscarriage, fetal retardation, fetal abnormalities and fetal demise.

6. Fix your diet and exercise. Both of these things are extremely crucial to a healthy mom and baby. Maintaining a well-balanced diet will ensure that you are giving your body the proper nutrition it needs to grow a healthy baby. And, since pregnancy is so stressful on the body, the more fit you are the better you will handle the pregnancy and labor. Exercise helps to condition your mind and body, and when done correctly, it gives the baby a boost of oxygen.

7. Start taking folic acid. Folic acid, also known as Folate, is a vitamin which helps prevent spina bifida and neural tube defects from forming in your unborn baby. You should start taking folic acid (300 to 400 mcg) at least 3 months before you plan to get pregnant. Folic acid can be taken as a supplement or found in certain foods such as leafy green vegetables, dried beans and orange juice.

8. Stop using contraceptives. If you've been on birth controls pills or had an IUD implanted to prevent pregnancy, now is the time to stop the medication. It takes some women up to a year to conceive after taking certain forms of birth control. However, you should still use a barrier method like a female or male condom if you aren't prepared to have a baby just yet.

9. Make an appointment with your general physician or gynecologist to evaluate your health. It's a good idea to get checked out before getting pregnant at any age, to make sure that you are healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• There is never a perfect time to have a baby. You will realize that you will just have to adjust when necessary once baby arrives.

• Talk to your partner. Even if you are in the perfect situation, both of you should be ready to start or expand your family.

Resources

• Planning for Parenthood is a Full Time Job
• Ready to Start a Family?
• The Family Physicians of Canada
• Pre-Conception Health for Women
• Folic Acid