What to Plan for When You’re Trying for a Baby

Having your first baby is one of the most significant milestones of your life. Unlike milestones such as graduation, marriage, or getting your first job, having a baby can happen whether you prepare for it or not. The more you prepare, however, the healthier you and your baby will be, and the better prepared your home and finances will be to welcome your new family member into the world. That is why every couple wanting to have a baby should try to follow these steps:

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Consulting Your Doctor Before You Try to Conceive

Of course, you can get pregnant without your doctor’s help, and women around the world get pregnant all the time! However, consulting your doctor before you try to conceive will help you change your lifestyle habits and diet for the health of your baby. There are many medications out there, for instance, that can severely damage a fetus if you continue to take them while pregnant. Expecting mothers and mothers hoping to conceive should also start taking folic acid, which can help reduce the chances of common congenital disabilities in babies. You should take the time to implement any other diet and lifestyle changes that will help improve your health before you try to conceive, not after. Your doctor can help advise you on the necessary steps you should take, and the Early Life Health Nutrition Coalition has some really useful information.

Trying for a Baby

If you do not immediately get pregnant after coming off your birth control, don’t panic! Hormone birth controls from the pill to an IUD can cause disruptions in your hormonal balance. It could take a few months before your body is back on track, and that is perfectly normal. Until your body is back on its regular schedule, you will likely find it difficult to conceive. You could begin tracking your cycle and discover when you are ovulating. Generally speaking, you have approximately a week during which you are fertile, which means knowing when you can help you conceive drastically.

You are Pregnant!

It can feel like a dream come true when your test finally comes back as positive, but this is when the real work begins. Once you know your due date, you can work out when to start attending a birth class, when to start getting the nursery ready, buying all those exciting baby bits such as prams and changing tables and so on. This can help you in preparing your home, but remember to see your doctor to have a medical schedule set up to keep track of your baby’s health. You should have regular check-ups with a midwife or obstetrician and at least two ultrasound scans.

Having a baby is a beautiful thing, but you have to remember that no one expects you to do it alone. Do not hesitate to rely on your family and friends to help support you through your pregnancy and beyond, and you will be sure to raise a happy family.

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