Planning a baby / Pregnancy – 6 things you should check as a couple before you become pregnant.

If you are planning a baby / Pregnancy, planning of getting pregnant or trying to conceive here are some 6 things you should do before you bring a life into this world.

Parenting is a never ending task. I was told this many years back by someone. Yes, I agree I was a child, my mom and dad helped me as a baby, grown up and even now when I am a mom of two kids.

Before you begin your journey as a parent for the first time. You should follow few things as a couple to understand the self-preparedness for parenting. Being a parent does not mean just to give birth to a baby. But, you need to understand associated responsibilities, health, conception, delivery, finance and other related factors to the core.

I am sharing 10 things which you should do as a couple to have a healthy pregnancy and this will make you understand how much self-prepared you are for a baby.

1.Talk to each other about pregnancy, baby and Parenting.

This is my personal experience in the case of my both pregnancies. We talked to each other as a couple and we discussed each aspect in details related to our baby. Baby care, baby products, finances, My job, Staying at home, work from home, baby room, hospital etc.

I was always sure that the only support which I can always rely on is my husband as we belong to Nuclear family. There are many pieces of advice, opinion, and thoughts we hear and read from our family friends and of course internet. These opinions help you and in a way sometimes confuse you as well.

We were always sure that we will make changes in our decisions and priorities any day anytime as per our need.

The benefit of Step 1:

This brings you closer to your partner, You feel the importance of each other and this even gives you a boost of confidence. Parenting talks are very important before you conceive as this will give you a clear picture of your responsibilities, Expectations from each other, support and fears which you may have about labor pain, body shape etc.

2. Weighing Scale is your best friend before pregnancy.

Yes, If you wish to remain in shape post delivery as well. This is the right time to shed few extra kilograms before you conceive.

This is really important for you as women body undergoes several changes during the phase of pregnancy and overweight females face a lot of troubles. If you plan to shed some extra weight this will help you throughout the pregnancy phase. You will not only feel active but you will feel healthy and have a safe pregnancy.

It is not only important for a Woman to stay fit before she conceives But, It holds equal importance for Man as well. Overweight, Men does face many fertility issues.

The benefit from Step 2:

This will give you a healthy and happy pregnancy phase. As body undergoes many changes, emotional, hormonal and physical changes. Staying active will help you pass all these changes smoothly. This will also help you overcome labor and other delivery complications.

3. Financial planning.

Financial planning is really important before you plan a baby. When you are thinking to plan a baby you should understand the importance of financial planning for a baby before you step into parenthood.

Once you become pregnant from the very first day you need money for doctor’s visit, hospital, insurance, lactation expert, Prenatal care, baby products, Baby gears etc. It is so much you need to plan.

Financial planning will not only give you an idea about the future, but will also support you to cut down your present extra expenses. The couple must talk to each other about Finances, saving and money.

The benefit of Step 3:

One of the partners might have to give up a job. This step will give you a clear understanding of your expenses. This step helps you understand how will manage your increased expenses with your baby. Both the couples should plan slush fund together from diapers to Nursery furniture.

4. Cut the stress out of your life this will affect pregnancy.

Our lives today is full of stress. The stress level in our lives is one of the main reason delays in pregnancy. Stress affects ovulation cycle as well as sperm generation. Both the couples must talk to each other and spend quality time with each other. Partners should help each other overcome existing personal, health or professional stress if any.

Remember Stress will not only delay in pregnancy but, will also affect your health throughout the pregnancy phase.

Talk to friends, Go out and spend time with each other. Research shows that if you remain surrounded by positive energies you feel less stressful.

The benefit of Step 4:

When you talk to each other you help each other overcome unnecessary anxiety and stress. This also boosts love and sense of support in couples.

5. Watch your plate.

What you eat will impact your body and a life inside you directly. This means you must cut down Junk, wine or alcohol, Colas, and caffeine. Eat healthy and balanced diets.

Too much of caffeine may lead to a miscarriage as per the researches and studies. Include milk intake in your everyday diet, Eat leafy greens, Eat protein and Iron rich food.

The benefit of step 5:

Healthy eating benefits we all know. This will help you stay active and make you feel happy. Your diet not only impact ovulation, but this also affects sperm generation.

6.Visit your Doctor for pre pregnancy check up.

This is with my personal experience one must visit the doctor Pre-conception check-up.

This will help you understand your body and well as Doctor will help you advise about your ovulation days.

The doctor will check your present state as well as she will record your medical history if any.

The benefit of step 6:

Doctors, Obs Gynae help the patient understand the body changes, emotional changes and they also advise the partner in understanding and supporting a mom to be in her difficult phases from the beginning itself.

Bringing a baby into this world is not only a mother’s responsibility but, a father is equally responsible. Both Mom and dad should understand the equal responsibility associated with a baby from the planning stage itself.

Equal parenting not only helps you give better care to the baby, but this also helps you bond with each other and with your baby. So If you are ready to bring a new life to your little world.

Congratulations and all the best!

A disclaimer: All the thoughts I shared in this post are based on my personal experience.