Planning for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenthood

 
Pregnancy and childbirth are life altering events. While this time is often very exciting and joyous, there are many considerations and stresses which accompany this elation and compete for its time. Many people are unaware of the tremendous amounts of planning that can go into pregnancy and birth. Similarly, many are ignorant of the great benefits such planning can have. Most doctors recommend that if one is attempting to get pregnant or is considering the possibility, one should take between 3 and 6 months time prior to attempting to conceive to plan the pregnancy and prepare one's body and lifestyle.

First and foremost, planning allows the mother to assess whether or not she truly wants to have a child in the immediate future or at all. Some couples will realize once they begin planning that the effects of a child on their lives is more far reaching than originally thought. The mother may also discover after a preconception visit, that she and her partner are not suited or able to have a child for various health reasons or because of genetic risks. Important too, planning her pregnancy in advance allows the mother to make decisions that benefit the health of the baby. The mother must realize however that planning does not eliminate the chances of unforeseen circumstances, and complications may still arise. Planning merely helps ensure the mother completed all she could do to make her pregnancy a success.

This section is designed to make the mother aware of the issues that must be considered before getting pregnant, and the steps that must be taken in order to ready her home, life, and body for a healthy pregnancy. We will also explore what a typical preconception medical exam consists of, financial considerations, work and career related issues, selecting a physician, selecting a birthing locale, support and education groups, and what to buy to ready for pregnancy and her new child.

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