Preparing for a Family

Before you decide you are ready for a family there are a few things you need to consider. Many of us take for granted that we are able to conceive without considering what aspects of our life will affect the health of your baby. A baby's health depends to a large extent on the health of her parents at the moment of conception, right up until the birth. Your health is not just you physical, but also your mental well-being, which means your lifestyle also plays a part in your baby's health. Preparing for parenthood should be planned like all other important aspects of your life, although most of the time it isn't. When planning a family it is important to consider your current commitments as your time will need to be reassessed, as becoming a parent will change your life & lifestyle.

Age
Although many women are delaying pregnancy until their 30's and 40's, as long as you are fit and healthy this should not be anymore hazardous than if you were in your 20's. Although experts suggest that optimum age is 16, it's not realistic. Although the older you are the higher the risk of infertility and chromosomal defects, including Down's Sydrome. For older women, tests for chromosomal abnormalities are always offered.

Alcohol
May damage the sperm or ovum before conception as well as the developing embryo. Contrary to popular belief, a little bit of alcohol can hurt. By drinking you are exposing your unborn baby to the risks of; mental retardation, retarded growth, damage to the drain and nervous system (fetal alcohol syndrome) and the possibility of stillbirth. While some people seem to get away with it others are affected by the smallest amount so it's best to avoid it totally.

Costs
Regardless of how much you earn your expenses will increase by an average of 20-25% of your income. This is just for the obvious expenses, like nappies, equipment & clothing, it doesn't take into consideration your increased amenity costs such as gas & electricity.

Diet & Exercise
Vital to the health of you and your baby. A balanced low animal fat diet will put you on the right track, be sure to include high intakes of raw fruit and vegetables. Try to drink at least 2 litres of water every day and instead of eating sugary food for boosts of energy (which is a cry for carbohydrates) drink a glass of milk or keep a ready make snack handy like a mix of almonds, sultanas & apricots. Be sure to do moderate exercise, this is not the time to take up a new sporting hobby, but walking anyone can do. As you ligaments and cartilages slacken due to pregnancy, you may feel the strain on your muscles and joints. The fitter you are before becoming pregnant the better you will cope.

Drugs
Prescription or over the counter drugs should only be taken as a last resort. There is some evidence that prescription antibiotics can cause your baby to be more susceptible to ear infections. Most over the counter drugs are not recommended for pregnant women, but check with you pharmacist. Hard drugs can damage chromosomes in the sperm and ovum leading to abnormalities.

Hazards
Your environment plays an important part of your pregnancy so you should avoid potential hazards. These can be found in the home (litter boxes, pesticides and other chemicals) at the office (toxic fumes from packaging, cleaning materials), or socializing (smoking, car exhaust fumes).

Relationships
Your relationships will change with your partner, family and friends. Once the baby is born you may find that you grow apart from some of your friends and seek friends who are also parents and can share your experiences. Your childcare center will connect you with a mother's group, who have babies of a similar age. Don't expect to click with everyone, but stick it out cause you may find some life long friends.

Smoking
Don't even think about it. This will harm your child! There is research to suggest that smoking affects your child's immunity meaning you will be spending a lot more time at home than you like with a sick child. It is true that smoking reduces the size of your child for birth, but the smaller your child the harder the birth. Plus the smaller you baby the more often you will need to feed in the first 3 months which is a lot harder work.

Time
Are you ready to sacrifice your personal time, cause realistically that is what happens. Somehow you will manage to fit everything into your day but if you think that it's going to be your time to catch up on a few things, think again. The day gets filled very quickly, my advice is to make the most of your young newborn, cause after 6 months he/she will start to protest and want entertainment, not to fit into your busy schedule.