Do you want to get pregnant? How do you plan to have a pregnancy in your life? Did you know that an expected pregnancy can be much calmer? That’s right, couples who plan their pregnancy in several aspects are more at ease when it finally happens. Nowadays, the greatest difficulties parents face are really on the financial side. A child is a blessing, no doubt, but it can impact your finances if the couple is not prepared to handle such an expense. Let’s be honest, kids are expensive! And that’s why it’s important for you to know how to plan a pregnancy, to avoid unforeseen events and not have problems in the future, either for your health or financially.
Tip 1: Health
Tips on how to plan a pregnancy could only start with the most precious of all: your health! Being healthy is essential to begin this journey. That’s why the couple should take all possible tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound for the woman and maybe even a sperm analysis for the man. Routine tests also include blood typing and immunity checks for diseases like toxoplasmosis, rubella, HIV, and syphilis. If there is any problem, ideally you should treat it before starting to try to get pregnant.
It’s also recommended to quit any addictions and medications that could potentially harm the pregnancy. Finding the ideal doctor during this preparation phase will also make things easier when pregnancy finally happens. Taking care of your diet is also part of planning a pregnancy! Eating healthy foods helps your whole body, including your gametes. So, those who eat well are unlikely to have serious infertility problems.
Practice some physical activity; besides helping with weight loss, it can promote better blood circulation and improve sperm quality and the uterine vascularization. Start taking folic acid at least three months before. Birth control pills are recommended up until at least three months before you actually start trying to conceive, as they protect your eggs until you’re ready to have a baby.
Tip 2: Finances
Having some savings these days is essential! Especially for couples who intend to grow their family. Know that a baby really is a big expense; if you count all the layette and everything else needed for pregnancy, you can expect to spend at least R$5,000 reais just to get started. Wardrobes, clothes, bathtubs, and also diapers! If your plan is to have children in about four years, start saving now! The more you save, the better—you won’t regret having money set aside when the baby comes, trust me. But don’t just think about when they’re a newborn. Setting up a savings fund or pension for school expenses is also recommended; over time, you can set money aside to invest in your child’s future, whether it’s private schooling or maybe even college. Saving a little each month won’t make much difference, you just need to plan ahead. Just R$50.00 per month would be enough for a nice savings fund when it’s time for school.
Tip 3: Space
Besides all the love that fills the home, a baby also brings the need for their own space. So, if you have an extra room in your apartment or house to accommodate your child, it will certainly make things easier. It seems the smaller they are, the more things they need! A crib, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and so many other little things like diapers and toys—a space for a child is essential, especially if you plan on having more than one. A good tip for those considering more children is to buy neutral items, at least for the more expensive things, as you may save later on. Stroller, crib, baby car seat, dresser, wardrobe—get whatever you can use for longer periods.
More Tips on How to Plan a Pregnancy
In addition to these three essential tips, there are also other practices you can follow, such as having a good health insurance plan to provide quality prenatal care and to give birth at a good maternity hospital. If this is beyond your budget and you want to have your dream delivery, setting aside money to pay for the birth should also be included in your financial planning.
If this is your second or third child, knowing how your child will deal with the arrival of a sibling can help a lot. The couple should prepare themselves psychologically and gradually show that having a sibling is a good thing. If there is jealousy or resistance, that’s normal! It’s up to the parents to learn how to handle this.
Couples who work outside the home should also have a plan for who will take care of the baby after maternity leave ends. It’s advisable to have a backup plan for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Having a structure in place even before getting pregnant makes everything much easier! So, do everything you want to do before the baby arrives, enjoy going out, enjoy couple time, so you can fully embrace motherhood!
See also: The Arrival of a New Sibling – My Experiences (Video)
Photo: Yon Garin
