Are you ready to get pregnant?

Before you get pregnant it is important to make sure that you are truly prepared.  Preconception care is an important aspect of helping to create a healthy pregnancy.  Schedule an appointment with your OBGYN to get a check up and to ask any questions you may have about pregnancy and childbirth.  It is recommended that women of child bearing age take folic acid supplements, preferably from a prenatal vitamin.  If you have not been eating well, change your diet to a more healthful one.  Make sure you are not overweight or underweight, as these can both impede a pregnancy.  Cut out alcohol and smoking as these habits are not only bad for your health but dangerous for a pregnancy and fetus.  If you haven't done so already, you and your partner should discuss the possibility of going for genetic screening testing to rule out the possibility of inherited genetic diseases that could be passed on to your baby.

Are you ready for a baby?

Make sure that you are ready to have a baby.  While a baby brings joy and love into this world, remember that she comes along with a lot of responsibility.  Important factors to consider before having a baby are:

Financial stability: Babies are expensive! The crib, furniture, car seat, diapers, layette, bottles and all the paraphernalia that comes along with a new baby really add up.  When figuring out the cost of these items, remember that cribs and car seats can be rented and clothes can be borrowed.

Emotional stability: Are you ready to give of yourself to another person?  Are you emotionally in a place where you can handle the responsibility that comes with having a baby?

Lifestyle changes: Think about how comfortable you are with a lifestyle change.  A baby adds a new person into your family, and the transition from a twosome to a threesome is a big one.  Will your work allow for flexibility?  Do you plan on continuing to work?  Is a baby something both you and your partner want?  If you are a single parent, will you be able to get support and help from family or friends?

You've decided to get pregnant?

Once you've decided that you're ready, enjoy this special time in your life.  Read up on pregnancy and childbirth.  The more prepared and educated you are, the better!