Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant for years, or pregnancy found you by accident, babies take a lot of work, a lot of resources, and a lot of time and energy. You can never really be ready to bring a new life into the world. But you can make things a little easier on your body, your budget, and your brain. Here’s a look at some of the more important things to consider when it comes to planning for a baby.
Health and Wellness
If you don’t have health insurance, get some. For low income moms, Medicaid offers a supplemental plan for health insurance plans that consider obstetricians a specialist. Unfortunately, a lot of obstetricians don’t accept Medicaid, which might mean finding a new doctor. Health clinics and pregnancy centers may provide health care options as well. Make a doctors appointment as soon as you find out you’re pregnant—both to confirm your pregnancy and to perform a standard pregnancy physical. You can also talk to your doctor about your and your partner’s familial history and any pre-existing conditions you may have.
Also important is beginning a prenatal vitamin and being good to your body. Ditch any bad habits, like cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs. All of these can have a major impact on your newborn that may last into childhood or even adulthood. Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Eating for two doesn’t really mean eating for two. Particularly if you are overweight already, putting on a lot of extra pounds can make your pregnancy more difficult. Talk to your doctor about what exercise level is appropriate for you.
Financial Planning
If you’ve had a few years to start planning for a baby, you might have a significant savings account. If you weren’t, you may be frantically trying to scrape together funds. Setting aside extra money now will give you a greater sense of stability when your new baby arrives. Consider doctor and hospital bills (your doctor’s office can provide you with an estimate), being out of work during maternity leave, and the cost of daycare, diapers, and nursery furniture. Baby Necessities You might wonder what you really need for your baby? As little or as much as you want. To get your new addition home from the hospital, plan for a crib or bassinet, diapers, clothes, bottles or a breast pump (insurance often covers pumps), and a car seat. Everything else, while it might make things easier, is really just icing on the cake at first. You don’t have to buy a $1,500 crib. Consignment shops, yard sales, and other second hand stores are great places to buy things you’re going to have a limited use for.
Relaxation
It’s easy to get focused on the stress and anxiety that comes with family planning. But think about how this is going to affect your body and your baby. Relax, meditate, and take a hot bath whenever you get the chance. You won’t be able to very soon! Take time for yourself and with your partner before everything changes. A little stress can be good for a short amount of time, but it’s not going to help you get ready for parenthood. Make lists, make use of pregnancy tools and charts, and take a few naps. Nine months will pass faster than you think!
