Do you see pregnant women every time you turn around? Countless strollers dotting the sidewalk on your way to brunch? Are you getting baby fever? If it’s time to start thinking about expanding your family, set yourself up for success!
Deciding to have a baby is a life-changing event. You know it’s going to be expensive. According to the 2017 USDA report, new parents spend 20% of total cost on housing and 18% of the total cost on food. But finances aren’t the only things you should think about when planning to start your family. Dr. Megan Evans, MD, MPH, Obstetrician at Tufts Medical Center, suggests you work on these six things before trying to become pregnant.
Evaluate your current health
It goes without saying that if you are a smoker, it’s time to quit. You should also avoid alcohol and any other drugs if you’re trying to conceive. The greatest risk to the fetus is in the first trimester — which is often before you know you’re pregnant. Make an appointment with your primary health care provider or OB/GYN to schedule a complete physical and be up to date with routine exams (Pap smears and screening for sexually transmitted diseases). Talk with him or her about whether or not any medication you are currently taking is safe if you become pregnant.
“If you are overweight, losing weight prior to pregnancy can help decrease your risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm delivery,” Dr. Evans says. “You can also make an appointment with an OB/GYN for a pre-conception counseling visit to discuss how best to prepare your body for pregnancy.” Your OB/GYN may recommend that you be screened for hereditary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.
Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid
Dr. Evans says, “The best time to take prenatal vitamins is actually before you get pregnant. Folic acid can decrease the occurrence of neural tube defects in pregnancy, and women should take at least 400 micrograms a day. “Your OB/GYN will let you know if you need a higher dose.”
Figure out where you want to deliver your baby — + with whom
Some women are opting to deliver their babies with a midwife rather than a physician. Some want to have a water birth or use a birthing room. Fortunately, there are many options in the Boston area. Have you decided on a hospital? If so, make certain that your OB/GYN has privileges there and that it’s easily accessible. “The closer you get to your delivery date,” Dr. Evans says, “the more frequent your prenatal visits.”
Look into childcare options
If you plan on returning to work after your baby is born, you’ll need to have a childcare plan. Do your homework and research daycare facilities, talk to friends about where their children go and visit possible locations. Some popular daycare facilities have long waiting lists and require a deposit. Put your name on the list as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. This can greatly reduce
Take a look at your medical benefits
“Some insurance companies prefer specific providers and hospitals,” Dr. Evans says. “If you don’t like those options, you could consider becoming a dependent on your partner’s insurance if he or she has better coverage and/or access.”
You may have an idea about how much time you’ll want to take for maternity leave. However, you should investigate how much your employer will offer, both paid and unpaid. FMLA (Federal Family and Medical Leave Act) guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn if you’ve worked for your employer for at least 1,250 hours before you need the benefit. The MMLA (Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act) provides for eight weeks of unpaid leave if you have worked full time for your employer for at least three months.
Get your information from trusted sources
The wealth of information out there can be overwhelming, and we all know what can happen when you try to WebMD your way through a list of symptoms! Make sure to ask your OB/GYN for some solid resources for your pregnancy journey – and remember they’re the best resource around! Tufts MC’s OB/GYNs have a great list of books to get you started.
- Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- What to Expect when You’re Expecting, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
- The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy or Everything Your Doctor Won’t Tell You, Vicki Lovine
The decision to start a family ushers in an exciting time in your life. While it can also bring some stress, there are plenty of ways to plan and prepare ahead of time. With some careful planning, making the transition from the two of you to the three (or more) of you will be much easier.
