SPONSORED ARTICLE
Thinking about trying for a baby? For many couples, there's a lot more to think about than just giving up contraception, having sex when you're ovulating, and thinking of baby names – there are also matters of finances, health, and lifestyle to consider.
Here are a few things for you and your partner to discuss as you start trying for a bub …
Go off the pill. Some women find that it can take a few months for their period to return, or for their cycle to become regular, so give it a while for your hormones to settle before you have to try to pinpoint your ovulation time. Remember to use protection if you don't want to get pregnant in this time though – you can definitely conceive before you've even had a period!
Talk to your doctor. Yes, you might still be in the planning stages, but your doctor can do some basic tests, such as making sure your vaccinations are up to date, checking your iron levels, and giving you a general check up. She can also help you make sense of your cycle and work out when it's best to have baby-making sex.
Consider genetic screening. Here's another thing to talk about with your doctor: preconception genetic testing. Special blood tests can tell if you and your partner are at a heightened risk of conceiving a child with a recessive disorder, such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, and Fragile X, and you'll receive counselling to talk you through the results. Some tests come at an extra cost, but can also provide peace of mind or help prepare you if you're bub us likely to be affected.
Visit the dentist. This might sound odd, but looking after your teeth before and during pregnancy is very important. Because of the hormonal changes in your body while you're expecting, your immune system becomes more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque – as a result, periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is worsened during pregnancy. In addition, women with gum disease are at a greater chance of premature birth, having low birth-weight babies, and developing preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy condition that can be dangerous to both mum and bub. So book that appointment now!
Get your health insurance sorted. Did you know you need to be covered for pregnancy for 12 months before you can claim for costs related to childbirth? You might not know yet if you'll want to deliver in a private or public hospital, or even know which kind of care you want (a GP, shared care, or obstetrician?) but if you want to have the option of going private, you need to take out or upgrade your policy well before you even get pregnant. This means you should think about private health insurance as soon as you start thinking about having a baby. Visit iselect.com.au to choose the best policy for during your pregnancy and birth, and whether you'll need to update to a family policy with your partner when the baby arrives.
Start getting your body ready. Women who are trying for a baby are advised to take folic acid to help the baby's development and ward off spina bifida – it's recommended you take at least 500 micrograms of folic acid per day for at least a month before conceiving, to lay down some good storage levels, then continue on for the first three months of pregnancy.
Clean up your act. You don't need a huge lifestyle makeover, but eating well, getting some exercise and drinking enough water will do you a great deal of good. As alcohol can reduce your chances of getting pregnant you might choose to steer clear of alcohol while trying to conceive (and it's a good habit to get into, as once you're pregnant it's advised you stop drinking altogether). If you're smoking, now is the best time to quit, as it can badly affect the baby's health and even increase their risk of SIDS once they're born. (Yes, that advice goes for your partner too.)
Sort out your money. We've all heard the alarming statistics of how much it costs to raise a child, so getting your finances in order now will pay off later – especially if you'll be living off one income for an extended period of time. See a financial planner – find one near you at Financial Planning Association of Australia – or just sit down to work out a budget and saving plan. You can also check out ASIC's Money Smart site for more to think about, including government payments, sorting out a will, taking out life insurance and more.
Think about your living situation. This isn't urgent, but it's definitely worth considering. Is your current home one you want to live in with a child? Is it child friendly? Do you have a pet you'll have to prepare for the new addition? While babies don't need much room at all, they will eventually need a space for themselves as they grow, and if you're in a one-bedroom home you might want to start thinking about making a move. The same goes for transport: if you've got a cute little two-door hatchback, it's going to be a hassle when a baby seat enters the mix, so it might be time to think about trading up.
Check your mental health. Trying for a baby can be stressful if it doesn't happen exactly when you want it to, and while it's exciting, it can play havoc with your emotions. Make sure you have a good support network to talk to, and that you and your partner are able to talk things through. If you have any existing anxiety or depression issues, discuss it all with your doctor – she may recommend a change in medication or treatment, and can keep up to date with how you're feeling.
You might also like to start meditation, so download a mindfulness app to help clear your mind when you need it. Getting into the habit now will help you use pregnancy meditations when you do fall pregnant.
This article brought to you by iSelect.com.au.