How to set yourself up for success physically, mentally and even financially during this important chapter in life.
To help you navigate these challenges, develop a daily or weekly stress management routine, whether it’s exercising, playing with a pet or working on a crossword puzzle.If you have a personal or family history of depression or anxiety, you’re at a higher risk for issues, says Sanford.
. Make sure to reach out to a mental health professional to discuss your concerns.Avoid comparing your fertility journey to those of your friends or family, says , PhD, a clinical psychologist and senior instructor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Rather than focusing on what you might see on social media, follow your body’s cues and the expertise of your provider.When you’re preparing for pregnancy, it’s important to take a close look at your relationship. Here are a few things you can do to strengthen your bond with your partner before you conceive.Talk and make sure you’re truly aligned on whether and how much you’d like to expand your family and about the future of your careers, as well as what types of parents you hope to be. “Share your hopes and dreams for your future child,” says Hunter. “See what values and beliefs align and which differ, and work to understand which are non-negotiables and which are more flexible.”Sanford suggests practicing your “relationship fitness.” This means learning how to express your feelings openly and asking for what you need directly, as well as resolving conflicts and dealing with differences constructively.Having a baby can put a strain on your relationship, says Sanford. To help safeguard your bond, work on building up your “relationship reserves.” She suggests putting down your phones and spending time alone together, giving each other your full attention on dinner dates, walks or coffee runs.“Be sure that legal paperwork is completed related to power of attorney and medical decision-making prior to [labor and delivery], so that it’s clear who you want to be involved in making decisions for your medical care,” Hunter advises.Your financial health when preparing for pregnancy is almost as important as your physical and mental health. Here are the steps experts recommend taking.If you haven’t heard, pregnancy, birth and parenting are all expensive endeavors. It’s good practice to establish an emergency fund, says, CFA, CFP, a certified financial planner and the managing director of Forteris Wealth Management. Try to save at least four months of mortgage or rent payments, or—even better—of your total monthly expenses. Keep these funds in a savings or money market account that’s easy to access. “During the pregnancy and soon after, you will likely need extra funds available for unplanned expenses that pop up,” says Fry.If you or your partner plan to work less once you become pregnant or in early parenthood, prepare for reduced income, says, CFP, CTFA, a certified financial planner and the owner of Whalen Financial Planning. To help make up for any shortfalls, investigate what maternity or paternity benefits your company offers, he recommends. Also check to see if your state provides paid family leave for new parents. Depending on where you live, you might already be paying into your state plan through your payroll taxes. If you’re eligible for both state and employee benefits, see if you can receive both at the same time.If you’re on an employer health plan, assess your options during your open enrollment period, suggests, CFP, a certified financial planner and owner and chief commercial officer of Harmony Wealth. If you’re planning on having a child, being on the HSA-eligible plan might not make the most sense, he adds. For the year you plan on getting pregnant and having a baby, consider switching to a plan with a lower out-of-pocket maximum with out-of-network coverage for specialists or other new providers related to your pregnancy. Above all, give yourself grace and take baby steps toward this new period in your life. By getting a head start on preparations, you’ll make your path toward becoming a new parent that much smoother. Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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