Whether or not to have another baby can be difficult to decide. As you know, parenting is a full-time job and it can be stressful. Are you ready to add more responsibility to your life? Growing the family by one means more work, but also more joy.
Timing counts
Pregnancy is one of the toughest physical challenges women face and their bodies take time to recover. Ideally, births would be spaced at least 18 months apart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before that, low birth weight and preterm births are more common, however the rate of other complications increases with maternal age.
Physically prepared
Good health before pregnancy is essential. If you’ve had problems with previous pregnancies, you’ll obviously want to weigh the risks. Pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes are important to consider. All women considering pregnancy should get 400mg of folic acid daily, either with a vitamin supplement or by eating enough foods high in folate, such as spinach, peas and citrus fruits. For a healthy pregnancy, try to maintain a healthy weight and do not smoke or drink alcohol. Also, visit your Riverview Health provider to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Money in the bank
Financially speaking, do you have the resources to properly care for another baby, in addition to the rest of your family? Can you thrive on one income if one parent wants to stay home with your newborn? More children mean more food, clothing, healthcare, childcare, education and more. Look at your budget and see if the numbers work.
Honest discussions with your healthcare provider about your physical health, in addition to research and information, will help you form the best decision for your life.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: CDC.gov, WomensHealth.gov
