Family Planning

Family planning is a big part of life. You need to be 100% sure you want to have a baby, and if there are any doubts, its best to hold off until you are sure.

There are many different factors to consider such as; will both parents be part of the child’s life, are you responsible enough to take this on, are there any financial constraints, how will the baby be brought up, and so on. If you decide to go ahead with planning a family there are some things that need to happen first.

Get a Medical Checkup

It is important to find a clinician who specialises in pregnancy health and delivers babies and will help the prospective parents feel comfortable. Your GP can recommend someone that specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology.

It's important to research and meet with any professionals that may be involved with the pregnancy and delivery. It also needs to be considered where the birth will take place.Some options are in a hospital, in your home or in a birthing centre.

The Preconception Visit

Certain factors are associated with difficult pregnancy. Some may be treated or controlled. Be sure to have a preconception visit if the mother:

• has had only brief times between earlier pregnancies or just had a baby
• has a history of stillbirths or miscarriages, or babies born premature or low birth weight
• knows she is at personal risk of having a child with birth defects, mental retardation, or a genetic disorder
• is at risk for rubella (German measles) or other infectious diseases
• has heart or kidney disease, hypertension, or other chronic conditions such as lupus
• has or had a sexually transmitted infection, cytomegalovirus, streptococcal infections, or toxoplasmosis
• has psychological stress, such as family or financial problems
• was exposed to environmental hazards, such as X-rays or toxic chemicals
• smokes, drinks alcohol, or uses over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs
• has a weight problem or a history of eating disorders
• is younger than 15, or older than 35

The clinician may ask questions about the prospective parents and their medical histories, along with their families medical histories. It is important to be honest about both families' medical histories. This preliminary screening may reveal possible risks for the pregnancy and for the health of the baby. This check-up may also include a physical exam, a pelvic exam, blood and urine tests.

Change Bad Habits

It's important to change unhealthy habits as soon as the planning of a pregnancy begins. The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are very important for foetal health and development. Many women do not even know that they are pregnant during this time.

• Don't smoke. The dangerous chemicals in cigarettes can cut off oxygen to the developing foetus. Smoking can also cause many complications from low birth weight to infant death.
• Don't drink alcohol. Even a little alcohol may harm a foetus — no matter what kind of alcohol it is. Beer and wine are just as dangerous as spirits and other hard liquor.
• Don't use drugs. Addictive, habit-forming, or trippy drugs such as heroin, cocaine, codeine, crystal meth, uppers, downers, marijuana, PCP, or LSD can cause serious problems for the foetus and for the baby when it is born. Many babies go through painful withdrawal in the first few days of life. Many babies die from it. If the baby does survive, the child may have difficulty paying attention, making decisions and remembering things.

It can be difficult to get pregnant if a man has a low sperm count. Some habits that can affect sperm badly include:

• drinking alcohol
• smoking cigarettes
• using anabolic steroids
• using illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin
• taking certain antibiotics, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medicine
• using saunas, whirlpools, or hot tubs at more than 102ºF (40ºC)
• unhealthy diet

Stress, certain bacterial and viral infections, some medical conditions, and exposure to pesticides may also reduce sperm count or the quality of semen.

Eat Well and Exercise

A healthy diet is vital for a healthy pregnancy. It's the best thing that can be done for the baby’s health. It will also make the mother strong and ready for labour, delivery, and breastfeeding.
The mother should speak with her doctor if she is:

• vegetarian or has allergies to some foods
• vomiting frequently
• unable to take prenatal vitamins
• experiencing too much or too little weight gain

The mother will need about 100-300 more calories a day than usual. It's important to eat a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat, protein, and fibre. It is important to drink enough water, but mothers need to avoid caffeine, sugary soft-drinks and sodas, and alcohol.

Most women need to take extra vitamins during pregnancy — even if they eat well. Pre-natal vitamins are often needed. The most important ones to take during pregnancy are calcium, iron, and folic acid — a type of vitamin B. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of very harmful brain and spine defects. It is possible to get too much of some vitamins and minerals. Too much Vitamin A, for example, can cause birth defects. The doctor will be able to work out a simple eating plan and advise of any minerals that may be needed.

Regular exercise can help strengthen a woman's body and prepare it for pregnancy. It will also help with sleeping. Benefits of exercise for the prospective mother include:

• feel more relaxed.
• have fewer backaches.
• feel healthier.
• blood will flow better.
• prevent varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
• bowel movements will be more regular.
• Pregnancy and delivery may be easier.

Some women with certain health problems may not be able to increase their physical activity, especially once they are pregnant. Gentle swimming is recommended as it takes pressure off the joints.

Contraception After the Birth

Contraception after the birth is important. Methods involving hormones should not be used, as this will alter the mother’s milk. Condoms are the best contraceptive option as they are not intrusive into the mother and baby’s health, and they only need to be used when sex is going to occur, rather than the Pill which needs to be remembered every day- which is hard to do with a new born! Some people believe breast-feeding is contraceptive, but this is false. It is still possible to fall pregnant again whilst breast-feeding a baby.