Congratulations on the exciting adventure ahead! Planning a pregnancy is a thrilling time for all involved. Whether you are planning on becoming a parent or are a grandparent-to-be, not many things are more exciting than the anticipation of a new bundle of joy. There are things you can do now, before pregnancy, to make the pregnancy all the more special when the time comes.
From celebrating to thinking about budgets, medical coverage and logistics, even the planning for a pregnancy can be a fun journey. Read on for ideas on what to consider when planning a pregnancy.
1. Commemorate each milestone.
You will want to a local florist on hand as the news breaks that you or your loved one is finally pregnant. Gift baskets, flowers to mark pregnancy milestones, and flowers after the birth will all be coming soon. If you are a soon to be expecting father, you will want a place you can depend on for sending romantic gifts to your spouse or girlfriend both during and after her pregnancy. Many florists offer guides with gift ideas for pregnant women. They will know of endless ways to help celebrate the special occasions ahead. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on romantic gifts for the special woman in your life.
2. Consider pregnancy insurance.
Like it or not, maternity care is not free. Selecting the right health plan and additional options is important. While many don’t know much about it, there are special pregnancy insurance policies that provide additional coverage on top of prenatal care. Once the pregnancy is officially on the way, it will be good to know whether or not you or your loved one will want this additional layer of coverage. Look into pregnancy insurance now to make coverage decisions easier in the years and months ahead. Selecting the right insurance company for prenatal care will go a long way toward your overall peace of mind.
In addition to pregnancy insurance, you will also want to make sure your normal coverage will cover your direct pregnancy needs. You can obtain health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and should sign up during open enrollment periods to avoid delays in prenatal coverages once you learn you are pregnant. Because pregnancy is a preexisting condition, uninsured mothers will be eligible for maternity coverage in the open marketplace. Either way, it is best to consider health insurance plans now so you can focus on self-care, health and other things when the pregnancy is here.
3. Think about logistics.
Consider your current living situation and household size. Is your home or apartment big enough to accommodate a new baby and all the gear and essentials they require? If not, now is the time to begin assessing your housing options. Will you want a nursery for your baby or will your child sleep in your room as an infant? Where will you store the baby’s stroller and high chair? Asking yourself these things ahead of time will make the overall pregnancy easier.
4. Make a budget and stick to it.
When planning a pregnancy, one of the most important things you can do is look at your overall finances. You want to be sure you will be able to afford the cost of diapers, formula, baby clothing and more. Taking a good look at those finances now will help both during and after the pregnancy. When looking at your budget prior to pregnancy, also consider the cost of copays and other expenses like prenatal vitamins. The better you prepare now, the less surprises for your wallet in the future. While budgeting is never really fun, it’s a great way to begin anticipating the new arrival.
