Planning a family

How can we be sure a baby is the right thing for us?

Here are some questions to provide a starting point. They have no right or wrong answers but might be useful to consider before embarking on parenthood...

Should we get married?

If you’re in a long-term relationship but unmarried, you might want to reconsider your position in the face of pregnancy...

How will having a baby affect relationships in my life?

The relationship between you and your partner will undoubtedly change when you have a baby. It’ll help to consider this and to discuss your attitudes to bringing up your child.

What are the financial costs of having a baby?

The average experience is that you will spend 15-25 percent of your income, regardless of how much you earn or the size of your family, on child-related expenses such as clothing and equipment.

How important is the age factor?

Many women are delaying pregnancy until their 30s and even 40s. This is no more hazardous than being in your 20s as long as you are fit and healthy.

How much will our lifestyle change?

Most people’s lives are extremely busy and many new parents assume that their new baby will somehow fit in. They don’t.

Should we plan for pregnancy?

This may sound obvious, but often couples do not plan for pregnancy with the same care as other important life events...

When is the right time to have a baby?

When I was at medical school the obstetrics professor used to tell us there was no right time to get pregnant...