Personal considerations
You may need to consider some personal issues before you become pregnant.
Your marriage
- Stability of your relationship.
- Readiness for the responsibility of parenting.
- Your and your partner’s age.
It is important to remember that most couples do not become pregnant instantly and conception can often take up to six months to achieve. Do not let the planning of pregnancy or timing of ovulation create stress within your relationship as it is important to enjoy the process and time with your partner.
Your support system
- Family and friends who can support you emotionally and practically.
- Professional support.
Your finances
- Additional costs of a baby.
- Loss of income.
- Maternity benefit.
- Medical aid, hospital plan or insurance policy.
Career
- Career adjustments.
- Options for returning to work, such as maternity leave, childcare facilities, flexibility of time constraints.
Parenting
- Shared views of parenting issues, such as discipline, education and religion.
If single
- Full impact of emotional and financial responsibility.
- Parenting role of father.
- The previous factors mentioned are even more relevant if you are single.
Related articles
Checklist - maternity ward suitcase
*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.
Items for hospital stay
5 mins to read
Medication for pain relief
In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.
5 mins to read
Labour
As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.
5 mins to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
-
5 mins to read
Checklist - preparing to bring baby home
Clothing
5 mins to read
Signs of labour
The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions
5 mins to read
Pregnancy concerns and diet solutions
-
4 mins to read
Subsequent prenatal visits
Your health, and the growth and development of your baby, must be closely monitored.
1 min to read
Preparation for childbirth and parenthood
The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life.
1 min to read
The First Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very visible… or not at all.
2 mins to read
Prenatal Checklist
Preparing for your prenatal appointments is important. Find out our prenatal checklist, so you can ask the right questions to your healthcare provider.
1 min to read
Father’s role
Sharing the adventure of pregnancy, birth and parenting can make this one of life’s most rewarding experiences.
5 mins to read
Birth plans
A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.
5 mins to read
The first stage of labour
During the first stage, also known as the dilation stage, your cervix will dilate and efface from 0–10 cm.
5 mins to read
Siblings
Older siblings learn about sharing, life-long love and friendship.
2 mins to read
Caesarean birth
A Caesarean birth is the delivery of your baby through an abdominal uterine incision, instead of vaginally.
5 mins to read
