Healthcare questions to ask when starting a family

Starting a family is a major leap in life. From buying a bigger house and car to having children and paying for school fees, there are countless added responsibilities that come to play when you and your partner decide to take the next step. Once you’re in the right frame of mind to fall pregnant, you need to start looking at your medical options. Having a baby can be a complicated, lengthy process that takes much consideration before starting. So, here are a few questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge:

• Can I afford a child?

As inflation grows, it becomes more expensive for low- to middle-class income earners to afford to have a child. From the hospital birth fee and your baby’s necessities to school fees and clothing. You need to think of expenses such as child’s clothing, transportation, daycare, school and more. Many people would love to have a child but the costs are unfortunately too high. However, if you do have the finances, it’s important to apply for a family medical aid scheme or one of the many affordable hospital plans months in advance. This will lower the medical expenses involved when having a baby.

• Am I healthy enough for a pregnancy?

There are various health implications that could impact your ability to fall pregnant. If you can but you are not healthy, falling pregnant takes a massive toll on your immune system and organs, so before you decide to take the next step, make sure that you have done the relevant health checks to ensure that your body can undergo this process. During this process, speak to your doctor about the different supplements and lifestyle changes you could consider when preparing for pregnancy. And, whether you do or don’t already have a medical policy in place, take the time to review your hospital plan prices or compare hospital plans in South Africa in case you need to apply or make any necessary changes for the better.

• Is my home big enough for a baby?

Another important consideration, much like having a pet, is knowing that you have the space to accommodate a child. It’s one thing wanting to have one but it’s another being responsible enough to know that your lifestyle cannot stretch that far just yet. From finances to space, you need to know that you are one hundred percent prepared for this new experience. If the medical costs aren’t high enough, the general day-to-day expenses will quickly add up without you even realising. Unfortunately, these costs need to be budgeted for. If you don’t have a big enough living space to raise a child in, consider planning towards a bigger home in the meantime. Planning takes time. You’ll need to get your body, home and entire lifestyle ready in advance before you end up feeling scared, nervous or uncertain.

• Where will I deliver my baby?

Depending on the different medical aid premiums or affordable hospital plans you research and choose, you will have a clear indication of which hospitals you will be able to admit yourself to when the time comes for you to give birth. While your monthly premium to start a family might burn a hole in your wallet, you will certainly appreciate the cost when you give birth. The hospital you admit yourself to is likely to offer professional service with privileges, depending on the premium you pay. If you’re concerned about the environment of the hospitals on your list, take the time to do a tour to see whether or not they meet your standards. The facility should be clean and secure, with spacious rooms. If you prefer to have a private room, enquire about the cost or whether your medical insurance will cover such perks.

• What doctors will I use during my pregnancy?

As mentioned, it’s important to have a designated doctor who can help you and guide you through your pregnancy. You’re going to be visiting the doctor on various occasions, so again, take a look at your medical plan and ensure that your scheme covers regular doctors visits with someone who is reliable and trustworthy. It’s important for you to form a strong bond with your doctor during this time as you will need the comfort and assurance when things start to become uncertain or complications set in.

Final words

As you can see, starting a family requires plenty of professional guidance and advice. Falling pregnant in such a financially unstable economic environment means that you need to save and prepare your life, financially and emotionally, for this new chapter. Once you get these important questions answered, make the most of it. It’s a blessing being able to fall pregnant and to have a healthy baby, so don’t allow yourself to delve in the negative and stressful thoughts at all times. Just remember that no matter what happens, it’s important for you to take care of your health needs and put yourself first before anything else.

Pregnancy and Safe Driving https://t.co/YcEJD3eOKZ #ArriveAlive #Pregnancy pic.twitter.com/Two6YbpwDd

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 7, 2018