Wow, you’ve decided to try for a baby! Congratulations! This is the start of a thrilling time in your life. If you are finding it all a little overwhelming too, we hope that these tips help make preparing for pregnancy and parenthood a little easier.

A parent-to-be should plan

Put it all down on paper: your conception timeline, when you are going to bin your birth control (or have it removed), how you’re going to budget for everything from folic acid to the birth... It all needs planning, and even just seeing a list in front of you can make you feel more in control of your situation. It will also give your partner an idea of what he or she can do to help. And on that note,

Ask for help.

It may feel like the work that follows this decision is mostly assigned to you, but even if you plan to be a single parent, getting help is essential. This can come from a non-birthing partner, family, friends, or an antenatal support group. Just talking to someone can really help you cope with the emotional ups and downs ahead.

Take good care of yourself.

Part of being a good parent is having the energy to cope, and fostering good habits before you conceive is a great place to get it. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Aim to reduce stress and anxiety through meditation, yoga, or a hot bath.

Book a preconception check-up.

Booking a doctor’s appointment should be the first move every woman makes after deciding to get pregnant. A thorough check-up is a vital stage of your preconception preparation. You need to consider underlying health conditions, bad health habits you’ll have to abandon, your weight, and numerous other factors that can impact your ability to conceive and any potential pregnancy.

Try to have patience.

You know that patience is a virtue, but it’s hard to sustain when you long to conceive. Try to stay calm and remember that you are not alone. It is very common for couples to spend a year or more having regular, unprotected sex before conception.

Even preparation is a journey.

You’re going to be busier than you know after you get pregnant and even busier as a parent, so remember to enjoy this time. Keep a diary of your preparations, or consider writing a journal or letters you can keep to share with your child some day. This is just one step on your parenting journey, but it is worth recording.

How do I progress my decision to get pregnant?

For Unii’s Preconception Journey, we look at progressing your decision to conceive.