Is there an optimal time to have kids? It’s a question that’s plagued otherwise happy couples for generations. How long should you wait? Is there a certain age that imbues the maturity required to raise a happy and healthy child? Or are you ready the second your honeymoon begins? As you may have guessed already, there’s no “right” answer to any of these questions. Still, that doesn’t mean you should decide to start a family on a whim or gut feeling. On the contrary, this is an integral decision in your and your partner’s life and you should consider it carefully. Take a look at these four factors that will help you decide if now is the time to “go for it” and start trying to conceive.
Time
It doesn’t take any time to make a bad decision. Responses like, “Tell me more about this timeshare,” or “I’m happy to travel to Winnipeg in December” don’t entail any forethought or brain power. Good decisions, conversely, call for deep, analytical contemplation. You need to set aside plenty of time to weigh all of your options and allow yourself weeks (if not months) to see if your feelings on raising a child change. Just because you’re filled with passion one weekend, doesn’t mean you’ll have the same outlook after a few days.
Conversations with Your Partner
Unsurprisingly, the more you talk with your partner about having a baby, the better you’ll know if you’re ready or not. Firstly, discussing the prospect of children with your spouse or significant other will let you know how they feel about the matter. (Remember, don’t ask charged questions; ask your partner how they feel without fishing for a certain answer.) What’s more, bouncing ideas off another person will help you more tangibly envision the reality of having a baby in your household.
Your Situation
And speaking of your household, where you live might give you a clue as to whether or not you really want to have a baby. If you find yourself unwilling to give up a swanky apartment for a more domestic, baby-friendly home, then you may not be ready to have kids just yet. There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing social interests and work ambitions, but having a child changes every aspect of your life –– including your brain!
Medical Consultation
One way or another, women seeking to get pregnant should speak to a medical professional beforehand. Your doctor may be able to answer some difficult questions you may have and provide advice you won’t get anywhere else. Furthermore, certain medical operations like a tuboplasty procedure may be necessary to enable conception in the first place. Talking about this intimate part of your life may be difficult at first, but it’s worth it if you’re really committed to starting a family.