Starting a family is one of life’s great transformative experiences. Deciding when to start a family is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration between you and your partner. However, it should be acknowledged that there is no universally accepted right or wrong time to embark on this journey, and timing will always vary from couple to couple. That said, there are several factors worth considering when deliberating this decision, including financial stability, location and the state of your relationship. Read on to find out more.
Your Age
Many experts suggest the optimal time to start a family is during your late 20s and early 30s, as this is when you are most likely to be mature, financially stable and fertile. However, due to advances in modern technology and medicine, many women are choosing to start a family later in life. However, this is not without its risks, even today. Being pregnant after the age of 35 increases the risk of complications such as premature birth, gestational diabetes and miscarriage. Furthermore, after your peak fertility years (between your late teens and early 20s), your fertility will steadily decline, making it increasingly difficult to become pregnant in the first place. That being said, there is much more to consider when deciding whether or not to start a family, so avoid holding yourself to arbitrary deadlines.
Your Health
Pregnancy can be remarkably gruelling. The journey of carrying a baby, along with the remarkable process of childbirth, involves a commendable level of pressure and durability. It is a testament to your strength and resilience as your body undergoes substantial changes. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your health before deciding to put your body through this incredibly challenging experience. Reconsidering your lifestyle in terms of your diet, activity levels and harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking. You may even wish to book an appointment with your GP for peace of mind.
Career Aspirations
Your job and career aspirations will have a significant bearing on your decision to start a family. For example, if you’re looking to pursue a new career path, it may not be the best time to think about having children, as you will shortly be spending time away from work on maternity leave. While companies cannot discriminate against pregnant women, your desire to start a family may impact the likelihood of obtaining certain roles and positions. On the other hand, if your career is stable and lucrative, it may be the ideal time to start thinking seriously about pregnancy.
Housing Situation
Every parent wants to raise their children in a safe, comfortable and functional living environment. If your house is too small or unsuitable for children, it may be worth relocating to somewhere more appropriate before you are limited by the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Moreover, you may want to consider your local area in terms of safety and practicality – are there good schools and nurseries nearby? Are there local shops where you can pick up last-minute essentials like nappies and formula?
Financial Stability
Your financial stability is a crucial factor to consider before making any major life decisions. Between nappies, baby onesies, toys, prams and nursery fees, caring for a baby can be expensive. In fact, a baby can cost up to £7200 in their first year, and it doesn’t stop there. Once your little one starts school, there will be a whole new set of expenses to factor into your budget, such as childcare, school uniforms, after-school activities and eventually, university.
Your Personal Life
Your social life will inevitably change after having a baby, as will your relationship with your partner. Raising a child can put a lot of pressure on a relationship, so consider whether or not you and your partner are resilient enough to face the challenges of parenthood. You may benefit from relationship counselling or simply talking things through so you both understand what is expected of one another.
If you’re at a point in your life where wild nights with friends have become a thing of the past naturally, having a child may not have that much of an impact on your routine. However, keep in mind that many first-time parents experience feelings of abandonment and isolation, whereas a solid group of loving, supportive friends can make all the difference.
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