Thanks to higher education and women having the freedom when to start their families among other reasons, the rate of pregnancy has been on the decline. Women want to finish college and establish their careers before they come a parent, and with birth control being readily available and reliable, women and their partners have extra time to decide if parenthood is right for them.

There are many steps partners must take before choosing to become parents. The accompanying guide details a succinct list of questions asking “is this the right time to have a baby?”

Women have the most success conceiving when they are in their 20s. Despite this, women across America are holding off becoming pregnant until later in life. Other reasons include being too young for children or not being in a committed relationship. The median marriage age in 1970 was 23 for men and 20 for women. In 2018, the U.S. Census Bureau released the updated ages of 29 for men and 27 for women. A steady partner is a main determinant in deciding to get pregnant.

In addition to a long-term partner, it’s important to be content with your personal and professional goals and achievements. Also consider taking another look at your budget; the infographic discusses many well-known as well as hidden costs of beginning a family.

Also, a strong support system of family and friends is something that parents can often overlook. If this is not an option, one alternative would be to join other parents that are in the same situation. Living in a child-friendly neighborhood or community is also something to think about.

Finally, conception, pregnancy, and parenthood are easier if both parents are in good health. You may think you are healthy, but still have trouble conceiving due to age, weight, or other genetic factors. It is recommended to be open to genetic testing of you, your partner and the baby’s health in utero if you wish to continue. If you have a history of miscarriages, consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) to inquire about your chances of a healthy conception and birth.

For more information on the topic, please see the guide below.


Visit Natera’s website for more information and resources, such as genetic testing for kidney disease

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