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There are four areas of pre pregnancy planning that you should consider: Exercise, Health, Weight and Finances. If you become pregnant and haven't thought about these things you may be scrambling in some of the areas. It's important to iron out the specifics of these before conception ever happens. Go over your finances and make an appointment with your physician to discuss these matters.

Exercise

Exercise is very beneficial for you. It's important to not start an exercise program once you are pregnant. However it is okay to continue to exercise if you are already doing it regularly. Start your exercise routine before conception happens. Clear it with your physician, then continue through pregnancy if it's okay.

To start a new exercise routine after pregnancy is confirmed put too much stress on your body. If you do start one, do so with your physician's advice and do so slowly and in moderation. Pregnancy is very tiring to an unexercised body. However if you were in the habit of exercising before conception and carry it on through the pregnancy you will have an easier labor and delivery as a result.

Health

It's a given that good health should be sought by all, but especially by those who are trying to conceive. You want your body to be in the best physical shape possible to carry a baby for 9 months. You want to give your baby the best chances at being born strong and healthy and it starts with a healthy you.

Discuss your health with your physician. Have a complete physical exam to make sure everything is as healthy as possible. The best advice I can give here is to act like you are already pregnant. Think before you eat, drink or take any medication. "Would it be okay to do this if I were pregnant." This will get you in a habit that will benefit you greatly throughout pregnancy. Stay away from bad habits like smoking, overeating, caffeine, alcohol and drugs. Doing this will your baby the best possible start in life.

Weight

If you are not at your ideal weight then now is the time to start a diet to get you there. Your ideal weight depends on your height and your bone structure. Here's a link to to calculate your BMI or body mass index.

Ideally you want to be "off" any diets when you conceive. You want to be at a level of "maintenance" so that you can continue through your pregnancy. You should discuss your ideal weight with your physician and any diets you need to be on.

Pre Pregnancy Planning Finances

The cost of prenatal care rises each year. Now is the time to consider how you will meet the costs of prenatal care and beyond. Will you pay with cash? Health insurance coverage? Or Medicaid?

Cash

If you plan to pay with cash you need to plan ahead with your physician and hospital. Some will allow for a payment plan. Some want the entire bill paid in full ahead of time. Some will want a certain amount down with the remainder paid in full by the 7th month of pregnancy.

Extra tests and procedures will likely cost more and you will have to foot the bill for these things as they arise. (i.e. such as taking a 3 hour glucose tolerance test, extra ultrasounds, extra monitoring and medications). Also an unplanned cesarean will add significantly to the cost.

Remember to have enough cash to pay a pediatrician when working on your pre pregnancy planning. Normally they will take payment after the birth and the fees for their services depend on how healthy the baby is and whether or not a circumcision is preformed.

Health Insurance

All health insurance policies vary on coverage. Check to see what is covered by yours. Some will offer 100% maternity rider, while others will have deductibles and co-pays. Make sure your physician and hospital take your insurance. Again, as with cash, most hospitals and physicians will want all deductibles and co-pays met by the 7th month. A smart pre pregnancy planning move would be to find out if your maternity coverage has a waiting period. Many policies do - have a 10 month to 1 year waiting period before they cover anything maternity.

Medicaid (for USA residents)

If you don't have health insurance (or maternity coverage) and can't afford cash you may qualify for state Medicaid. This is a form of "free" insurance issued by each state government. There are income guidelines and other criteria that has to be met to qualify. You can phone your local Department of Human Services office for an application and qualification.

Pre pregnancy planning is so important in all areas of health and finances. Make the journey easier on yourself and prepare now. Pregnancy is a 9 month journey filled with doctor visits and hospital stays (if you choose this route). Weigh all your options and get started on the right foot for the most exciting journey of your life with pre pregnancy planning.