New Life

The other day I had one young patient, just 20yrs and married a month ago.  She had come for some general complaint.  I asked her whether she would like to have children early or want to postpone for a certain period.  She said she did not think about it.  She wants to ask her husband and elders.  But then, she asked me the right time to have children.  “When you couple decide to have it”, I said.

After that girl went out I was just thinking about the right time to plan conception – child birth for a couple.  Each may have a different time, for the reasons best known to that couple.  A couple should not try to beget child just because someone in their peer group have given birth to a child or parents and relatives on either side are frequently asking for ‘good news’ or for some such reason compelled to prove their fertility.  Child birth should be happy occasion, and the couple should welcome its arrival in blissful joy of companionship.

To bring a new life into this world the physical and financial health of the couple is of prime importance.  As for the physical health, more importance is attached to the health of the woman – would be mother.  A healthy mother begets healthy child.  The fertility of woman is at its peak between 20 and 30 years age.  This is also the period when the incidence of pregnancy complications is low.  After the age of 30 years the fertility decreases slowly, and after 35 years the incidence of ‘Down Syndrome’ increases gradually.  The possibility of health problems arising after 35 years age will also contribute to increase in congenital anomalies in the fetus and increased incidence of complications in pregnancy.  But in the present day with improved medical care women are conceiving even at the age of 60, delivering healthy grand children (surrogacy).  

Even in young age (20-30 years) some women may  have health problems.  Prior to planning pregnancy, it will be good to consult an Obstetrician and have a general health check-up and basic investigation like hemoglobin percent, blood grouping and Rh typing.  Anemia is most prevalent; almost 50% of women are anemic.  This should be corrected.  If there are any other health problems like heart disease, epilepsy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, they should get advice from the physician who may advise change in medication.  In case of infections like tuberculosis or any other infection it is better to wait until the due course of treatment is completed.  Hypothyroidism is another endocrinal disorder which is common and sub clinical hypothyroidism can only be known by blood examination only.  Appropriate medication should be started.  Taking these precautions will help in healthy pregnancy and child birth.

With increasing consumerism and commercialisation of all fields it is essential to consider financial aspects of bringing in a child into this world.  People of every status have their own level of care facilities.  As per the status of the couple the finances, not only of the child birth, but the upbringing of the child also should be considered.  The coming generation is very demanding.  From the day of conception till the child evolves into an adult and carries on its life needs parental care, guidance and financial assistance.  Keeping the rising costs of education and all logistics essential to carry forward the generation in view, the couple should also plan their finances and support systems.

Support systems are particularly essential in bringing up the child.  Money doesn’t provide love and emotional support to the child.  It is the parental care that makes all the difference in the life of a child.  Quality time devoted to the child makes it strong mentally and goes a long way in social and spiritual health of the child. 

Procreation is a natural phenomenon.  Without any planning or thinking a new life can start on this earth naturally and live to its destiny.  But in these days of striving for brands and designs, it is appropriate to plan and prepare oneself for the task of bringing in new generation that can make this earth heaven.