Having a baby is a major step in anyones life. In an ideal world, before you even think about getting pregnant, you should both consider these points before having a baby.

Are you in a lasting, stable relationship?

Of course most single parents manage perfectly well to bring up baby. Many people would say that a child born to one happy, loving parent is better off than one born to a couple who have a strained, unhappy relationship.

So if you are a couple you should ideally have a strong, stable relationship before having a baby. When baby arrives, whatever you may think now, caring for your child will drastically reduce the amount of time you spend with your partner.

So if either of you is already a little insecure or feels unloved, this could cause real issues.

Many older people giving pregnancy tips will say to a newlywed couple (or one moving in together) spend some precious years just getting used to each other and your new relationship before thinking of starting a family.

If you already constantly argue over little things, or have blazing rows, you have to consider if this will be the right environment for a baby?

Remember those early months of sleep deprivation can fray tempers even further. A baby should NEVER be considered as glue to stick a couple together.

Are you still striving towards your goal?

While having a baby doesnt mean the end of your dreams, career plans or personal aims in life, it will put things on hold for a while.

If you feel you still want to travel, its best to get your wanderlust out of your system before getting pregnant.

Do you want to further your education? Could you afford to, or spare the studying time you would need with a little one to care for?

What about your career? Are either of you in a position at work where you could slip down the ladder if you took maternity leave?

Are you the right age for getting pregnant?

If you are in your twenties then putting off getting pregnant for a few years is no big deal. Women can and often do have babies in their forties, but it is not as easy to get pregnant, or to carry a healthy baby full term as fertility declines the risks of pregnancy complications, miscarriages, and birth defects increase with age.

Are you financially ready?

Having a baby is expensive. Its not just the one off baby item expenses (there are many pregnancy tips on websites and in magazines to help you save money). Its the on-going cost of food, nappies, clothing, childcare, and thats even before a child starts at school.

One of you may be a stay-at-home parent, which will of course save on child care. But will you be able to cover all the other on-going costs on one salary? Are you prepared to make the necessary financial sacrifices?

Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emmas Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as getting pregnant, pregnancy tips, pregnancy complications, having a baby and etc. She also writes on womens health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.