Birthing Classes. Pre-Natal Check ups. Sonograms. Baby books and morning sickness are all well known. Expecting mothers attend to the medical needs of the new child and herself by regularly receiving medical check ups. Prospective parents plan for the physical needs of the child by setting up space for the new crib and some clothes and even books and toys. Others join in the fun with baby showers and gifts for both the new mother and the baby. But what about the money side?

Less anticipated and planned for are the financial decisions that a couple needs to make. Several financial planning check-ups are needed as much as the routine medical tests during the months of pregnancy. Why? Because if the financial needs of the parents and the child are not met before the baby arrives, the full of lack of sleep and fast moving priorities may sideline needed financial planning basics.

Add these four things to you list before the birth:

Health Insurance for the Child: Know Where and How You Will Get Insurance.

Will: Be sure your Estate Planning Documents are In Order.

Cash Flow: Understand the Implications of the added expenses: from diapers to daycare.

Life Insurance: Be Sure you have enough for a family. Do not be surprised as a pregnant woman if you have to wait until after the birth to finalize it.

Having a child is a beautiful and momentous experience. Plan ahead to lower the stress financially before the baby arrives. You will be taking care of yourselves and your child. And thinking ahead will mean one less thing to worry about and more time and energy to enjoy your child.