Family becomes a top priority in lockdown
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One in ten UK couples claim lockdown has led them to plan for a new baby according to a national study of 2000 adults.
Seven per cent of couples have already fallen pregnant while forced to isolate under the new quarantine regulations, according to the poll by money.co.uk.
A third of couples said they are taking the opportunity to make more time for each other whilst conforming to ‘stay at home’ guidelines.
Lockdown has meant many couples are spending much less money, so can use that additional disposable income to press ahead with plans to have a baby.
Almost a quarter of couples said lockdown has meant they’ve had the opportunity to save money and try for a baby immediately.
Yet, for most, the decision is an emotional one rather than a mathematical one.
More than half said planning a baby is ruled by their heart, with 49 percent admitting the decision is ruled by their head.
Lockdown has turned everyone's lives on their heads, and 17 percent of expectant couples will tell their loved ones their happy news through a video call while 16 percent would call their family on the phone, 15 percent will wait until lockdown is over and 12 percent would tell their family in person but at a safe distance.
The study also found that lockdown has made people rethink their priorities.
Three in 10 of those polled say they appreciate their family more than ever since lockdown started and 28 percent say that as a result of being quarantined they plan to make more time for their family after lockdown.
Another 34 percent say they now speak to their family more than they ever did before lockdown.
The change in the priorities means a new baby boom could be on the cards too.
Anybody considering growing their family can use money.co.uk's parental calculator at www.money.co.uk/guides/parental-leave-calculator to find out how financially prepared they are.
