When a couple makes the decision to extend the size of their family, there are a number of ways that they can accomplish the task. They can try natural pregnancy or in vitro fertilization methods. If those are not an option, adoption or surrogacy may fit the situation.

Family building requires a couple to understand the basics of raising a child or helping an existing child deal with a new edition. Some children have a difficult time adjusting to the presence of a new baby. Also, a family has to evaluate other factors, such as finances, adequate housing space and schedules.

Once the decision has been made to grow the family, a couple needs to decide on the best method to use. If pregnancy is an option, the couple can look into pregnancy planning. This can involve genetic counseling and speaking with a nutritionist.http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1173504/What-is-pregnancy-planning-and-why From the beginning, a woman needs to know if she has any special medical conditions that can make the pregnancy difficult. This is why she should speak to a medical professional before becoming pregnant.http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1173504/What-is-pregnancy-planning-and-why

For those who can not become pregnant naturally, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be used. During the IVF process, the egg and sperm are joined outside the body in a laboratory.http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/in-vitro-fertilization Later, the embryo is put inside the uterus.http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/in-vitro-fertilization According to Web MD, only 5% of couples use this option.http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/in-vitro-fertilization

Other alternatives to pregnancy are surrogacy and adoption. Surrogacy involves a surrogate mother, who carries the baby for the couple. In some cases, the child in such arrangements is genetically related to the surrogate mother. In other situations, the embryo comes from the couple and is implanted into the surrogate. If a couple chooses this plan, they need to consult a lawyer for advice on the legalities and risks of going into such a contract with a third party.http://www.creatingfamilies.com/SM/SM_Info.aspx?Type=125 There are also financial expenses, such as medical bills, associated with surrogacy contracts.http://www.creatingfamilies.com/SM/SM_Info.aspx?Type=123

Adoptions can go through a public or private agency.http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/overview.cfm They involve the transfer of parental rights from a child's birth parents to the new couple.http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/overview.cfm Since some adoptive children have a history of dealing with loss and grief, a family has to decide if they can provide the extra support (and sometimes counseling) needed for the adopted child.

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