What type of life event is usually planned in advance?

Childbirth is typically a life event that involves significant preparation and is often planned in advance. Expecting parents generally arrange for medical care, make decisions about childbirth methods, and prepare for the new arrival by setting up a nursery, buying baby supplies, and attending prenatal classes. The anticipation of a child can lead to extensive planning surrounding the delivery and care of the newborn.

In contrast, while divorce and job promotions may involve planning, they can also be sudden or unexpected. A divorce might arise from unforeseen circumstances, making it hard to categorize as planned. Similarly, job promotions often depend on organizational dynamics and can be unpredictable, lacking the extensive prior planning characteristic of childbirth. A surprise party, by definition, relies on secrecy and is meant to be a spontaneous event, further distinguishing it from planned events like childbirth.