Dad’s Pregnancy Guide: Participating And Helping During Pregnancy
July 12, 2007
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When a new baby is on the way, expectant dads must deal with their own anxiety, too. Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride for both parents. Dads, here are a few ways to participate and help during the pregnancy.
Dads should know that expectant mothers gain weight and a belly. The last thing your partner wants is to feel that she is unattractive to you. Calming her fears in this area will go a long way to getting her to keep the lines of communication open.
Show the pregnant mom that you care. This can takes many forms and knowing the forms is the key. Early in pregnancy, moms are prone to “morning sickness”. The name is misleading since the nausea and vomiting can occur at any time. Sometimes just the smell of food can bring on a vomiting spell. Helping to prepare meals may lower your partner’s nausea to a minimum and show that you care.
Now that your partner is pregnant, her family and friends will visit more often. Expectant moms, especially first time moms, need the camaraderie and support of her network. This doesn’t mean that she needs you any less. Many of the topsy-turvy emotions she is feeling will be dealt with during her “girlfriend” sessions so you catch less of it.
There will be many “first” moments during the pregnancy-first heartbeat, first ultrasound, first kick, and so on. Attending prenatal visits with her says that you are interested in the changes she is experiencing. These visits give you a chance to ask nagging questions and get advice from the obstetrician.
As her abdomen expands to accommodate the baby, her clothing may not fit. Surprise her with a shopping trip to the mall. Helping her pick out a few new outfits will make her the envy of other expectant moms and help you feel appreciated.
As the pregnancy progresses, the new mom will be able to do less and less around the house. Keep her from trying to do too much by helping out with the household duties. Washing a load of laundry or vacuuming the floor takes the pressure off of her.
If you already have other children at home, you may need to call in reinforcements. Ask her mother, or yours, to help with the kids from time to time. She may even take the kids for a night or a weekend so that you and the expectant mom can have some romantic time.
Pregnancy is more than a means to an end. It is a journey meant to be shared by both parents. Show her that you care by getting involved with every aspect of the pregnancy that you can. By showing your interest and listening intently to the expectant mom, you will both benefit.
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Posted by admin | Filed Under Pregnancy
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[...] a few bites of food *while still lying down*. So I either put some food on a plate beside my bed or asked my husband bring me a snack first thing in the [...]