Years ago, men were not active participants in their partner’s pregnancy or labor. Luckily, that has changed. The birth of a child is a special event and both partners should experience all that comes along with it.
When you find out that you are pregnant, let your partner know your wishes. Do you want him to go to the doctor with you? Would you like to take prepared childbirth classes together? Your husband will be more likely to take an active roll if you let him know that it is important to you. If you will be making lifestyle changes to prepare for the pregnancy, ask your husband to consider quitting some of his habits if they apply.
Some men experience pregnancy symptoms, too. Men have been known to get nauseous, experience some type of food craving and gain weight during their partner’s pregnancy.
Doctor’s offices encourage and welcome men to attend prenatal visits with their wife. Not only are they there for support, but they also get to experience the pregnancy closer. At each visit, you and your partner will be able to hear the heartbeat. Atleast once during your pregnancy, you will get an ultrasound. That is you and your partner’s chance to sneek a peek at your developing baby. Make sure that you tell him the date and time far enough in advance to arrange within his schedule.
If for some reason your husband can not attend your prenatal appointment, record the sound of the baby’s heartbeat and ask to record the ultrasound. Many offices will let you do this for free during the ultrasound examination. If your husband is away during your pregnancy, make sure to let him know often how you feel, any new changes and send pictures of your growing belly!!
Read pregnancy related books, magazines or articles together. It is nice to learn about the different things that happen at each stage of your pregnancy, so do it together. Shop for maternity clothes and necessary baby equipment together. Let dad pick out things that he likes for the baby, too.
Allow your husband to feel your abdomen when the baby is kicking. A woman feels the movements much earlier in the pregnancy than anyone else. Show your husband where the baby is kicking at and let him experience the sensations that you feel daily. Take maternity pictures together. Maternity portraits capture an important event in your life-just the two of you.
Talk about your sex life together. Even though you may not feel like having sex right now, intimacy is still important to maintain a healthy relationship.
Staying fit during pregnancy is important. Ask your husband to exercise with you. Walking is a great exercise that can be done together. Swimming, golfing and tennis are other options.
When choosing a name for your baby, ask your husband what names he likes. You both may like the same names! If you can not agree on one, perhaps you can chhose one and your husband choose another.
Ask your husband to participate in prepared childbirth classes with you, if possible. The classes will go over what to expect during labor and delivery and how to cope with the pain of childbirth. It is important for your labor coach to be there with you to hear the information. Many hospitals offer tours of the maternity ward and other classes that are aimed at expectant parents. Not only are the classes imformative, they are also fun for expectant couples.
Together, make a list of important phone numbers and people to call when you are admitted to the hospital and after the baby is born. Your husband may have additional people to add to your contact list.
Pregnancy and childbirth are special times in your life that do not occur very often. Take the time to enjoy each other and your time as a couple. Before long, you will have another life to care for and you will not have as much time to spend one on one anymore. Communicate with him how the pregnancy is going and how you feel. Encourage him to do the same.
