A Pregnancy Survival Guide for Men
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Getting ready for a baby creates a lot of change in one's lifestyle and environment. If you are wondering how you or your spouse will make it through the next 9 months, you are not alone. The First Trimester: Hormones, Exhaustion, and Morning SicknessYour wife may feel fine during the first few months of pregnancy or she may be exhausted and need a couple of naps a day. Her hormones are working hard to shape the new life she carries within her. Sad movies, baby clothes, or even a minor disagreement may lead to a crying spell. Hormonal shifts are temporary. Your wife's moods and emotions will return to normal. Morning sickness affects only some women. It can also happen during the day or at night. Certain smells or foods may trigger nausea. Some men find that the sight or sound of their spouse getting sick is enough to send them running to the bathroom as well. Luckily, most women find that it goes away in 2 to 3 months. Here's What You Can DoFor Your Wife
For Yourself
The Second Trimester: Sex? What's That?Your wife's body will begin to change during this period. She may gain weight quickly and the baby will begin to make her belly larger. During this trimester, you will hear your baby's heart rate and be able to see your child on ultrasound. Some fathers note that their wife's interest in sex changes during the second trimester. Each woman responds differently to the changes taking place inside her. Some women are easily aroused and want sex more often. Others may be too tired or worried that sex will harm the baby. There are no right or wrong approaches to your sex life. Try to talk openly about the changes that are taking place. A woman may fear that her body is no longer sexy, which may affect her sex drive. Be honest with your spouse about the changes that are happening and talk about your needs to her as well. Learn to compromise. It will be great practice for the upcoming challenge of parenting. Here's What You Can DoFor Your Wife
For Yourself
The Third Trimester: Preparing for Labor and DeliveryThe final weeks of your wife's pregnancy may seem to last a long time. You may begin to wonder if the baby will ever arrive. Your wife may have an aching back, heartburn, or problems sleeping. Preparing for baby, increasing discomfort, and carrying the weight of a full-grown baby begin to take their toll. A childbirth class can help. It can also help you connect with other new parents. Ask as many questions as you can. The instructor may be a registered nurse or certified labor assistant. Do not be embarrassed by your questions. The teacher has usually helped to deliver many babies in many situations. You may also be able to watch a recording of a live birth. Last Minute WorriesCommon pre-delivery worries are around the baby's health and financial concerns. These are normal worries that every mother and father think about during pregnancy. Share your concerns with one another. Fear of BirthYour wife may begin to fear the pain of giving birth. Show her that you care by offering your support. Ask her what you can do to help before and during the birthing process. Here's What You Can DoFor Your Wife
For Yourself
RESOURCES:American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
https://www.acog.org Healthy Children—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada
http://www.canada.ca Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:A partner's guide to pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/store/products/patient-education/pamphlets/pregnancy/a-partners-guide-to-pregnancy. Accessed June 21, 2021.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nausea-and-vomiting-in-pregnancy. Accessed June 21, 2021.
Tips for your birth partner. NHS website. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/tips-for-your-birth-partner. Accessed June 21, 2021.
Last reviewed June 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Last Updated: 6/21/2021 |
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