When my partner was pregnant with our first child nearly a decade ago, I was inundated with advice about how to navigate life with a pregnant woman. While much of it was well-meaning, some of it fell flat, leaving me unprepared for the beautiful chaos that accompanies pregnancy. It’s time to get real and share the practical wisdom I wish I had. Here are the pregnancy tips every father should know:
- Jot down notes when sent on a craving mission. Show up with the wrong taco sauce, and you might as well be prepared for a meltdown.
- Drawing comparisons between a pregnant woman and large objects (like a house or whale) is a surefire way to earn a one-way ticket to the doghouse.
- Attending obstetric appointments is one of the most attractive things an expectant dad can do. Show your support—you’ll appreciate it later.
- When your partner tears up, sometimes the best response is silence. Just be there.
- Surrender control of the thermostat. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of hassle.
- It’s normal to feel tired, but unless you’re physically carrying a baby, keep your fatigue to yourself.
- Your old sweatpants and tees aren’t a worthy substitute for maternity wear, so don’t even think about suggesting it.
- Joking about morning sickness being just like a hangover is only funny for a moment. Avoid that comparison.
- When tasked with picking up baked goods, send her photos of your options. This can save you from a second trip.
- Pregnancy amplifies everything, including how loudly you snore. Don’t take it personally if you find yourself on the couch.
- Avoid using the term “cankle” at all costs.
- Remember, no man is long enough to harm a baby—so don’t hesitate to maintain intimacy.
- Never question how often a pregnant woman needs to use the restroom. Just know it’s a constant need.
- Most of your role during this time will be reassuring her that she’ll be a wonderful mother.
- The weeks leading up to childbirth might feel like you’re about to plunge off a cliff.
- Comparing the sensation of a baby kicking to a scene from Alien is basically saying she’s carrying an extraterrestrial. You do the math.
- Keep any assumptions about hormones locked away in your mind.
- Don’t shy away from arguing about how beautiful she is; she may need the reminder.
- Pamper her! She’s nurturing your child, which alone deserves all the spoiling in the world.
These tips should provide a solid foundation for expectant fathers. There’s always more to learn, so if you have additional advice, feel free to share in the comments. New dads can benefit from all the support they can get—believe me! For more insights, check out this informative post on home insemination here. Also, for those looking to boost fertility, you can find useful products at Make A Mom. And if you’d like to track pregnancy week by week, consider visiting the March of Dimes, a great resource for parents.
In summary, being an expectant father is a journey filled with unique challenges and joys. By arming yourself with these practical tips, you’ll be better prepared to support your partner and embrace the adventure ahead.
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