When my partner was pregnant with our first child nearly a decade ago, I received an avalanche of advice on how to navigate life with an expectant mother. Most of it was well-meaning, but it often missed the mark on the wild and wonderful experience of pregnancy. In fact, some of it set unrealistic expectations. So, let’s get real. Here are the no-nonsense tips I wish I had known then.
- Jot down notes when you’re sent out for cravings. Bringing back the wrong flavor of ice cream could lead to serious consequences.
- Comparing your partner to large objects (like a bus or a boulder) makes you a thoughtless jerk.
- The most attractive thing you can do as an expectant dad is to accompany her to OB-GYN appointments.
- When your partner cries, sometimes it’s best to just listen and not say a word.
- Surrender control of the thermostat. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of trouble.
- It’s completely normal to feel tired, but unless you’re the one growing a tiny human, keep it to yourself.
- Your old sweatpants and T-shirts are not a suitable substitute for maternity wear. Just don’t go there.
- Making jokes about morning sickness being like a hangover loses its charm after about three seconds.
- When tasked with picking up pastries, text her pictures of the options. It’ll save you from having to make a second trip.
- Pregnancy amplifies everything, including how loud you snore. Don’t take it personally if you end up on the couch.
- Avoid using the term “cankle” at all costs.
- No part of you is long enough to hurt the baby, so don’t worry about it. Just enjoy the intimacy.
- Never question how often a pregnant woman needs to use the restroom. Assume it’s always.
- Much of your time will be spent reassuring her that she’s going to be an amazing mom.
- The final weeks before labor can feel like staring down a steep cliff.
- Comparing the baby’s kicks to a scene from a sci-fi movie like Alien will not go over well. Just a friendly heads-up.
- Keep any opinions about hormones to yourself; it’s safer that way.
- Don’t hesitate to argue with her about how beautiful she is—she’ll appreciate it.
- Pamper her. She’s growing your child, after all.
There are countless more tips out there, but these should give new fathers a solid start. If you have more wisdom to share, feel free to drop it in the comments! New dads can always use a hand—believe me. For more information on navigating this journey, check out this post on privacy policies. Also, if you’re curious about fertility boosters, visit this site for helpful resources.
Summary:
Expecting fathers can benefit from practical advice during pregnancy. Key tips include taking notes on cravings, being supportive, and keeping comments about body changes to a minimum. It’s essential to reassure your partner and be attentive to her needs.