Share in Your Partner's Pregnancy
If your partner is expecting, there are many ways you can share in the joys of being pregnant.
- By staying involved, you'll be in a better position to give her the support she needs
- You'll also find it easier to talk about your own anxieties
- In the end, your relationship will be stronger, and you'll both be better ready for parenthood
Go to exams
- Amazing things happen at those office visits
- You can hear your baby's heart beating (about the 10th week)
- It's your first chance to see your baby through an ultrasound exam(18th or 20th week)
Show some class (if she wants)
- Partners can share by joining a birth class
- Partners who go to the classes often value the training
- But such classes aren't vital for the partner
- If your partner wants you to go, be sure to sign up
Talk about fears
- Classes are great, but the best work happens at home
- Like any first-time parent, you likely have fears
- Find the time to talk to your partner about these fears
- These talks will surely add to your relationship
Plan for the big day
- The two of you may want to write a birth plan that outlines how you want the childbirth to go
- Include details if you like - from the people you want in the room to the color of the walls of the room
Stay involved
- Talk to your doctor or midwife for your before-birth care
- Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner who will take care of your baby after the birth
- Get all your questions and fears about the childbirth answered
- Go to a bookstore and explore the section on having a baby and parenting
- Start taking on more of the household chores
- Picture you, your partner and your child doing things as a family
- Arrange some time off after the baby is born
- Start getting ready for the baby
- Pick out a crib
- Decorate the room
- Get a car seat
- Choose some baby clothes
- Find a few good baby blankets
- Do these things as a couple if you can
- Take a tour of the hospital or other health-care center where your baby will be born
- Listen to your baby's heart
- Talk to your baby
- If you still feel left out, have one more chat with your partner. This is something she really needs to know.
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