When a baby is on the way, fathers-to-be often have no idea what to expect. Throughout the pregnancy, the most important thing the dad can do is to be involved and supportive. Learning as much as you can about the process of pregnancy and birth can help you understand what the mom-to-be is going through and help you bond with the baby, even before birth.
Early Pregnancy
For the first few months of pregnancy, there won't be much evidence of the developing baby except for physical and hormonal changes your wife or partner is going through. She will likely experience pregnancy symptoms that may include morning sickness, tender breasts, fatigue, weight gain and mood swings. According to Parenting, some dads-to-be experience sympathy symptoms, such as weight gain or nausea, when they have a baby on the way.
Late Pregnancy
You'll be able to start feeling movement when you touch your partner's belly sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy, and the baby will be able to hear your voice as you talk and sing to Mom's abdomen. Some dads really begin to bond with the baby when they feel or see movement while Mom is asleep, an obvious sign that this little life inside her is a separate person who will soon be keeping both of you awake when you'd rather be sleeping.
Pregnancy Involvement
Mom-to-be will probably want you to attend prenatal appointments and childbirth classes, but there are other ways to participate, as well. Baby Center recommends that future dads work on developing healthy habits during pregnancy, both to encourage Mom to eat well and exercise and to get yourself in good shape to set a good example once your child is old enough to notice. Taking good care of Mom is essential, too, and dads-to-be should offer support and help with cooking, cleaning and running errands to allow the pregnant woman to get some rest.
Delivery
The best thing for a dad to do during labor and delivery is to go with the flow and offer support by rubbing his partner's back, feeding her ice chips and giving her whatever level of comfort or distance she prefers during painful contractions. Discuss what she expects of you beforehand, but don't be surprised if she changes her mind during labor. At the actual birth, you may be able to catch the baby as he emerges, cut the umbilical cord or be the one to place the newborn on Mom's chest, but you'll have to clear these with the doctor before the actual delivery.
Postpartum
After birth, you can expect to get little sleep for a while as both you and your partner adjust to life with a newborn. Give the new mom lots of time to take care of the baby, who will need to eat as often as every two hours. If Mom is breastfeeding, you can help by seeing to her comfort while she's feeding the baby; if you're feeding with formula you might offer to take on some of the feeding duties.
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