by Bethanne Black
Your wife's belly is burgeoning, baby furniture has maxed out your credit cards,
and you haven't had sex in weeks. Somehow, pregnancy isn't exactly what you or
your wife had envisioned. Your once loving, carefree wife has become cranky and
constantly nauseous. Welcome to the world of expectant fatherhood.
Any type of adjustment is stressful, and preparing for a baby is an enormous
change in one's lifestyle, mindset and physical environment. If you find
yourself wondering how you or your spouse will make it through the next nine
months, you're not alone.
The first trimester: hormones, exhaustion and morning sickness
Your wife may feel fine during the first few months of pregnancy, or she may
be exhausted and need two naps a day. Her hormones are hard at work, shaping the
new life she carries within her. Sad movies, baby clothes or even a minor
disagreement may propel her into a crying spell. Remember that hormonal shifts
are temporary and eventually your wife's moods and emotions will return to
normal.
Morning sickness, or queasiness, affects only some women, and most find that
this annoying symptom disappears in two to three months. Unfortunately, \"morning
sickness\" is a misnomer, because many women are sick all day and night. Food
odors or other smells may trigger a bout of nausea, as may eating certain foods.
Some men find that the sight or sound of their spouse getting sick is enough to
send them running to the bathroom as well.
Scott Dornan, an expectant father recalls, \"We must have called Jane's
obstetrician a hundred times during the first trimester. Her doctor was an
enormous support to us and was able to put us in touch with the right resources
for most of Jane's needs. We also surfed the Internet...to get updated
information on 'our' symptoms.\"
Here's what you can do
For your wife:
- Help her find \"safe\" foods. Ask her physician for recommendations; some
women find that crackers, ginger ale, or lemonade help. Many women agree that
an empty stomach causes extreme nausea.
- Give your wife support. Believe it or not, there are books about morning
sickness and how to conquer the symptoms. Ask a nutritionist or physician to
help guide you through this time.
For yourself:
- Stay active. Stick to your weekly physical fitness routine and activities.
Find a friend who enjoys the same sports or hobbies and get out of the house.
- Talk to a trusted friend, particularly one who is also a new dad. Or maybe
even your own dad. You will be surprised that your apprehension and fear are
extremely common.
The second trimester: Sex? What\\\s that?
Your partner's body will begin to change dramatically during this period. She
may gain weight quickly and the baby will suddenly make its presence known.
During this trimester, you will hear your baby's heart rate and get a glimpse of
your child via ultrasound.
Some expectant fathers note that their partner's sexual appetite 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 frequently;
others may simply be too tired or worried that sex will harm the baby. Every
couple experiences this trimester differently? there are no right or wrong
approaches to your sex life.
\"Don't try to read your wife's mind,\" says new dad Kevin Bennett. \"I kept
thinking I knew how my wife felt and what she was thinking, but I was clueless.
It's best to talk about sex when you are both rested and feeling refreshed ?not
after a long day or an argument.\"
Try to talk openly about the changes that are taking place. A woman may fear
that her body is no longer sexy; this is enough to dampen her sex drive. Be
honest with your spouse about the changes that are occurring and communicate
your needs to her as well. Learn to compromise now; it will be great practice
for the upcoming challenge of parenting!
Here's what you can do
For your wife:
- Help with chores or housework. There is nothing worse than being sick and
having to look at a messy house.
- Encourage your spouse. Give her positive feedback, even when she looks
horrible and is too sick to change out of her pajamas. Tell her how excited
you are about being a dad and that you know she'll be a terrific mom.
For yourself:
- Join a \"dad's group.\" There are many types of support groups for new
fathers; you don't have to talk, just hearing other dads share similar
problems is a great relief.
- Write down your expectations of being a father, of what type of parent you
want to be, and discuss your thoughts with your wife. It helps to talk about
parenting styles and discipline techniques before situations arise.
The third trimester: preparing for labor and delivery
The final weeks of your wife's pregnancy may seem eternal, and you may begin to wonder if the baby will ever arrive. At this point, your spouse's complaints may range from an aching back or major heartburn to restless, sleepless nights. The final weeks of pregnancy are an emotional time. Last minute nursery preparations, increased discomfort and carrying the weight of a full-grown baby begin to take their toll.
A childbirth class can help at this point. Contact your local hospital or obstetrician's office to discuss your options. There are many types of classes available and fees range from $25 to $85, depending upon the class content and the instructor(s).
The class offers an excellent opportunity to interact with other new parents. Ask as many questions as possible. The instructor may be a registered nurse or certified labor assistant, so he/she will be equipped to answer all types of questions. Don't be embarrassed by your questions; the teacher has usually assisted at multiple births and has witnessed a variety of situations. You may have the option to view videotape of a live birth. Although these videos are educational, they do tend to be explicit in nature.
Last minute concerns
When asked about their biggest concern during the last weeks of pregnancy, our interviewees had a unanimous response: \\\"I worried about our baby being okay and how I might react if something was wrong with my child.\\\" This is a normal concern and one that every mother and father thinks about throughout the pregnancy.
Another area of concern was the increased financial responsibilities that accompany parenting. \\\"I always think about my child's future because I don't want him to struggle financially,\\\" says Jake Halloway. Talk to your partner about your financial resources; assess your obligations and financial assets.
Fear of birth
Your wife may begin to express a great deal of fear about giving birth,
including fear of the pain. Reassuring her may not seem to help. Show her that
you care by offering your support and reassurance. Ask her what you can do to
help before and throughout the birthing process.
Here's what you can do
For your wife:
- Prepare a \"birth plan\" with your spouse? an outline of how you want the
childbirth experience to progress. Think of a birth plan as more of a wish
list that may or may not come true, since neither of you can control the
events during childbirth.
- Help your wife pack her hospital bag. Include support items for both of
you. Bring snacks, money, magazines, distraction material (a favorite hobby or
a deck of cards). Many fathers wish they had remembered basic things such as
cameras, chewing gum, breath mints and a change of clothes. Don't forget to
bring clothes for the baby!
For yourself:
- Be prepared. Pay close attention in the childbirth classes and be an
active participant. Read as much as you can about labor and delivery.
- Realize your limitations. It is important to understand that no amount of
preparation, reading or support can prepare you for the enormous
responsibility associated with childbirth and parenting. Know your limits and
keep in mind that it may be very difficult to see your wife experience the
pain of labor and delivery.