Tips For Dads-To-Be During Pregnancy

Just Found Out You Are Going To Be A Father? Read This Advice For Dads For During Pregnancy

Finding out that you are going to be a father is life-changing news. You might be incredibly excited, while at the same time feel completely clueless about what to expect during pregnancy.

If you are a new-dad-to-be who is feeling exhilarated but also somewhat bewildered by what is about to happen in the next nine months, do not sweat.

Here is our three-part survival guide for fathers-to-be and the best tips for new dads on pregnancy, birth and newborn babies, and advice on how to be a supportive father even through the haze of lack-of-sleep.

First off, here is our post of tips for dads-to-be during pregnancy. Make sure you also read our tips for new dads on childbirth and new fatherhood.

Finding Out That You Are Going To Become A Dad

Hearing that you are going to become a father for the first time is big news but remember there is no right way to feel. If it is a happy surprise or news you have been wanting to hear for a while, it is normal to feel happy, scared, confused, worried, thrilled or all of the above. Your partner is probably feeling the same, so it is important to talk to each other about your feelings.

Morning Sickness: What It’s Really Like

It might come as a surprise, but the early pregnancy symptom of morning sickness can happen at any time of the day; it’s not just like it is on TV. While morning sickness usually strikes in the first trimester, your partner may be affected for longer, and feel nauseous and dizzy but not actually be sick. While it might not feel like there is much you can do at this stage, be supportive, sympathetic, and encourage them to speak to their doctor or midwife if they are so sick, they can’t function normally.

Telling Everyone The News About The Baby

Thrilled about your news? There is no right time to tell people that you are expecting a baby. Some couples wait till after the 12-week scan, some after the 20-week scan. Some tell as soon as they have had a positive test. Remember you do not have to tell everyone at once. But whenever you tell everyone your news about the baby, make sure you are both in sync with the timings.

Scans And Appointments During Pregnancy

Ultrasound scans usually take place at around 12 weeks and 20 weeks and will usually be the first opportunity for to see you baby and check in on how they are growing. Try not to miss these scans as they are magical, and an opportunity to feel more bonded with the baby.

Pregnancy Books for Dads - Read Up On What’s Happening

Knowledge is power, and it can help you to feel more involved in the pregnancy if you know what is happening at each stage, how the baby is developing and how your partner might be feeling. There is a lot of advice out there tailored to dads, in pregnancy books, and you can also sign up to weekly emails alerts from the NHS or sites like Babycentre.

Pregnancy Tracker Apps For Dads

If you are more of an app man, there are lots of pregnancy apps you can download onto your phone, which will give you regular updates about what is going on.

The Role Of The Father During Pregnancy – Being Supportive

Pregnancy is a time of enormous change, both physically and emotionally. While you’re not growing the baby, you can be there for your partner and be supportive. Make sure you listen and know that It is likely that she will be more emotional due to pregnancy hormones, so do not take offence if everything is suddenly your fault!

How To Bond With The Baby Bump

Your partner’s growing bump is a great way of helping you to bond with the baby before he or she is born. Feeling kicks from outside is wonderful, and a reminder that there is actually a baby in there. It is both fun and lovely to talk to the baby through the bump.

Take Childbirth Or NCT Classes

Lots of couples opt to take an NCT pregnancy and birth class, which is where you will learn about labour and the early baby days. Another option is free NHS childbirth courses which cover the same topics. As well as learning about childbirth and babies, these classes are they are also a great way of meeting other parents-to-be and talking about your worries and hopes with people who are going through the same things you are, at what’s an exciting time for everyone.