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You found out that you’re going to be a dad and the roller coaster of emotions haven’t stopped since you saw that positive pregnancy test. There’s excitement, fear, anxiety, joy, dread and awe. Your partner is experiencing all of the same emotions as well as a plethora of physical symptoms to accompany them.
We know you want to be a great dad—and you can be. But in the meantime, continue to be a supportive and loving partner. Here are five things your pregnant partner wants you to know.
1. She will experience a range of physical symptoms and will want comfort
Whether it’s feeling nauseated and exhausted in the first trimester, or having an aching back and neck in the third trimester, pregnancy does a myriad of things to a woman’s body. She could be experiencing a new and different discomfort each day and it can be difficult. Check on her frequently and see how you can help. You might need to take on the cooking duties for a little bit, or become her nightly masseuse. She will appreciate you checking in and doing different things to help with her ailments.
2. She will be hormonal and not be able to help it
The surge of hormones that accompanies pregnancy is immense. She could start bawling because you ate the last cookie or for any other silly reason. She needs you to be understanding of her emotions and provide comfort during these times. She will also not appreciate you mentioning the hormones or blaming them for her mood swings. She may mention it, but don’t you dare. Continue to be supportive and understanding and the two of you can laugh about these situations later.
3. She doesn’t feel attractive
Gaining 25 plus pounds and not being able to bend over to shave her legs can take a toll on a woman’s confidence. Add to that the new acne, stretch marks, tired eyes and any other ways the pregnancy is changing her body and it’s no wonder that she doesn’t feel great most days. She may worry that you no longer find her sexy. Remind her frequently that you do. Tell her she’s beautiful. Complimenting her often can help boost her confidence.
4. She is scared too
Even though she may seem like she is way more prepared than you, she is still probably terrified of this new life change. Chances are she has a few friends who have been down this road before. Women talk and share experiences so she may have heard several horror stories by now. Even though she may seem more knowledgeable than you on some of the baby-care subjects, it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t also have reservations about becoming a parent.
5. She can’t wait to see you as a dad
While your partner is dreaming of holding her little one and being a new mommy, she is also excited to see you in your new role as a dad. There’s a reason she chose you to be the father of her child. She is thrilled to see all the qualities she loves about you come to fruition in parenting. She knows you are going to be great and she is glad she has you by her side in this new adventure.
Women may have a big task of carrying and birthing children, but men’s task is just as important. By being a loving and supportive partner, you can help her immensely throughout her pregnancy. She may complain a lot and demand things of you, but deep down she really is appreciative of all you do.
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