by Taina Patmore

Created on: November 23, 2009

What to Expect When She's Expecting

It is unfortunate that in modern society an unnerving majority of people believe a man's job begins and ends with conception, perhaps with a few added runs to the convenience store in the middle of the night to fulfill a late night craving. However there Daddies-to-be have an incredibly important to role to play which is of equal importance to the mother's during pregnancy.

1. Listen up!

From the moment of conception a woman's pregnancy hormones begin a hostile takeover of her body. She may start feeling moody, hungry, sick, or even a little bit crazy. You may wonder where that wonderful woman you fell in love with disappeared to. This is not her fault. Moreover she will absolutely need your help to reassure her that she is perfectly sane and her behavior is normal. This means you may have to grow a thicker skin, as she might not seem very rational to you all the time. Listen to her needs and empathize with the changes she is experiencing. When she is experiencing a particularly emotional moment, let her vent her emotions, and wait until she is more calm to gently remind her that you are there to help her. This is not an excuse for her to use you as a doormat, however, and if she becomes excessive or abusive it is time for a firmer hand. Let her know that she is effecting your ability to help her, and try to help her find the true reasons behind her emotional explosions. If all else fails a little time will help her realize that she was acting upon emotions. Above all remember that it is hard for her to decipher whether she is having valid feelings or is reacting due to hormones. A little patience will go a long way.

2. Read up.

Pregnancy is a stressful time for anyone. There are hundreds of books and even more people offering you advice. Don't force her to do this alone. Doing your part in getting your own preg-ducation will help you both make the best decisions about how to proceed with your pregnancy and birth.

3. Speak up.

Reading about pregnancy will obviously lead to you forming your own opinions about how things should be done. Speak up to your significant other and tell her what these are. Just because she is carrying the child doesn't mean that your opinions aren't of equal importance. Decisions about diet, doctors, and labor should be made together. You may even bring something up that she hadn't heard of, read about, or even thought of. This goes double during doctor/midwife appointments. Pregnant women may be

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