The first pregnancy is a time of anxiousness and thrill. As a first-time father, there are numerous things that he needs to be careful about. Nine months of the pregnancy period is a challenging one for first-time parents. There is always an element of uncertainty and a fear of something going wrong. With it are the number of tests, precautions, visits to the hospital so on and so forth. No wonder the first time fathers search for a complete pregnancy survival guide for men once the pregnancy is confirmed.
After the confirmation of pregnancy, consultation with a doctor is a must to get a clear picture for preparing for the coming journey of nine months. Regular visits to the doctor help in clarifying doubts and make the process a smoother one. It is also the time when the mother goes through physical and physiological changes and needs support through and through. Though they can’t change or lessen the symptoms that a woman experiences yet can help in the daily tasks by pitching in and being there for her. Let us have a look at how the men can help in easing the load and make the journey an easier one.
In This Article
- Pregnancy Guide For Men
- How To Be A Supportive Husband During Pregnancy
- Complete Pregnancy Survival Guide For Men-First Trimester
- Complete Pregnancy Survival Guide For Men-Second Trimester
- Complete Pregnancy Survival Guide For Men-Third trimester
Pregnancy Guide For Men
The best advice for a man at this time is to be there for her, help and support her. This is the time when she has unexpected changes which even, she is not aware of. Some of which even she is not comfortable with, in this situation a little support and understanding go a long way to keep the mother happy and relaxed. This indeed is good for both the mother and the baby.
How To Be A Supportive Husband During Pregnancy
Be there for her, when she is down with mood swings and other bothersome pregnancy symptoms. You can help her with chores, and help her reach work commitments and targets by taking turns. Here is everything you can do to take care of your pregnant wife.
Complete Pregnancy Survival Guide For Men- First Trimester
The first phase of pregnancy is a difficult time for first-time mothers, a challenging time with some peculiar characteristics like
- Nausea as well as morning sickness
- Exhaustion and Irritation
- Lack of appetite
- Drowsiness
What May Happen To Your Partner In The First Trimester?
Here is what your partner may go through during her first trimester of pregnancy.
Nausea becomes prominent
At this stage, she may face a lot of nausea because of the fluctuating hormones, especially hCG.
Exhaustion and Irritation
She will feel exhausted and irritated because of the fatigue and morning sickness that takes over.
Lack of appetite
It is common to have a lack of appetite when there are a lot of bothering symptoms. She might even face food aversions. It might seem never-ending, but she will sustain it and get through it after the first trimester.
Drowsiness
Feeling sleepy and fatigued is a common pregnancy symptom during the first trimester. You might see her curled up in the bed and rest, yet not feel enough rest.
Constipation
It is very common in this trimester and is a state which shows having less than three bowel movements weekly. It is even due to high iron intake, less fiber, etc.
Mood swings
Once the woman is pregnant, the mood keeps fluctuating, at times there are phases of emotional outbursts that might not seem normal. These are due to stress, fatigue, anxiety, hormonal changes, etc.
What Can You Do?
Pregnancy is a phase of sheer excitement and worry and not something one can change yet a little support goes a long way in helping the pregnant lady.
Here are a few things you can do to help her in the first trimester
1. Start your research
It is always good to read well about all that can be expected in pregnancy and prepare oneself for it. The partner can read different books, surf a few websites, and get a thorough know-how of all the probable situations he might come across.
2. Help your partner prepare healthy meals
Pregnancy is a time when a nutritious meal is of paramount importance for the woman. Even though they have food cravings, it is always good that the partner prepares and chooses healthy options to keep the mother safe. Not having too oily, spicy, and fresh food helps in the long run.
3. Let your partner get adequate sleep and rest
It is tiring for the mother due to physical and psychological changes. It is thus best to let her get enough rest and sleep.
4. Visit the OB-GYN with your partner
It is highly advisable to not miss the regular prenatal visits and always accompany the partner as it creates not only a strong bond between the two but even gives emotional support to the woman.
5. Attend all first-trimester tests and screening
The first trimester is very crucial in pregnancy, so the partner should always get all tests and screening done to rule out any disorders if they prevail.
Complete Pregnancy Survival Guide For Men-Second Trimester
A easy-going phase for many, even referred to as the honeymoon phase as many symptoms start to subside gradually coupled with yet new problems. Some of them are discussed as under.
What May Happen To Your Partner In The Second Trimester?
The time when the belly starts growing, the gender of the baby can be known and slight movement of the baby is felt inside the tummy, is an enthralling time for the parents. Since the baby is growing many new issues are faced in the second trimester and some of them are:
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is common at this time, this can be caused due to cold water, increased blood supply, and hormone fluctuation leading to dryness or inflammation of the nasal membrane.
Body aches
This is a time when many hormonal, and physiological changes take place which is due to the increasing pressure of the growing uterus, this results in body aches, cramping, abdominal pain, uterine contractions, etc.
Irregular contractions
The growing baby and the hormonal changes in the body can result in irregular contractions, cramping, ligament stretching, etc.
Risk of UTI
Urinary Tract infections can result due to leftover urine, and hormonal changes and if not treated on time can lead to kidney infection. It even leads to pre-term labor and low birth weight.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a very common symptom in pregnancy. This occurs because of the expanded blood volume, and weight gain. Through which your brain may not receive enough blood circulation.
What Can You Do?
Here are a few things you can do for her in the second trimester
1. Massage helps to reduce body aches
Massage therapy helps in reducing pain and even lowering stress levels. So, the partner must be willing to help with the massage or get a massage from a specialist.
2. Help your partner to consume more fluids
Ensure she is having a good fluid intake to rule out any digestive issues.
3. Maintain Hygiene
The immunity levels of a pregnant woman are very low, so she is vulnerable to different infections. Thus, it is important to maintain proper hygiene.
4. Be part of doctor visits
Always be there with your partner when she is visiting a doctor. Be updated with her health and all precautions that must be taken.
5. Research more about pregnancy
Pregnancy needs thorough know-how. It is good if the partner is well-read on all the topics related to pregnancy. It gives them a better insight into the different situations that can happen.
Complete Pregnancy Survival Guide For Men-Third Trimester
The last leg of pregnancy or the third trimester is challenging both emotionally as well as physically. The baby is fully grown, and the body is going through a series of changes. The baby is full term by 37 weeks and can be delivered any time after that.
What May Happen To Your Partner In The Third Trimester?
It is better to research and be ready for all that can happen during the third trimester. Helping and supporting the partner goes a long way to reduce anxiety levels.
1. Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton-Hick’s contractions are like a tightening feeling in the lower part of the abdomen which varies from one woman to another. They start at six weeks and go on till the third trimester with varying intensities.
2. Backaches
Backaches are common in the third trimester and result due to the pressure exerted by the growing belly.
3. Heartburns
This is caused by acid reflux and results in a burning sensation in the chest and throat. This could be because your uterus presses the abdomen up and could also be due to a heavy meal.
4. Prominent veins and hemorrhoids
The swollen veins in the anus and the lower part of the rectum are called hemorrhoids. They occur due to increased weight, and constipation. Hence it is important to stay hydrated. These are quite similar to varicose veins.
5. Shortness of breath
Breathing becomes difficult for some while easy for others after the 29th week. This is totally dependent on the position of the baby’s head in the womb. Before the baby’s head descends into the pelvis, it presses the diaphragm resulting in breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Here are a few things you can do to ease her during the third trimester of pregnancy.
1. Help your partner elevate her legs
Elevating the legs helps in improving the blood flow, lowers the pressure, and even helps to reduce swelling.
2. Converse with her to reduce stress
This is a time when the pregnant woman feels lonely and needs someone to talk to and share. Sharing feelings and problems with the partner also helps in reducing stress levels.
3. Support her with pillows and backrests
The last trimester of pregnancy makes the body heavy and makes it difficult to lie comfortably so keeping pregnancy pillows and backrests helps in offering support and comfort to the pregnant woman.
4. Go for slow walks
The time is nearing so the pregnant woman needs to be relaxed so taking her for slow walks will help.
5. Help her Change positions
Staying in one position can be a discomfort for her. This is due to the increasing weight so a change in position is helpful.
6. Help your partner practice breathing exercises
Breathing exercises in the last trimester help to relax and reduce stress. It even helps to decrease pelvic pain and helps at the time of labor as well.
Thus, pregnancy is a crucial time for her, and you can make it smooth just by supporting your partner. You may not help in reducing those bothersome symptoms, but you will be able to make her feel at ease, by just being there and assuring them of your help.
