For Dad
For Dad During Pregnancy Week by Week
What does dad need to know during pregnancy? Plenty! Get the lowdown on how to be a helpful hubby each week with these tips.
It may be her pregnancy, but it’s very much a joint venture – you’re with her every step of the way, week by week, for all 40 weeks (and then some).
First Trimester
Weeks 1 and 2: Preconception For Men
You’ve made the commitment to bringing a new life into the world, and now comes the fun part — trying to get her pregnant.
Week 3: Wine During Pregnancy
She’s going to have to play it safe when it comes to alcohol and limit her consumption to a sip or two on very special occasions.
Week 4: Preparing to Be a Father
Counting the days until she can put that home pregnancy test to good use? The excitement can be distracting.
Week 5: New Father To Be
Take your time handing out those cigars — bubble gum or otherwise.
Week 6: Nausea Help
Morning sickness is a 24/7 experience that can send her running to the toilet morning, noon, and night.
Week 7: Her Pregnancy Food Aversions
Crackers are her life right now or, at least, the mainstay of her rapidly dwindling diet.
Week 8: Breast Enlargement During Pregnancy
Her breasts look and feel different to you, and you may find yourself just a little bit obsessed.
Week 9: Pregnancy Mood Swings
Don’t fight her mood swings, it’s the hormones talking…and they’ll be doing a whole lot of talking in the months to come.
Week 10: Prenatal Doctor Appointments
You’ll want to go with her on some (if not all) of her prenatal doctor appointments, and not just for the moral support.
Week 11: Cleaning House
It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it. And that someone is you.
Week 12: Making Love While Pregnant
Coming on to her now is like playing with dynamite; so proceed with caution and sensitivity.
Week 13: New Dad to Be
If she’s talking about the new baby more with her girlfriends and mother than with you, it’s up to you to get yourself in the game.
Second Trimester
Week 14: Sex During Pregnancy
Hey, guess what? You can’t get her pregnant now — she’s already pregnant.
Week 15: Choosing Baby Names
If you don’t have a name for the baby by now, get ready to go through the alphabet a few dozen times.
Week 16: Fat During Pregnancy
Say it again: It’s not fat, it’s not fat, it’s not fat.
Week 17: First Ultrasound Picture
You want to blow your mind? Don’t miss the office visit, coming soon, when she’s scheduled to have her first prenatal ultrasound.
Week 18: Cooking During Pregnancy
You’re being the best partner you know how to be, and one of the things you’re doing is to sign up for dinner duty now and then.
Week 19: Prepare for Childbirth
You’re no doubt a little curious about what this labor thing will look like — and how you’ll get through it.
Week 20: Half Way There
The halfway point in the pregnancy is an excellent reason to celebrate.
Week 21: Baby’s First Kicks
Sometime between weeks 18 and 22, she’ll feel what she may describe as butterflies in her stomach — but oh, baby, it’s no butterfly she’s feeling.
Week 22: Being a New Dad
Having second thoughts about this baby thing, especially as it gets more real? Don’t worry, it’s normal.
Week 23: Enjoying Sex During Pregnancy
At this stage of the game your wife just might enjoy sex more than she ever has.
Week 24: Linea Nigra
Chances are that an amazing thing has happened to her abdomen besides that growing bulge.
Week 25: Hearing Baby’s Heartbeat
You may now be able to hear the thump-thump of your baby’s heartbeat in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Week 26: Vacation During Pregnancy
Now’s the perfect time (and it may the last time for a while) for a romantic fling.
Week 27: What are Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks are like uterine spring training (contractions, but not the kind that bring a baby — yet).
Third Trimester
Week 28: Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding
Bottle or breast? She may already have made up her mind, or she may really appreciate talking it through with you.
Week 29: Preparing for Fatherhood
Hung up on the way your life will change once the baby comes? Here’s something to think about.
Week 30: Tips for Expecting Dads
A few ways to help you (both) get through the next 10 weeks
Week 31: Dad’s Pregnancy Symptoms
Experiencing some odd symptoms of your own these days? You’re not alone.
Week 32: Selecting a Pediatrician
Time to shop around for a new doctor — a pediatrician this time
Week 33: Pregnancy Amnesia
Instead of ragging on her for her forgetfulness, here’s how to help her cope with it.
Week 34: Packing for the Hospital
Make a list, check it twice, and pack that overnight bag. She’ll need it soon!
Week 35: Unplanned Delivery
A bit of preparation now could keep your baby from arriving in the backseat of a taxi.
Week 36: Stay in Touch
This is not the time to go AWOL — here are some ways to make sure you stay reachable.
Week 37: New Dad to Be Instincts
How to make the most of your sudden nesting instinct
Week 38: What to Bring to the Hospital
Labor is unpredictable, so plan (and pack) some ideas for passing the hours.
Week 39: The Father’s Role in Breastfeeding
Did you know that you have a lot to do with whether she succeeds at breastfeeding?
Week 40: Baby Proofing Your Home
It may seem early to baby-proof, but there are already some things to take care of.
Week 41: Due Date Passed
A few ideas to get you through the home stretch
Week 42: Being Overdue
How to keep busy when you’re overdue
