Costometic

Being involved during those nine months is the best way to show how much you enjoy being a dad-to-be. Here is what to do:

1. Be By Her Side

Be there for the first check-up and the subsequent ones. Know the schedule: ultrasound scans, shots and routine check-ups. Keep a track of the growing foetus: See the scans, hear the baby’s heartbeat, feel her first movements - it will bring you closer to your baby. Find out about the diet, supplements or medicines your wife will need for a healthy pregnancy. Learn about the discomforts that accompany pregnancy from the doctor, friends or the Net, and help her cope with those. Put a cushion under her feet to avoid swelling and tiredness - and earn the tag of ‘the sweetest husband’.

2. Lend a Hand

If you haven’t been helping around the house, then start right away. Take on everything from those strenuous chores like grocery shopping to anything that involves aerosol sprays or cleaning fluids - products that may be harmful for the mother and the baby. Remember your wife is sensitive to smells at this time, so keep the garbage out and if you have a pet, clean its much yourself.

3. Love Her Changing Body

As your wife’s pregnancy progresses and she puts on those extra kilos, she may begin to feel unattractive. You can make her feel good by assuring her that you love the way she looks. Encourage her to dress the way she used to before she was pregnant and take pictures to record how her bump grows, inch by inch.

4. Get Healthier

Your wife is trying to follow a wholesome diet and lifestyle and you can contribute by sharing in those. Cut down on alcohol, quit smoking, avoid bad-for-baby food that might tempt her and pass up junk food. Treat yourselves to healthy habits - go for light walks with her and turn in early: Research has shown that regular exercise and sound sleep reduces stress.

5. Baby Her

Your wife loves being pampered and she will love it all the more when she is pregnant. Serve her breakfast in bed to start her day with a good dose of love. Call her during the day to find out what she’s eaten and if she is keeping well. Tuck her in at night. Cheer her up with gifts: a book on pregnancy, a magazine for parents and flowers. And don’t forget to fulfill all those middle-of-the-night food cravings - everything from ice cream to pickles to a cheese sandwich.

6. Be Prepared For Changes

If you are one of those couples who do everything together, then be prepared for times when your wife may not feel up to it or simply does not have the time. Also understand that while her love for you will not reduce, she may not be able to give you the attention she did before pregnancy or childbirth. Still feeling left out? Just get yourself involved in caring for your baby to share the joys of parenthood.

7. Understand Her Mood Swings

With all those hormonal theatrics in her body, your wife will be prone to highs and lows. Drive away those blues by doing little things she likes (playing her favorite music) and avoiding those she hates (talking for ages on your phone after you get back home). Be there when she needs you - remember that any kind of stress will only add to the lows. Cut out the formalities - if your wife does not feel up to chatting or socializing don’t force her.

8. Take Decisions Together

Discuss everything: shopping for baby clothes, choosing the color of his room, tackling the rising finances, arranging for help after delivery and handling an emergency - there are a lot of things moms and dads-to-be need to talk about and settle.

9. Make Love, Gently

You can enjoy having sex even while your wife is pregnant, but understand that her sex drive may be dampened by concerns of her baby, apprehensions about her pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations. Talk to find out what is making her anxious and try to dispel her fears. Also, check with your doctor about the precautions you need to take to avoid complications. Remember that sex is not the only way to feel good: cuddle up, share your baby dreams, give each other a massage or have a relaxing bath together.

10. Teach Yourself

Sign up for antenatal classes if you can. Learn everything from holding your baby to changing her diaper, to feeding her, to cleaning her poop and spitups, to giving her a bath… You will be able to participate completely in raising your baby. Besides, it will take a lot of load off your wife’s shoulders and help her cope better with post-partum exhaustion.