She's Having a Baby
Once your partner is pregnant, life will never be the same! You may find that this person that you know well is now pre –occupied with events that are affecting her body.
She may suffer from extreme tiredness and want to go to bed early. If she suffers from nausea and vomiting she may also feel very miserable.
The best way to help her is to:
- Do as many of the household chores as you are able to.
- Prepare light meals for her – some women can’t cope being around food, but are able to eat something if it is prepared. Foods such as toast, soup, scrambled eggs, biscuits and cheese, yoghurt, fruit.
- You may need to shop to have suitable foods ready when she is hungry.
- If she suffers from morning sickness, offer her a drink and some toast or dry crackers about ½ hour before she has to get up, as this sometimes helps.
- She may be teary and emotional, but this will soon pass.
- Once the first 3 months have passed, she will generally start to feel better, however for some women, nausea and vomiting can continue for the whole pregnancy. It may be very wearing for you but it definitely is no fun for your partner so your love and understanding is very important. One thing is for sure; it is not in her head!
- Your partner will attend her obstetrician and you are generally welcome to attend. You will also be able to “see” your baby when your partner has an ultrasound, usually around 18 weeks. You can also ask to be told your baby’s sex if you want to.
- The hospital or birthing centre where your baby will be born will most likely have Parents classes which you will also be able to attend.
This will be a fascinating time for you both. Your partner will appreciate all your support and help – after all it is a joint effort. Some new dads really enjoy their partner’s new figure and love her rounded tummy. However with a first baby, she may not start to look pregnant until half way through her pregnancy.
