The mum-to-be is going to need your support so be prepared to give it…

Health Matters

It is important that mum-to-be is looked after, not only by you but also by herself.

Here are a few pointers:

• It is also recommended that pregnant ladies take a folic acid supplement. Ideally she will start taking this when you start trying to conceive.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet and encourage your partner to do likewise. As a dad-to-be you can support your partner on her journey through pregnancy by changing some aspects of your life in the same way that she will have too.
• Encourage you partner to take plenty of breaks, encourage her to sit down and even take a nap every day if you can persuade her
• You partner will need more calories during the pregnancy than normal. It is estimated that around 300 additional calories each day are required but it is important that these calories come from the right types of food – healthy foods, not junk food.
• To help your baby grow, make sure your partner eats plenty of health foods such as yogurt, fruit, bran muffins & vegetables.
• Give up smoking as this can be harmful to your baby and your partner (not to mention you).
• Make sure your partner avoids chemicals of all kinds. Don’t let her use, inhale or be around any paint, strong cleaning materials, pesticides or weed killers.
• Go for a walk with your partner. She needs mild exercise and your company will encourage this. This will get the blood pumping around your partners body and will be beneficial to both her and the baby.
• You partner should avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy….okay, so this one you may not find so easy to support your partner with but she really should stay away from it. Alcohol is known to cause abnormalities in babies but no one really knows the full effect of drinking during pregnancy. Best be safe than sorry though. Just note…during pregnancy, when your partner drinks – your baby drinks.

Clearly this is not an exhaustive list of what your partner should and shouldn’t do but it’ll give you a steer in the right direction.

To help Mums-to-be remain healthy the govenment have launched an initiative that will support the costs. click the link below for more information and guidance on whether she qualifies for a £190 mum-to-be grant:

Emotional support

You may wonder, as a dad-to-be, how you can emotionally support your pregnant partner. Obviously you’re not going to carry the baby, you’re not going to endure morning sickness, nor are you going to experience the mood swings associated with pregnancy hormones.There are however many waysthat you can emotionally support your partner.

Knowing what physical changes your partner is experiencing in addition to having an understanding of the development of the baby will help your partner. Often pregnant women feel that they are having to shoulder all the things that pregnancy has to throw at them alone but if you know whats going on it can be of great comfort to her. In essence learning together will help to support your partner.

You can support your partner by being of comfort when she needs it. Reassure her if this is a first baby that she will be a great mom (she’s just as nervous as you probably are). Also let her know that you are there for her.

Pregnant women go through what is called “nesting” for the new baby. You can take the stress out of this by  pro actively assembling nursery furniture and decorating.

Financial concerns can be a massive burden for pregnant women resulting in them causing emotional stress. Often women fear that they may not be able to work as long as they need to, or may not be able or want to return to work after the baby is born. they will stress that as a household you will not be-able to make ends meet. Child care expenses may be of particular concern as well. You can support your partner by helping to plan for the future by producing a new family budget. Alternatively you may need to find means of making extra money.

Many women fear that they are no longer sexually attractive because they are pregnant. You should let her know that she is still everything to you but you shouldn’t be overly expectant.

Your being an active participant in this process puts you on the road to being a SUPERDAD.

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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