Your partner just told you the great news: she's pregnant, and you're going to be a dad! It's an exciting moment, but it can also make you a little uneasy—life is about to change, and your partner's body will change too. Don't worry, you have nine months to prepare for the arrival of your baby; a little nervousness is perfectly normal. During this special time, you need to support your expectant mother in your daily life and gradually prepare yourself for fatherhood.

Support expectant mothers in daily life

Pregnancy is a huge physical and emotional change for your partner. She needs your support throughout the nine months.
• In the first few weeks, she may experience (sometimes severe) nausea. Share the work of preparing meals and minimize her exposure to foods that might make her nauseous; giving her a small amount of food before she gets out of bed in the morning often helps alleviate discomfort.
Pregnancy is very demanding for expectant mothers. Try to take on physically demanding household chores and encourage her to rest more; if you feel she is not taking good care of herself during her pregnancy, have a good talk with her and offer practical help.
Hormonal changes can trigger mood swings. Please listen patiently and offer reassurance.
• Entering her second pregnancy, the weight of her belly made her more prone to fatigue, and even standing for long periods was strenuous. She did her best to support him: running errands, carrying heavy objects, doing housework, and cooking.
• If she has back pain or heavy legs (common in late pregnancy), give her a massage to help her relax; this is also a great time for intimacy.
• During pregnancy, your partner's libido may decrease, and their physiological responses may also be affected (such as insufficient lubrication, pain, and uterine contractions after orgasm). Please be patient and understanding.

Participating in the pregnancy process

In the early stages of pregnancy, expectant mothers can clearly feel the changes in their bodies; however, these changes may still be abstract and difficult for you to grasp. But you can use many small actions to make yourself feel more involved and to show your commitment to your partner.
• Try to accompany your prenatal checkups and ask questions of your doctor or midwife. From the second month onwards, ultrasounds allow you to "hear" your baby in your belly, and this magical sound can make your pregnancy more tangible.
• Try to accompany your baby during the ultrasound to see how active they are and how they move around in your womb. If you have any questions after the examination, please ask your doctor directly.
• When choosing a prenatal preparation method, you can consider "haptonomy": allowing expectant fathers to interact with the fetus through special touches and establish an emotional connection.
• Choose a maternity hospital together and emphasize the father's involvement: How the father is received during delivery and hospitalization, and whether he is willing to support your prenatal and postnatal roles are all important indicators.
• When your partner starts to feel fetal movement, you can place your hand on the bottom of her abdomen and patiently feel it; at first it may just be a slight presence or a feeling like a bubble bursting.
• Once you feel fetal movement, set aside some time each day to "talk to your baby": touch, talk, play music, etc.
• Get involved in preparing for the baby's arrival: paint the room, choose furniture, and pick a stroller you'll be proud of. Your partner will be touched by your dedication.

Establish your daily parenting role

Some fathers are able to become emotionally involved during pregnancy; others only truly establish a relationship with their child after birth. Everyone becomes a father differently!
• After your child is born, you may be overwhelmed by a wave of emotions. Let it flow: cry, hug, gaze at him/her... Don't suppress these emotions; they help build a strong connection.
• After the baby has skin-to-skin contact with the mother (or if the mother needs special medical care), you can also open your shirt to let the baby get close to your skin, warm him and let him get to know his father, which can strengthen your bond.
• When a newborn enters the unfamiliar world, what makes him feel most secure is his mother's embrace and breast; but you also have an important role to play. Please get close to your child, hold him and you, and in the little space you create together, he will know that even without his mother's side, the world is not so scary.

The first few months

Waking up frequently at night in the first few months can be exhausting; don't underestimate the effects of sleep deprivation—it's a major cause of mood swings for many fathers when their babies are 4–6 months old. If you feel physically and mentally exhausted, seek help from a midwife or family physician.
• Frequent skin-to-skin contact: hold, carry, rock to sleep, bathe, change diapers—be brave enough to show your gentle side.
• If your partner chooses to breastfeed, please support her and don't feel excluded; you can also breastfeed her yourself later when she is introduced to complementary foods or when her diet needs to be changed.
• Play is a great way for dads to interact with their babies: design fun activities from the first few months, laugh together, and create wonderful memories.
• (If applicable) Make good use of birth and childcare policies to share daily life with your child and support your partner’s rest.