How to Support Your Pregnant Wife

Memo to all future Dads: The Mommy-to-be can’t do all the work. They need help from you. Whether it is emotional, or physical, the pregnant woman in your life needs support. It can be an exciting, yet trying time for everyone involved. Follow these steps and you can avoid potential frustration, leaving you and your loved one to concentrate on the excitement of becoming parents.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Compliment her. Women can be very self-conscious about the changes their bodies are going through. Expensive gifts are not needed to ally these fears. But a well-placed “You look great” or “I love you” will do wonders.
2. Be the strong high-low man. Any heavy item, lift it for her. Anything she can’t reach because of the belly, get it for her. Anything that she can’t bend over for, be the first on the floor to pick it up for her. This may mean going with her on trips you ordinarily would not (i.e. grocery stores or mall shopping), but it will be well worth it in the end.
3. Attend birthing classes with her. She needs to know that you are not only going to be there every step of the way when she goes into labor, but that you will know exactly what to do when the time comes.
4. Know that smart remarks are not welcome. Even if you have had a bad day, even if you are just joking, avoid the smart-aleck remarks. Her hormones are all over the place, her anxiety is sky high and she will not take them in the spirit in which they are intended.
5. Show her you are excited as well. There is nothing more supportive than showing her how excited you are to be a dad.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't act as if nothing has changed. That is the worst thing you can do.