In other words, youre an essential part of this baby-growing adventure.
On the way, it’ll be met by the sperm that fertilizes it.
It’s a miraculous moment whether it takes place inside her body or outside in a petri dish.
Week 3
Congratulations!
Swap them out for better habits, like walks around the neighborhood after a meal.
Youll both be in better shape for the next 36 weeks ahead.
Week 5
Nows the time to break out apregnancy test.
One chore you might officially take over?
Cleaning the litter box if you have a cat.
Or become a pro at whipping up smoothies, which are also easy on the stomach.
(Just put them away without a peep.)
Week 8
Your partner may be experiencing more food aversions these days.
Week 9
Her breasts and nipples are growing, but theyre also probably super tender.
Week 10
Shell be going to the doctor regularly forprenatal checkupsright up until labor.
Being there for her will give you much-needed insight into the miraculous changes going on in her body.
Best of all, its a chance to experience those momentous milestones with her.
Your life will change forever when you hear those first heartbeats.
Week 11
Chances are, shehas to go all the time now.
thanks to the hormones triggering a more frequent urine flow and more efficient kidneys.
Youll be keenly aware of this at night, when she gets up two or three times to pee.
If your partner falls into this category, reconnect in other ways.
Instead of going out, climb into bed with a movie and some snacks.
you’re able to surprise her with an assortment of sweet and savory treats.
Week 13
It’s normal for partners to occasionally feel left out of the pregnancy process.
Set her at ease by bringing it up yourself.
Second trimester advice for partners
Week 14
Something some partners experience during pregnancy?
Symptoms that mimic the mom-to-be’s.
Its calledcouvade syndrome(or sympathetic pregnancy), and about half of all fathers get them.
So, no, youre not acting weird.
And if you dont have them, dont worry either.
Week 15
Agonizing over all the choices as youbrainstorm baby names?
Throw around as many realistic possibilities as it’s possible for you to.
If all else fails, look to your new family member for help.
Parents-to-be who can’t decide on a name might simply want to wait until their baby is born.
Week 16
Are your moods going up and down, too?
to self-doubt (“I dont know anything about babies!").
Talk out all those fears and anxieties.
Dont know any new parents?
Social media is a great place to connect with some, as is theWhat to Expect community.
Week 17
Who knew?
Pregnancy hormones are stuffing up your partners nose and snoring while snoozing can be one of the side effects.
(Dont worry, its temporary.)
Or invest in some extra pillows so she can elevate her head as she sleeps.
(If you don’t like to cook, bringing in takeout qualifies, too.)
During pregnancy, what’s on the menu is as important as whats off.
To avoid heartburn, steer clear, too, of anything thats overly spicy or greasy.
Because she may be eating five times a day, dinner can be super-simple.
Think quick, easy and digestible.
Week 19
Getting misty-eyed at the sight of baby onesies?
What can you do about it?
Just know that your hormone levels will probably return to normal about six months after the baby is born.
For now, just go along for the ride.
Week 20
This week is the level 2 ultrasound, also known as the20-week anatomy scan.
This much-more-detailed ultrasound shows your partner’s practitioner (and the two parents-to-be) how your baby is developing.
Hopefully, you also get to take home a picture that you might share with friends and family.
Its about one of the most thrilling pregnancy milestones there is.
You’ll be able to feel fetal movement too later on in the second trimester.
Week 22
Afraid of hurting the baby when you’re having sex?
As long as your partners practitioner has given her the green light, go ahead and have fun.
Your baby is protected in the womb and cant see or feel whats going on.
Week 23
If your partner is having trouble nodding off, show some solidarity.
Surprise her with afull body pillowso she can get comfy and snooze.
Engage in some pillow talk, and if it leads to sex, so much the better.
That may bring on the Zzzs!
Week 24
Your baby-to-be isthe size of a pomegranatenow.
And those little ears can now pick up the sounds of the outside world.
Want to bond with your baby?
Put on your favorite soothing songs and keep playing them every so often.
But if you know what to expect, the whole process will be less scary.
And talk to other partners whove recently become parents.
Theyre your great source of information too.
Week 27
As your partners bump gets bigger, the skin stretches and becomes dryer and itchier.
Scratching wont give her any relief (and can make things worse).
So take over and rub shea butter or moisturizer all over her belly.
Its an oh-so-soothing way to pamper your partner.
Third trimester advice for partners
Week 28
Bottle or breast?
Week 29
Your partners not the only one having trouble falling asleep.
Will it be better?
After shes drawn one up, print out several copies.
To accommodate that growing belly, she has to shift her posture, and that mightmake her more clumsy.
The brain fog of pregnancy doesnt help either).
Week 32
Quick!
Whens the last time you saw your primary care practitioner?
Another fact: Most infants catch whooping cough from their family members.
You probably got aTdap shotwhen you were a kid, but you need a booster now.
And it’s always very important to get your yearlyflu shot, which is usually available in September.
So schedule a visit and roll up your sleeve.
Your baby will thank you.
Google doctors nearby and read their reviews.
Or ask your providers to share some names.
Check to see if they take your insurance, and then come up with a list of questions.
Week 34
Its time topack the overnight bag for the hospitaltogether.
Talk about what personal items she wants included, and double-check that everything is in the suitcase.
Week 36
If your baby decided to pop out this week, she would be considered early.
You might mention you better stick close to home for a while if you normally travel for work.
Chances are, your boss will be understanding and can relate to the unpredictability of it all.
And if you havent already, now is the time to put in for anyfamily leaveyou want to take.
And that cabinet over there really needs clearing out.
Don’t be surprised to suddenly find the energy for compulsive cleaning, painting and organizing.
Plus, at this stage, it keeps your mind off your pre-delivery jitters.
Your partner may be in nesting overdrive, too, but dont let her overdo it.
Alternatively, fatigue may be her overriding instinct right now.
If her practitioner hasnt specifically nixed the idea, then go for it.
you’ve got the option to do the deed up to the very end.
Week 39
You’re in the final stretch!
Or stream a movie, take a leisurely stroll or have a (non-alcoholic) cocktail together.
Or do all three.
If so, stay cool and calm yourself so you might help her relax.
Tell them youll be in touch first thing when your baby starts to announce her arrival.
Breastfeeding is hard work!
And while youre at it, pick up essentials for your new bundle, likediapers.
Once youve done all that, relax and look forward to the big day.
It wont be long now.
