Pregnancy and childbirth can be a beautiful, difficult, exciting and overwhelming experience for moms and moms-to-be. It can also be an enriching time to learn and bond for dads and dads-to-be.

Understand how pregnancy changes a woman’s body

There are a lot of changes that happen to support a woman and her growing fetus during pregnancy. Some changes will be obvious, like a growing belly and weight gain, but others are not as noticeable and happen for important reasons. Some less obvious changes include an increase in blood volume, frequent urination, sore teeth and gums and even a few out-of-this-world cravings that are a result of her body asking for particular nutrients.

Attend doctor’s appointments

Attend appointments and checkups to show your support and interest in baby’s development. Simply being present can go a long way! It gives dad an opportunity to ask questions and to hear how both mom and baby are progressing.

Help more with chores and cooking

She’s always tired! Well, it’s for good reason. In the first trimester, a woman’s body is using an amazing amount of energy to produce the extra blood that is needed to support baby’s growth. Help her out by taking care of a few extra chores around the house, make dinner or helping with other children. The expectant mother really does need the extra rest and any extra help she can get does a lot to support her and the new baby.