quick clicks

dads today articles

dads today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Mr. Sensitive

Showing Your Pregnant Wife You Care

By Katherine Bontrager

And both Masini and Dr. Haltzman encourage some retail therapy to help moms-to-be feel comfortable with their changing frames. "Take her clothes shopping and ogle," says Masini. "There are wonderful maternity clothing stores now that carry clothes that are pretty, flattering and even sexy." And if she's feeling particularly proud, you can even take pictures, showing off the new clothes and capturing that maternal glow.

What better way to show off new clothes and confidence than to go out for a night on the town? A good idea, but Dr. Haltzman warns you need to be sensitive – a night out may need to be slightly altered due to some obvious changes. "Your wife's not as mobile as she used to be, so don't hesitate to invite her to step into the car and go for a spin," he says. "While you may be tempted to take her to the opening of the new Star Wars Trilogy, she may enjoy a run to the mall instead. Ask where she'd like to go, and when you're done, a visit to a restaurant will make sure you're both well fed without any dishes in the sink afterwards."

And Dr. Haltzman urges dads to remember the little things: Don't forget to walk around and open her car door and all restaurant doors and the like. Always pull out her seat, and stand when she leaves or returns to the table. "When you act like a gentleman, she feels catered to and desired," he says.

Want to see more?

• Keep Mom-to-be Smiling!: 10 Creative Ways to Pamper Your Pregnant Wife
• A Note to Fathers: It's You She Wants
• Is Your Marriage Baby Proof?
• Talk about it!