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Month by Month

Celebrating and Pampering Your Pregnant Wife

By Mark Stackpole

That "bump" is starting to actually bump into things, and that self-consciousness is likely to kick into a higher gear. While women don't always feel like it, pregnancy is a beautiful and sexy time in their lives. Help remind her of this by sending her off to get a massage, a mani-pedi or perhaps get a new hairstyle. (Check to see what is recommended for pregnant women – some beauty treatments come with a few strings attached.)

Throw her a baby shower before all her friends throw her one. No, yours doesn't have to include silly games and little sandwiches. In fact, you should put your own touch on it. Pick out some little gifts that are fun and practical but could only come from you. Consider a onesie with your favorite sports team or perhaps receiving blankets or baby bottles with a beloved cartoon character. The tone is yours to set.

Ready for more shopping? Of course you are. That first round of maternity clothes no longer fits. My wife was hesitant to spend money on clothes that she would only be wearing for a few months, but she also wanted to be comfortable and look attractive for the final leg of her pregnancy. Because you will also want your wife to be feeling this way, buckle down and head back to the maternity store. Don't just let her shop, either pick out things you would like to see her wear.

And because you're already out, head for a nice dinner and perhaps a movie. Enjoy the time you have together before a third person is added to the relationship. Nights out will be pretty rare, and, even then, they will never quite be the same. Enjoy every last one.

Lisa Scudero of San Jose, Calif., is the mother of three, and she faced very difficult pregnancies each time. Her husband, Dan, stepped up and helped get the house ready for each baby and kept it in order so Lisa could rest. "During each of my third trimesters, Dan was my Mr. Mom he cooked, cleaned, washed, entertained and even massaged my hands and shoulders because it really relaxed me," she says.

So, set aside a weekend to become her beast of burden. She is nesting in a major way, and you might as well join her. Is the painting finished? Is the crib assembled? Furniture arranged? Floors vacuumed? Have her shoulders been rubbed? Getting your house in order, literally, will help her relax and will help you feel useful. When the baby's room is finally ready, spend a few quiet minutes in there. You have created a new and special space for a new and special person. Good for you.

Want to see more?

• Beyond Flowers: Gift-giving Ideas for the New Mom
• Keep Mom-to-Be Smiling: 10 Ways to Pamper Your Pregnant Wife
• Talk about it!