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Mom-to-be and Dad-to-be On the Same Page

5 Tips to Help You and Your Partner Enjoy Pregnancy

By I.J. Schecter

Talking the talk is one thing; walking the walk is another. In addition to raising baby-related topics, show your enthusiasm for activities like attending ultrasounds, browsing rattles and – gulp – shopping for maternity clothes.

Why it's important: Making the effort now implies how attentive you'll be later. Nothing makes Mom-to-be feel more assured than knowing she'll have an active and aware (as opposed to passive and oblivious) parenting partner. "Taking time to be with my wife during ultrasounds and other prenatal events helped me get prepared," says Munich, Germany-based dad Laurence Applebaum, father of Jacob, 2, and Zoe, 1. "There was a lot of information to digest, and being together helped us grasp what lay ahead."

For example, write dates of ultrasounds and gynecological checkups in your calendar, and issue reminders to your partner. It's incalculable how many points you'll earn by saying, "I changed my Wednesday morning meeting so I could be there for the ultrasound. I'm so excited to hear the heartbeat!"

What you're thinking: "There's so much stuff to do – and the baby isn't even here yet."

What she's thinking: "If he's willing to bump a meeting for a doctor's appointment, he'll definitely be there to change dirty diapers."

Most men believe they could manage the hormonal surge women face without their disposition changing one iota. But that's only because they've never had to manage it. She isn't just lashing out for kicks – her chemical composition is literally changing. And just in case you think God is playing a nasty joke on both of you, remember that these hormonal swings are occurring for a reason: to create the ideal environment for your baby.

Why it's important: It's bad enough to eel emotionally untethered; it's far worse to feel it when your partner is unsympathetic.

Want to see more?

• No "Ifs," "Ands" or "Buts": Overcoming Disagreements during Pregnancy
• The Involved Dad: 5 Commandments for Today's Family Man
• Daddy Baby Blues? Understanding How Postpartum Depression Affects New Dads
• Talk about it!

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