Dads to Be and Pregnancy - Practical Advice for Dads to Be - Part 2

In the first part of this article I discussed some factors that contribute to pregnant women's outbursts and frequent mood swings. Pregnancy hormones, physical discomfort and the many fears and anxieties associated with pregnancy often transform even the most cheerful and easy going person, and it is difficult for a man to understand what is happening to his partner unless he makes a concrete effort to talk and not jump to conclusions.

Many times a sudden mood swing, or what looks like a weird or crazy outburst, is the expression of a concrete emotional pain, and arguing will only precipitate the situation. Instead of letting the situation degenerate or down playing your partner, try to slow down and find a quiet time and place to talk over the source of that outburst.

Rule 4 for Dads to be - Be on the same page with your wife

You will find plenty of advice on the web about pregnancy, but try to stick to the same source of advice your wife is following in order to avoid conflict. Since many times experts often have different, if not altogether conflicting, views on certain topics, it is best to agree on a website or author and have both parents read the same material.
It is a good idea to shop for baby books with your partner, for the same reason. If you are unsure what books to buy or where to browse ask your doctor for advice. This is even more important if your partner has special conditions that require a special diet or therapy.

Rule 5 for Dads to be - Don't be afraid to share your feelings with your partner

While listening is one of the cardinal rules to a happy and healthy relationship, it is also important for dads to be, to talk about what they are feeling with their partners. Just like women, men also experience fears related to their wives' pregnancy and dream about their lives as new dads.

If men tend to underestimate or be confused by their partner's condition, women are so involved with their pregnancy they don't stop to consider what it means for a man to become a father.

The truth is that there will be several talks about how to raise your kid once your baby is born so why not start practicing before your baby comes. Give yourselves time to talk and vent out your feelings without attacking each other. The point of communicating is not to get even but to make things work in your relationship. You will soon realize that once you start talking more freely and openly with your partner, the more you will get to know each other and the better your relationship will get.